Introduction

 

God created all things, visible and invisible. He foreordains a reason (purpose) for the existence of everything. God has created an order by which he executes his will. He designed everything to possess its own distinction and meaning. Nothing exists of itself or functions alone. There is a sequential relationship between everything. Nothing is free from  the affects of everything else. Everything’s quality is represented by the purpose and potential that God placed in it. The phrase  “the balance of nature” reveals the preciseness by which God created all things. Nature demonstrates consistently, the inner-relationship of all things. Even despised things such as maggots, bacteria, algae, and scavenger birds such as vultures serve a vital role in the health of the world.  If it were not for the activity of scavengers, disease, germs, sewage and global filth would universally smother the entire earth with chaos. For this reason, everything in nature has some relative significance to God created order.

 

     Likewise, every human being has his or her own originality given by God. People of every type and character contributes to the multiple sequences of life. In many ways, man’s nature propels him into a persistent roller-coaster struggle to find a meaning and reason in life. This on-going search for fulfillment often becomes distorted by the influence of the world. It can’t be denied  that society plays a major effect on how a person feels about himself or herself. Society’s perspective of the world is misleading and therefore carnal, As a result, most people defines their  worth by man-made rules and standards. Also, most people feel like  they have never been able to measure up to the world’s ever changing standards. Yet and still, there is a hidden purpose and value lying dormant in the heart of every person. Despite the enormous activities of man, most have yet to discovered their ultimate meaning in life. This invaluable significance is called purpose  Discovery and fulfillment of purpose is how God orchestrates and governs the essence of life. Love and obedience to God accelerates the enjoyment and wholeness of life. Without purpose, vision  would be worthless. Likewise, without purpose, there wouldn’t be a need to measure progress. Without purpose, the future could never be born. Purpose  is  the “true key to life. God alone, defines the purpose of everything. 

 

    Failure to understand purpose is often why people are so prone to insecurity. Being unaware of their own individual purpose causes many people to imitate others and live as approvaholics.  It is overwhelmingly sad, how so many people live day after day and never become what God created  to be. Too often, the world deceive people into being fascinated  with status, power, and prestige. Society maintains  that life’s greatest achievement is to become  famous and financially successful. Yet it is vitally important to understand that fame and fortune does not equal fulfillment. Success refers not to what you have achieved and accumulated, but rather to what degree you have fulfilled  your God given purpose. Although many rich and famous people experience the thrills of having financial abundance and all the comforts of life, many are icons of failure.  To the rest of the world, they appear to be secure and happy. Ironically, even the news media reflects how prestigious and successful people live desponded lives.  Not even  their  wealth can bring them  genuine inner satisfaction. They know  that something is still missing. Very often, successful people attempt satisfy themselves through their possessions and status, yet inwardly, they never full.

 

Understanding your Purpose

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This is the horrible tragedy and vanity of success when man refuse fulfill his God given purpose. Thus, success in and of itself, isn’t the greatest quality of life. Neither does success prove that the original quality of a thing has been utilized to its maximal potential. 

So then, what is the most important thing in life? What is it that climaxes the value of life? What is it that squeezes the ultimate quality out of a thing?It is “fulfillment of purpose”, that comes through knowing and loving God. God creates everything for a reason and assigns to it, it’s own built-in essence, quality, design and function. A child’s choo-choo train can only do what its maker created it to do Doing what it was designed to do demonstrates its value and purpose as it’s maker intended it to be. It can’t produce beyond its original makeup. Only the inventor of the toy can determine how it is to perform.Likewise, you have been design by God to fulfill a purpose. A child’s train was designed to operate by batteries. It cannot move further than the life span of the batteries that powers it.

This truth and principle is magnified in John 15:5 when Jesus, “I am the vine, ye are the branches:

He that abideth in d I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. More than likely, you probably have not obtained a purposeful, satisfying, and fulfilling life. Your problem  is one of two things. You refuse to utilize the known gifts and abilities that God has put in you, or either you are wasting a lot of energy attempting to excel at what God did not create you far.

 

       Your God given purpose establishes the vision, focus, and function of your life. You must not consume your precious life with trying to live up to other people’s standards. You were born who God made you.  You are an original. There is no need for you to ever “become somebody”. Taking advantage of your God-given potential reveals the totality of who you are. Often times, children’s perception of themselves is distorted early in life through hearing T.V, radio, and the media. All of these worldly sources propel people into a mad dash to be popular, famous, and extraordinary. Traditionally, this wrong view of significance, is passed on by ambitious parents who tells their children to strive for success so they can ”be somebody one day”

 

       For many people, this is how and where the journey of misplaced purpose is launched. It is hard not to be the product of your environment and the expectations of others. Only through spiritual rebirth and God Word can wean a person from what he or she has been taught all of their life. It takes a process of time, prayer, encouragement and correct teaching. For a person to see themselves beyond the bias perspectives of society is universal task to carry out. Due to ignorance of purpose, millions of people are tragically wasting their entire life trying to fulfill the vision and calling of someone else. Children especially, should not be pressured into fulfilling parent’s goals and expectations. Many become of age before they finally realized that they have never fulfilled the meaning and purpose in life.

If you still do not know your purpose, you are among the majority. The average person will usually admit that they do not know their God-given purpose. Can you, without hesitation say that you live every day with a sense of inner fulfillment? Are you experiencing the joy of producing exactly what God created you to do? or would you be one of those person who lives each day by the “thrills of the moment”, yet nothing fully satisfies?

 

 

Understanding your Purpose

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My brothers and sisters, your time here in this world is brief. It is leaking away rapidly. Time will run out for many before they have completed their purpose. Age and all its troublesome consequences will one day dominate the energies of life. As you age, it becomes increasingly more difficult to execute and exercise your purpose. Using your God-given gifts, abilities, and opportunities, maybe one day will be just a mere memory of the past.

Now I realized why older people are compelled to encourage young people to be themselves, and use what God has given them. Many people’s lives are not only ruined by drugs, crime, incarceration and murder, but by laziness, pride, fear, insecurity and jealousy. Many unborn businesses, schools, companies, and inventions dies daily in the mind of people who failed to fulfil their purpose. In reality, this causes the present generation to never maximize all it can do. Every generation should benefit from what every person contributes to it. Each person has a responsibility to enhance their generation through using their gifts and abilities. When this do not transpire, the next generation is lacking something it should have. Using your gifts and abilities faithfully is a donation to the next generation. What are you lending to your children’s future, the next generation? As each person uses his or her gift, something is passed on to relay purpose into the next generation. 

 

      What have you done through using your God-given gifts, that are presently serving a purpose in the world and also lending to the next generation? People are usually remembered for two things. The problems you solve or the problems you create. Stop planning to be less than you are. Do not keep consuming your life with trying to be someone. Be what God has made you. Nothing else is needed. What you have not known, is that God only requires of you the maximum of what he has placed within you according to your purpose. Be encouraged, you do not have to produce beyond the purpose that God has given you. Endeavor to give out what he has put in you and allow the interest and fruit of your labor and commitment bring him the glory that he is due. Remember that God provides for his purpose, not your plans. Whatever your gift may be, it should be used as a tool, a device, an inspiration, and problem annihilator So then, do not be like people who grow wings when trouble comes, just pull out your crutches and keep on ticking. A problem in life may has a way of introducing to yourself. You should respond by using your purpose.

 

 

 

PURPOSE: prothesis

(Greek noun) Pro = before + thesis = a place (a setting forth).  A deliberate plan, a proposition, an advance plan, an intention or a design.  Eph 1;11; 3;11; 2 Tim.1:9; 2 Tim.3:10; Acts 26:16

(Greek verb) protithemi = to set before, set forth, to foreordain.  Rom. 3:25; 1:13; Eph. 1:9

 

The meaning of life is born out of purpose

 

It tells you what you are supposed to do and why.

It reveals the reasons behind your life experiences and demands.

It supplies a vision for the future.

It keeps life focus on the important reasons for events in your life.

It helps us to keep pace with God will.

You cannot become what you need to be by remaining what you are.

Stop planning to be less than yourself.

You will be remembered for two things: the problems you solve or the problems you create. Acts 20:35

If you pluck the blossoms, you must do without the fruit. Eccl. 3:1

 

 

     The building blocks of life

 

Revealing of purpose

 

Acceptance of purpose. Eccl. 11:2-4

 

Cultivation of purpose.  2 Peter 1:2-11; Ecc.9:10; John 15:4

 

Completion of purpose. 1 Timothy 4:6-8

 

 

Understanding your Purpose

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The Principles of Purpose

 

The purpose of life starts with the creator. Isa.43:7

God created time to give purpose something to do. Ps.138:8

Life is meaningless without purpose

Purpose must be followed by focus.Ex.4:6

God provide provisions for his purpose, not your plans.

Purpose with vision guards against weariness.  Gal.6:9

Support  texts 1

 

Proverbs 20:18

 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Proverbs 20:24

Man’s goings are of the Lord: how can a man then understand his own way.

Proverbs16:9

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

Romans 8:28

(28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

(29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born of many brethren.

(30) Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified. Them he also glorified.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:11

(11) He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

 

(14) I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

(15) That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

 

   Jeremiah 1:4-9

(4) Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

(5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

(6) Then said I, Ah, Lord God!  Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

(7) But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and  whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

(8) Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, said the Lord.

(9) Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

Understanding your Purpose

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Knowing is more than acquaintance; it means approval (Ps.1:6; Gen.18:19; Nah.1:7 or selection  (Gen.39:6; Amos 3:2

God has chosen him, has concentrated him, and has installed him as a prophet.

Although Jeremiah’s task would be difficult, because he was called by God, he would have divine enablement.             

                                                                                                                   

How is Purpose set in motion?

 

Paul the apostle

God asked Paul why did he kick against the prick. Kicking against the prick is an act of rebellion

(Acts 9:1-22; 26:16-18). Pricks are another name for goads. 

 

A goad was a stick tipped with a pointed piece of iron used to direct and guide livestock. A goad annoyed them to keep pace if they slowed while plowing. The ancient farmers poked them just enough to steer them  in the right direction. Oxen that fought the goad, kicking against it, often injured themselves. So the phrase “kicking against the prick” became a proverbial way of describing those who resisted authority. It is a conscious refusal to submit to the “calling of God” on one’s life. Pricks represent the sources God uses to prompt you to listen, accept and obey your call. Are you kicking against the prick? If so, your disobedience deflects the glory of God’s purpose in your life. Simply stated, Satan works are magnified when God glory is hidden from  view due to disobedience and failure to accept your purpose.

 

Only those who live to “please God” care to accept and pursue their purpose. God revealed Paul’s purpose on the Damascus road . “The experience” changed the course of his life forever. This conversion brought Paul into contact with God, the creator of his purpose. Now that his purpose was set in motion, he no longer “lived for himself, but for Christ” (Romans 14:5; Phil.1:12, 21; Gal 2:20. Paul then understood “in him we live, and move, and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Through the Spirit of God he realized that his purpose was  “hid with Christ in God” (Col.3:3). 

 

Understanding your Purpose

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    Jeremiah the prophet

    Jeremiah 1:4-9

(4) Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,

(5) Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a preheat unto the nations.

(6) Then said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.

(7) But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

(8) Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, said the Lord.

 

Knowing is more than acquaintance; it means approval (Ps.1:6; Gen.18:19; Nah.1:7 or selection  (Gen.39:6; Amos 3:2

Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. (See also verses 7-18) It is here, that Jeremiah complains and expresse his frustrations at being sent by God  to people who would repeatedly ignore and reject him and his message.

 

Ezekial the prophet

Ezekiel 2:1-10 (7)

God reveal to Ezekial that his purpose would be to prophesize to a nation of people                               who, for the most part, will refuse to listen to him (see verse 7 below).

 

(7) And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear or whether they will forebear. For they are most rebellious.

(8) But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thou mouth, and eat that I give thee.

 

(7) But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted.

 

Understanding your Purpose

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Isaiah the prophet

Isaiah 6:8-9

God reveal to Isaiah that his purpose would be to prophesize to a nation of people who, who will reject the message sent by God to them. (see verse 9 below).

 

(8) Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  Then said I, Here am I; send me.

(9) And he said, Go, and tell his people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.

(10)Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.

(11) Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate.

(12) And the Lord have moved men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

(13) But yet in it shall be a tenth, and it shall return, and shall be eaten: as a teil tree, and as a oak, whose substance is in them, when they cast their leaves: so the holy seed shall be the substance thereof.

 

Many of those who God called, were commissioned to serve their purpose under very unfruitful circumstances. This is an prime example of fulfillment of purpose. According to society’s concept of success, all those God called and sent, are failures. Only marginal progress was made by prophets in their efforts to deliver the message given to them by God. Yet God, through his sovereign knowledge, knew ahead of time how much each produce. God evaluated their success by the measure of their obedience and devotion to their calling. True success can only be measured by obedience to an assignment..

 

God does not called those who are fit, he fit those who he calls.

God only requires of you what he has given you, with the interest reflected through your commitment and fruitfulness. It is easy to be deceived by the outward appearance of success. Often people abandon their visions and dreams when they do not appear to be mounting up. Mistakenly, they have equated their success with how extreme their achievements accumulate. Hear this my brothers and sister! God never promised that when he gives the increase, that you would always directly recognize it. What you see is not all there is or is happening. True success is in living up to your highest standards. Not the standards imposed or insinuated by someone else. Whether you fulfilled the purpose God has given you is the true test of whether you have succeeded. Accumulation is not a reliable measure of your efforts. Why? It is because God gives the increase. Fruitfulness is measured according to God’s intentions and the potential he is already placed in you

 

You cannot perform or produce beyond the measure of grace God gives you. This is the reason why it is frustrating and vain to try and be great at what God has not assigned you

(see 1 Cor.3:5-11).

 

Understanding your Purpose

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1Corinthians 3:5-11

(5)     Who then is Paul, and who is  Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

(6)  I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

(6)     So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

 

(8)  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall  receive his own reward according to his own labour.

(9)  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbanfry, ye are God’s building.

(10)According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the  foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

(11)For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

Paul states in verse 10 that his purpose was to establish the foundation of the church through the apostleship ministry. Remaining faithful in his known God-appointed purpose, would spare him  the consequences of being unfocused. Unfortunately, this is where many people purpose gets tangled up.  They attempt to compensate by doing whatever feels good for the moment. Not knowing your purpose has a tendency to entice you to chase the “thrills of the moment”, but none bring any lasting inner fulfillment. What about you?

 

Could  you be exhausting all  your efforts in an area that God has not appointed you to? Beware of participating in an event only because of its popularity or its conveniences.

God called many of his servants into unattractive and often risky ministries. Is there a possibility that God has spoken in your heart about using your gift among people and places where you would be renounced, rejected, and comfortable? Be bold! Be encouraged. If he has, you are already highly favored by God. God has precisely pre-measured his grace to supply exactly all that is necessary to fulfill and complete your purpose.

 

 To have confidence in God is to have confidence in your purpose, do not limit your confidence to how well you do. But live with the confidence that’s based on having the assurance that God grace will always make  fruitful what you do in obedience.

 

Understanding your Purpose

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