19th Oct 08 - Purpose Driven Life _ Part 3

Today’s teaching is from the book ‘The purpose driven life’ by Rick Warren. It is a guide to a 40-day spiritual journey where you discover the purpose for your life. We were made by God for God and until we understand that, life will never make sense

God’s purposes

1.     God planned us for His pleasure.

2.     God formed us to be part of His family.

3.     God created us to be like Christ.

4.     God shaped us to serve Him.

5.     God made us for a divine mission; which is unique to each individual.

Purpose 1: To Bring God Pleasure

God takes pleasure in His people (Psalm 149:4) and we should live a life that gives Him pleasure. Whatever we do should be done to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10: 31). God desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Worship goes beyond singing. It is anything and everything that brings God pleasure and should occur continually. In order to please Him we must have faith or trust Him. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). The bible is full of examples of those who trusted or had faith in God eg Noah. We can also bring God pleasure by surrendering to Him, obeying, praising and thanking Him. We should desire His friendship above all else. Friendship cultivated through constant conversation and meditation.

Purpose 2: Made For God’s Family

Every human is made by God but not every one belongs to God’s family. The decision to belong to His family is ours. The church is the family of God. You need a church family to develop, for security and for support. We are called to love the Head of the family(God), family members (Christians) and those outside the family (unbelievers) John 13: 34, 35. Love is the fulfilment of the law (Romans 13:8). In the church family everyone has a part to play and the difference between a ‘church attender’ and a member is commitment.