Set Free for a Purpose

INTRODUCTION

This weekend, our theme has been “set free.” And, in our time together, we’ve looked at being set free FROM sin…set free FROM measuring up. Tomorrow morning, we’re going to look at what it means to be set free FROM stress and anxiety. In each of these, the emphasis is what we’ve been set free FROM.

But…is there something we’ve been set free FOR? Is there more to our salvation than just going to heaven when we die?

Is there a purpose that we’re supposed to be living out now that we’re saved?

And what if that purpose transcends/is greater than just going to heaven when you die? Or being a good student? Just being a good kid? What if your purpose was something God has had planned for you from eternity past and is something that gives definition to every day/every aspect of your life?

My senior year of high school—there were two songs that topped the music charts…two VERY different songs. I walk a lonely road The only one that I have ever known Don't know where it goes But it's home to me, and I walk alone

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating Sometimes, I wish someone out there will find me 'Til then, I walk alone

Every generation wrestles with this existential question—do I have a purpose?

EPHESIANS 2:1-10

Main Idea: In Christ, you have been set free from the world’s definition of success. In Christ, you have a purpose.

What is the world’s definition of success/purpose? Is it more followers? Is it status? Is it everyone knowing who you are and admiring you? Maybe even being envious of you? Wanting to be you? Is it making more money? Is it being at the top of your class academically?

There’s a lot of definitions of what the world would say “success” is…but here’s the problem—all of them are centered around SELF. What I can accomplish. Making much of MYSELF. What sets ME apart from everyone else.

And here’s what the Bible tells us—when you get saved, you ARE set apart. You’re set apart by God for HIS purposes.

When I got saved, I was given a new purpose.

Exegesis: Paul starts by painting a bleak picture: we were dead in our sins (v.1). This doesn’t mean we were physically dead but spiritually separated from God. We were following the course of this world and obeying the enemy, living for our own desires (vv. 2-3). That was our purpose—sin and self-destruction.

But then, two of the greatest words in Scripture appear in verse 4: “But God”—God, rich in mercy and love, made us alive with Christ! He raised us from the dead. He rescued us from destruction. He saved us for a new and eternal purpose.

Here’s the purpose:

Romans 8:28–30 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;”

Ephesians 4:22–24 “…put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Let’s put all these together…let me summarize it—our purpose is to become like Jesus in every way…living to the glory of God.

In salvation, God brings complete transformation to our lives.

Illustration: Think about a caterpillar. Before transformation, it crawls in the dirt, slow and limited. But after going through the process of metamorphosis, it emerges as a butterfly, soaring with a new purpose. That’s exactly what happens when we come to Christ. We were once crawling in sin, but God transforms us into something new, giving us a new purpose.

Application: If you are in Christ, you are no longer spiritually dead. You no longer have to follow the world’s empty definition of success. Your purpose is no longer about pleasing people, gaining popularity, or chasing achievements. Your purpose is found in Jesus, and He gives your life meaning.

My purpose serves God’s eternal purpose.

We live in a “me” culture. We post selfies…we promote ourselves…our culture is obsessed with self-importance and recognition.

You know…we live in a world of instant celebrities. Anybody can go viral on TikTok, Instagram…social media…and everybody knows who they are. The downside to this is that it only lasts a few minutes. Right? One minute you’ve taken the world by storm and the next minute you’re forgotten.

Exegesis: Verse 6 tells us that we have been raised up with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places. What does that mean? It means that you’re here physically but spiritually, you are in the heavenly places. You have direct access to God. There is no more separation. It means your citizenship is in heaven!

It means that, while you live this life on earth—while you’re “seated in the heavenly places”—God is using your life to display His grace and glory (v.7). Your purpose is bigger than just making good grades, excelling in sports, or gaining followers on social media. Your purpose is part of God’s bigger plan.

What is God’s eternal purpose? God’s purpose is to glorify Himself. That may sound pretty self-centered. Well, it is. It’s God-centered. He is the Creator. He is God alone and he alone deserves all glory and praise and worship.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

EVERYTHING IS WORSHIP. YOUR LIFE MATTERS—EVEN THE MUNDANE!

Application: Your purpose is not just about your dreams—it’s about God’s dream for you. The world will tell you that success is about fame, money, and accomplishments, but God says success is about knowing Him, making Him known, and living for His glory.

My purpose is to be lived out every day in every area of my life.

Exegesis: Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

When you got saved, the Bible says you became a new creation. You were made new for a purpose--to bring glory to God. This means your purpose isn’t just something to think about on Sundays or at church events—it’s something to live out every day.

Your purpose gives definition to everything you do. And, God’s purpose for you to become like Jesus is so that those who don’t know Him yet will see His life in and through yours.

On a wall near the main entrance to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, is a portrait with the following inscription: "James Butler Bonham--no picture of him exists. This portrait is of his nephew, Major James Bonham, deceased, who greatly resembled his uncle. It is placed here by the family that people may know the appearance of the man who died for freedom." No literal portrait of Jesus exists either. But the likeness of the Son who makes us free can be seen in the lives of His true followers.  

Application: How can you live out your purpose?

At school – Live with integrity, be kind, and share your faith.

At home – Honor your parents and love your siblings.

On social media – Use your platform to encourage and uplift others.

With your friends – Be a light and invite them to know Jesus.

Students, in this last session we have all together, I want to ask you this question—what are you giving your life to? There are so many causes in this world that people are giving themselves to. There is no greater thing to live for than the cause of Jesus Christ.

What are you living for? This world and everything in it is fading. You were created for one purpose—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. You were saved for one purpose—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

One day, students, you will stand on the shores of heaven. This life will have passed you by like a vapor—like a mist. What have you given your life for? What purpose defines your life?

If you want to live out your purpose…if you want to experience LIFE…you’ve got to die. You’ve got to take up your cross, deny yourself every day, and follow Jesus.

Some of you are wrestling with a call to ministry. ALL of you are called to ministry.