Building Godly Character: Purpose

I decided to add one more week to the study of Godly character. I never once struggled with this topic until I decided to extend it one week so I can jump from Godly character to the resurrection of Jesus and from there to the book of Philippians. So I began to think of about all my topics. None of these were difficult to come up with here is how we build a Godly life. Jesus Christ the cornerstone Faith our foundation, Gratitude, Obedience, Purity of Mary, Humility (meekness), Forgiveness, Love, Self Discipline, Hope, Unity, Courage, Joy, Righteousness, Honesty, Patience, Kindness. That’s a pretty Good list, it includes the fruit of the spirit and the beatitudes. There are a lot good things in that list that make us look more like Jesus and less like the world. But I think I finally decided how to finish this Godly Character of your life.

1 Jesus left Believers with a purpose.

Matthew 28:19–20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Jesus as He ascended to heaven gave the church purpose. We aren’t supposed to be standing here in church staring up into heaven waiting for His return we are to be busy sharing the gosepl. Passing out tracks and Bible’s giving personal testimony of what God has done for us.

Be a walking example of the goodness of God.

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Your life everything that you do should be an example to the world. Everything that you do should be glorifying God. It is interesting people are watching you. I have had these phone calls. Pastor you wouldn’t believe what I saw this member of your church doing. I really don’t want to know those things. It is between you and God. If I can find out some of things you do when you don’t think I am watching. What does God know. Let your life GLORIFY GOD!

Our walk should always have an eternal purpose.

Romans 10:14–15 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

I want to remind you often that God is a foot inspector and that God is looking to see what you feet look like to him. It has nothing to do with if you are a size 5 or size 15 if you have warts or purple feet. Feet with calases or crooked toes. Beautiful feet carry the gospel to a lost and dying world. That is your and my purpose for being here.

God has a purpose for us being here.

Philippians 1:21–24 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

A lot of people, myself included tell me that they would rather be in heaven than here on earth. It is hard for us to hang on to this life knowing that heaven is better than this. But why are we here. Well let me ask you some questions. Are you still here? You haven’t died yet? Than God isn’t ready for you to be in heaven or maybe you are like Hezekiah who God called home but Hezekiah begged God that he would remain. You know those years ended up being Hezekiah’s worst years with the Babylonian incident happening.

Second question: Do you have unsaved loved ones? I have to believe that the answer is yes to that question, than God has a purpose for you here, A purpose for getting out of bed and serving him. To glorify God and spread the gospel.

2) What is your purpose?

Is your purpose to preach the word to a lost and dying world?

Acts 11:19–21 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

Is your purpose to encourage the believers?

Acts 11:22–24 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.

Barnabas is the ultimate encourager of the New Testament. But that doesn’t mean that he was just sitting at back in a pew applauding. Cheerio good job mate, no he was an active encourager and his encouragement had a purpose that people would be saved. He was full of the Holy Spirit.

Is your purpose to teach the scriptures?

Acts 11:25–26 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Is your purpose to be a help in times of emergency?

Acts 11:27–28 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Is your purpose to give and help people find relief?

Acts 11:29–30 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

I know that there is big debate about social gospel. That the idea that the church can change the world for the kingdom through tackling problems like poverty education crime health helping people find jobs and making the world a better place and reaching out to your neighbor when they are in need. I believe that all those things are good. BUT our motive must always be to share the good news of Jesus Christ as the only way to save you from your sins. In other words our good deeds have to have purpose.

Do your good works have a Godly purpose?

Matthew 5:14–16 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

There are a lot of people doing good things, but do your good works have an eternal purpose. I know that when a disaster happens people flood in to help in the middle of that situation. That is fine, but what good do those works do if they don’t glorify God. We should always have the idea that our good works A) give us an opportunity to give praise to the goodness of God, and B) open the door to be a gospel witness. I know that makes it sound like our good works have an ulterior motive. Kin d of we don’t want to get anything out of it, except maybe storing up treasures in heaven but we are asking nothing in return. We just want to give. It gives our service purpose! Eternal purpose. Because if you save a person from a house fire, but you neglect to warn them about the eternal fire of hell. You have done a greater disservice.

Is your purpose to serve?

Acts 6:2–3 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

I have tried to use the book of Acts to talk about purpose what better place to look at what the purpose of the Christian in church is than to look at the church of Jesus Christ in its infancy This is the story of the origin of deacons and there pupose was to serve. It is my opinion that this passage may fit better with the trustee

A Deacons purpose included the gospel and people being saved.

Acts 6:7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Deacons were called to serve. Maybe we might call real deacons trustees or the hospitality committee. Really their job was to serve. but that service has to have purpose. Purpose that people can come to know Christ. I will tell you this. Some people are big on staying in their lane and I beleive that their is Biblical evidence of that. Take Moses who was trying to do too much. But I think that Biblically speaking we should all be willing to serve, to have purpose to share the gospel all that. I can clean and shovel snow like the rest of you, but you can open the Bible and share the gospel with others. All of it should have

Are you serving for the glory of God?

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

Is your purpose to be a Godly mother or Grandmother?

2 Timothy 1:5–6 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Motherhood is purpose. My tax preparer this year said oh your wife is just a homemaker. Um there is nothing simple about being a mother. Those of you mothers who work and be a mom. You have two full time jobs. I worked two full time jobs for twenty plus years. Two intense full time jobs. Two jobs that you don’t leave when you go home. But I got a break. Mom’s don’t get a break. But your motherhood should have purpose. Mother’s have the responsibility of teaching their children the gospel. You know my wife has taught our children how to pray. The power of prayer. The name of Jesus. Moms you have a purpose. Your job is never done. That is a huge responsibility

3) Hope - Your purpose is not all about you.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Someone told my wife recently that hope is evil. This persons reason is that because hope causes you to do nothing. It is just a wish upon a star.

That person does not understand the sovereignty of God.

Hope is an anchor for the soul - Hope does not leave ashamed. Hope has a name and His name is Jesus.

Hope is at times us doing nothing, because He is doing everything. Salvation is by Grace alone, Jesus is building heaven and we have the hope of heaven. Be still and know that I am God

Hope is at times doing everything. It is serving knowing that God can do the impossible. It is witnessing knowing that God works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is that we reach out to the broken like a good samaritan because God can change even the life of the prodigal. Those who have hope have purpose.

We are saved for a purpose HERE and NOW.

Ephesians 2:8–10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

I LOVE Ephesians 2 it starts out with the hopeless of man. It directs us to God’s salvation and it leaves us with a purpose for tomorrow. The baby Christian loves Ephesians 2.8-9 with justified reasons (I used the word justified on purpose) maybe you will get it. But if you stop there you don’t realize the message of sanctification. The fact that you are God’s workmanship for a reason for a purpose.

God works through you for His purpose.

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Pastor Dan always called this verse his definition of Grace actively involved in your life. He used that verse so much I memorized it from him repeating it so much. I applaud him for doing that. God is at work in you. If you have purpose to serve Him, He will work through you. I am so glad that it isn’t all about me it’s all about Him.

Your Godly purpose will accomplish something eternally good.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

If we truly do things for Christ, they have purpose and reason. I hope that you just aren’t living for yourself. Going to your same old dead end job doing the same old things today you are doing things for the LORD not for yourself. God does those things for His eternal purpose and it will work out for Good. Not the way you want but it will be worth it all when we see Jesus