Purpose over Pleasure

The Core of the Gospel

1 Corinthians 15:3–4 NIV

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

Consider how we make decisions:

What do I want to do? or What brings me pleasure?

What is God’s will or furthers His purpose?

The Problem with Pleasure

Pleasure or preference is not a reliable measure of a good decision - Proverbs 21:17

Proverbs 21:17 NIV

Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

Pleasure is tested and failed - Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-11

Ecclesiastes 2:1 NIV

I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 2:10–11 NIV

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

The Importance of Purpose

God has a plan for us - Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God’s plan will prosper us

God’s plan will not harm us

God’s plan is the best thing for a hopeful future

We are created with a purpose - Ephesians 2:10

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God’s will gives us purpose - 1 Peter 4:1-2

1 Peter 4:1–2 NIV

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.

God’s will is always the wise choice - Ephesians 5:15-17

Ephesians 5:15–17 NIV

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

What is my purpose?

We are called to proclaim the light - 1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 NIV

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

We have been commissioned to make disciples - Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18–20 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Jesus establishes His authority

Jesus gives us a mandate

Jesus gives us a promise

The Gospel gives us a powerful purpose - Romans 1:16

Romans 1:16 NIV

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Living with this purpose will also provide the other things we seek - Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.