Good morning -
The purpose-driven life has become a very familiar phrase to most people these days. Finding an exciting and significant purpose is key to a fulfilling and effective life. Perhaps the most purpose-driven person we will ever encounter is the Apostle Paul. Listen to what he says:
"we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ." (1 Corinthians 9:12)
"I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22)
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:23)
"I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:33)
Paul's purpose could be summarized in the phrase, a Kingdom-driven life. He was absolutely consumed and obsessed with advancing the Kingdom gospel of Christ. His lifestyle and activities revolved around this all-important purpose; he pursued it with athletic discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
The opposite of a Kingdom-driven life is a life of idolatry. Paul warns, "Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, "THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY." (1 Corinthians 10:7). If we are not kingdom-driven we by default bow down to the god of this world and indulge our appetites in the world's pleasures. It's the "law of mutually-exclusive love" that Jesus talked about: "You cannot serve God and wealth." (Matthew 6:24). We are either Kingdom-driven or in love with the world.
A Kingdom-driven purpose provides its own rewards. The more we pursue a Kingdom agenda the more fulfillment we find. Developing a hunger for God's word, intimacy with Him through prayer, fellowship with His people, and outward-focused activities designed to build bridges to the lost, the more fulfillment we find. Belonging to something much greater than ourselves is incredibly enriching and fulfilling.
May you today discover with greater clarity the joy of a kingdom-driven life.
Pastor Steve
The purpose-driven life has become a very familiar phrase to most people these days. Finding an exciting and significant purpose is key to a fulfilling and effective life. Perhaps the most purpose-driven person we will ever encounter is the Apostle Paul. Listen to what he says:
"we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ." (1 Corinthians 9:12)
"I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22)
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:23)
"I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved." (1 Corinthians 10:33)
Paul's purpose could be summarized in the phrase, a Kingdom-driven life. He was absolutely consumed and obsessed with advancing the Kingdom gospel of Christ. His lifestyle and activities revolved around this all-important purpose; he pursued it with athletic discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
The opposite of a Kingdom-driven life is a life of idolatry. Paul warns, "Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, "THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY." (1 Corinthians 10:7). If we are not kingdom-driven we by default bow down to the god of this world and indulge our appetites in the world's pleasures. It's the "law of mutually-exclusive love" that Jesus talked about: "You cannot serve God and wealth." (Matthew 6:24). We are either Kingdom-driven or in love with the world.
A Kingdom-driven purpose provides its own rewards. The more we pursue a Kingdom agenda the more fulfillment we find. Developing a hunger for God's word, intimacy with Him through prayer, fellowship with His people, and outward-focused activities designed to build bridges to the lost, the more fulfillment we find. Belonging to something much greater than ourselves is incredibly enriching and fulfilling.
May you today discover with greater clarity the joy of a kingdom-driven life.
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 8:31 AM
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