Life with Purpose

1. Introduction:

Ephesians 2:8-10 - “….created in Christ Jesus unto good works that we should walk in them…”.

· Note the progression in these verses:

(i) ‘Saved’ - brought into covenant relationship by faith alone.

(ii) ‘Workmanship’ - something uniquely and individually made by God.

- a progressive creative work of art.

(iii) ‘Good Works’ - God saved us for a purpose – an eternal purpose.

· Walk = to be occupied with…. – a lifestyle.

· Good => Excellent in everything.

=> Beautiful because of the purity of heart and life.

=> Confirming honour and value upon others.

=> Free from any hidden agenda.

=> Bringing help or advantage to others.

· God has purposed that your life bring honour to Him – by Works.

· Not saved by works – but created for a lifestyle of good work.

· God expect you to participate with Him – Advancing the Kingdom.

2. Spectator or Participator?:

· Which kind of person are you?

· Definition:

i) Spectator – one who looks on as an observer of others.

ii) Participate – one who shares / contributes with others in a common purpose or activities.

Differences:

i) Discover his unique strengths and develop them.

ii) Participate in the Mission of the Church to advance the Coming of Christ.

Titus 3:8 - ‘Those which have believed in God – careful to maintain good works’.
Titus 3:14 - ‘Our people must learn to help all who need their assistance so that their lives will not be unfruitful’. (TLB)

3. Whom should I help?:

a) Believers:

· Galatians 6:10 - ‘Let us do good to all men – especially those who are of the household of faith’.

· 1^st priority is the family of God.

· Care for one another is a witness to the world.

b) People in need:

· James 4:17 - ‘to him that knows to do good and does it not – it is a sin’. - The ability to do good => responsibility to do it.

- Help the poor / oppressed / troubled / distressed.

- Finance the Gospel to the community – nations.

· Proverbs 3:27 - ‘Withhold not good from them to whom it is due when it is in the power of your hand to do it”.

Withhold = to hold back, refuse to participate, keep back.

· Key: must be lead by the promptings of the Holy Spirit – John 17:4 – by the principles of the Word.

c) People unable to repay:

Luke 6:31-35

· Purity of motive – no agenda.

i.e. Repaying good what someone else did.

i.e. Expecting to obtain benefit in the relationship.