Christian Purpose

Today we will be celebrating our brother Tyler, and the door that God has opened in his life. I was reflecting on my time with Tyler and the many conversations we have had, the prayers together, and the exploration of God’s Word. Today’s teaching comes from my memories of those times together. We often confuse ourselves and complicate things by thinking there are all of these boxes we are supposed to check off, and there is not. As if there is some grand level we must reach to minister the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. We are all called to minister His Word, to live His Word. Tyler, like so many of us this morning, has chosen to follow God’s calling on his life. I for one could not be more proud of him. It is not without problems, trials, or heartache. God’s call will challenge us to our core and beyond at times. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, tells us:

Ephesians 3:8 NLT

8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.

Paul had spent three years with the church at Ephesus, so as a result he was very close to them. Again, we see Paul in a Roman prison living in the most horrible of conditions, yet with an incredible amount of humility and dignity he was praising God for the absolute privilege to share the good news, the gospel message, of Jesus Christ and the kingdom that awaits those who have been saved by faith in the only begotten son of God.

You see that? TRUE humility. Not some false humility that is self serving. So many believers, and I mean Pastors, laity, worship, evangelists, develop an attitude of entitlement. Nobody deserves anything from God. God gives out of His Grace. This gift of Jesus Christ that we are sharing should be a privilege to share with others, not some kind of “who’s who” in the body.

The attitude the Apostle Paul has about himself here is a lesson for each of us. There is no merit, no worth, and no value that causes God to choose anybody. We recognize that God has all rights to our lives because he is God. Based not on human feelings, will, or emotion, but the very Word and Will of God. In his second letter to the Corinthians, The Apostle Paul tells us:

2 Corinthians 4:1–2 NLT

1 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. 2 We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

In His mercy, God gave us Christ. If we continue to act in our flesh in sin by treating others as less than, tricking others, or distorting the Word and Spirit of God, we are making a mockery of the cross and of God Himself. We are each charged with living a life of honesty and integrity by the blood of the Lamb of God.

I have had the humble opportunity to watch our brother, Tyler, and so many others, do their very best to live this way, developing a truly humble attitude in wanting to share Jesus with those around them. Lead by the Spirit, transparent, and honest. We have witnessed brothers and sisters in prayer and praise as they face what are some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Here is the most awesome thing. We have all witnessed similar growth one with another! God did not give us nose bleed seats, he gave us ring side seats to witness His glory and grace work through one another!

Ephesians 3:10 NLT

10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

I’m here to tell you, we serve a glorious God this morning. His very purpose in salvation and in the church, is to show his love, to stir every creature in heaven and on earth, to show all of creation who HE is. How can we not be amazed? Abba daddy, the creator of this entire universe designed an eternal purpose in Christ Jesus just for you. Do not doubt for a moment that if it were you and only you, Jesus Christ would have still laid his life down. The enemy, demons, and the Angels themselves stare in amazement at the access that you have been granted this morning by your faith in Jesus Christ to stand in the very throne room of God, in the very presence of God.

Who is the church? We are. Our brothers and sisters around the world, up the road, at the church you may complain about, all belong to His church. His church is your church. The church does not belong to a Pastor or an organization, regardless of where they may gather. We are part of an incredibly diverse family of believers. In John 10, Jesus tells us there will be one flock with one Shepherd, Him. As we encourage and send Tyler off to this new chapter in His life, remember that we are all part of His flock. We are each purposed by God Himself. There are no goodbyes in the Kingdom. I want to close with this verse today.

Ephesians 3:12 NLT

12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.

The glory that lies ahead for the believer, for you, for me, is beyond anything we can even comprehend. The Word of God gives us a glimpse of the reward that awaits those who love his Son. And for whatever trials or tribulations you are facing my prayer is that you find hope and peace through it all because what awaits at the finish line is worth the price. Jesus Christ gave us access to the spirit of God that we may approach God with freedom and confidence! How different from this world. We don’t have to look over our shoulder with God. We stand confident as men and women called into the assured and promised nobility of the King of King and the Lord of Lords! Being set apart, being called brother, being called sister by Jesus Himself, and being called beloved child by our Father in heaven!

I want to turn it over to Tyler now. Tyler, it has been my humble honor and privilege to be on this journey with you. Thank you for the opportunity to share in your life as you have shared in mine. Thank you for the opportunity to grow in our walks with one another. God bless you brother.