I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject.

“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren)

This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today.

Tear Into It – Purpose-Filled Living

There are always four categories we explore in Scripture Dissection:

1. What Does It Say?
2. What Does It Mean?
3. Make It Personal
4. Make A Commitment.

 

1. What Does It Say?

Believe it or not, Scripture talks a lot about purpose-filled living. In fact, it’s a major theme in Scripture.

God created each person with intentions that they would – of their own free will – live in intimate relationship with Himself. In other words, “do life” closely with God.

Purpose-Filled Living – Today’s Scriptures

Now, let’s explore a few Scriptures that talk about purpose-filled living.

1. “Now to Him who is able to establish you . . .” (Rom. 16:25a)
2. “God’s will is that your lives are dedicated to Him.” (1 Thess. 4:3)
3. “It’s God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power.” (1 Pet. 2:15)

 

That’s what today’s verses say.

2. What Does It Mean?

Our verse phrases are packed with meaning. So, let’s interact phrase by phrase.

 1. “Now to Him who is able to establish you . . . ” (Rom. 16:25a)

What does it mean to “establish” someone? Dictionaries provide various definitions:

• Bring into existence, make firm, stable.
• Put on a firm basis – a favorable position.
• Gain full recognition or acceptance of.

 

Undoubtedly, God wants to make you firm and stable, put you in a favorable position, and nurture you into full recognition and acceptance of His will. Sincerely, the Lord wants you to make a commitment to purpose-filled living.

In other words, God wants to establish you!

 2. “God’s will is that your lives are dedicated to Him.” (1 Thess. 4:3)

Since He’s the Creator, and since He is good, kind, and full of mercy – it’s only reasonable to dedicate your life to Him. He has good plans for your life. (Jer. 29:11) Further, He wants you to enjoy your life as much as possible. (Eccl. 11:8) Plus, He made you for Himself! (Col. 1:16)

Indeed, God wants you to dedicate your life to Him!

 3. “It’s God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power.” (1Pet. 2:15)

More powerful than words is a life that backs truth. Subsequently, a person who focuses on God and does good – provides a credible example. Actually, that person’s life is a strong defense against foolish talk and despicable lies. Afterall, actions speak volumes. Plus, truth and goodness whet the appetites of others who’ve never experienced the power of Christ’s gospel.

Strategically, God wants to establish your life as a credible example of His goodness and power to others!

This is what these verse phrases mean.

3. Make It Personal

There are several ideas that make these verses personal. Let’s look.

Jesus Establishes You = Purpose-Filled Living

 1. “Now to Him who is able to establish you . . . ” (Rom. 16:25a)

Jesus is the one who establishes you. Incidentally, He’s very invested in your life. Remarkably, He also gives your life eternal purpose and influence with others for His glory. In other words, He has given you purpose – and a platform.

In addition, often through difficult seasons of your life, God builds you into the person He designed. Essentially, when you partner with God, you agree with Him. Further, through purpose-filled living, the Lord accomplishes specifics in your life –

• FIRST – Proves your work to be valid and in agreement with His own heart.
• THEN – Accepts and blesses your design and efforts toward His Kingdom.
• ADDITIONALLY – Commissions your unique skill sets and abilities for His purposes.
• THANKFULLY – Settles you into peace and power as you trust Him.
• FIRMLY – Establishes your purpose-filled living to accomplish His great purposes.

 

Once again, God wants to establish you!

Dedicated To God = Purpose-Filled Living

2. “God’s will is that your lives are dedicated to Him.” (1 Thess. 4:3)

The gospel of Jesus is saturated with hope. Naturally, as you dedicate your life to Him in every way, you discover a deep and satisfying hope. Incidentally, this is especially true when you are in your darkest days.

The only way you miss His hope is if you embrace unbelief or deception. Also, in that place, you miss God’s power and joy in your life. Ultimately, you miss His intimate companionship.

Therefore, the path of hope is to believe only God. Essentially, that means setting aside everything else.

Heb. 12:1 says, “. . . throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Subsequently, that’s how you secure power and joy in life. Most importantly, it’s how you stay connected in relationship with God.

So, throw off all that hinders – to dedicate your life to God! Remarkably, this is the only way to truly adopt purpose-filled living.

Represent God = Purpose-Filled Living

 3. “It’s God’s will that your good lives should silence those who foolishly condemn the Gospel without knowing what it can do for them, having never experienced its power.” (1Pet. 2:15)

Without exception, to represent God means pursuing close relationship with Him. Plus, it takes courage. Add to that – a hunger for Him and His ways. Incidentally, those are choices you can make. Most importantly, being serious about Jesus gives you a platform. In other words, you can effectively tell others purpose-filled living is what God also wants for them.

Subsequently, by your purpose-filled living, you will silence foolish claims and lies. Additionally, you’ll have influence to persuade others to say “yes” to the power of God through Jesus. Interestingly, Scripture promises you’ll do even greater things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you.

Jn. 14:12 says, “I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things . . . “

As you adopt purpose-filled living, God makes your life to be a credible example of His love and power to others!

Connected With God

We’ve already identified God’s plan – that you engage purpose-filled living. This only comes by knowing Christ intimately. More precisely, this connection with Jesus becomes your reality when you accept –

1. God wants to establish you!
2. Also, God wants you to dedicate your life to Him!
3. Specifically, God wants your life to be a credible example of His love and power to others!

 

In summary, God wants to you to dedicate your life completely to Him!

This is why Jesus came as Emmanuel centuries ago. Actually, Jesus took on the opportunity to “BE” the model of being fully human.

Why did God go to such trouble for you?

Jesus knows life is challenging. Sometimes, quite hard. So, He’s eager to work in you to ensure you succeed. He provides all you need for life and godliness. (2 Pet. 1:3)

For your portion, be eager to receive His transforming work in your life? Will you take His commands and promises to heart?

Equally, answer this critical question. Are you “establish-able?”

As a Jesus follower, you should answer that question each day in your relationship with God.

Of course, since life always changes and shifts, you need to shift with it. But you must remain established in Christ.

Here are questions to determine if you are “establish-able” –

1. Have you asked the Spirit of Jesus to live in your heart?
2. Have you set your heart on pleasing God?
3. Do you love Him more than anything?
4. Are you teachable?
5. Do you trust Jesus to do great things in and through you?
6. Are you willing to learn something new each day?

 

God created you with special design. Additionally, He has special purpose for your life. In other words, Jesus validates your life. So, live each day with faithful love back to God. Serve Him in your situation. Be confident He is ready to help you embrace purpose-filled living.

Please, accept God’s invitation into purpose-filled living.

4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Have you let Jesus establish you?
2. Are you “establish-able?”
3. Have you dedicated your life to Him?
4. Why not ask God to establish you in His wisdom and power?
5. Why not become a strategic thinker, using God’s Word to pursue purpose-filled living?
6. What will you do to take advantage of opportunities you’ve been given, even in difficulties?

 

* Portions of this content come from our book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and powerfully challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

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