Whether you’re a young adult, middle adult, or mature adult – well, everyone wants purpose in life. Of course, as you live, you figure out you gain experience. However, have you considered you also gain purpose?
It’s true! So, let’s explore this.
Let’s Tear Into – Gain Purpose
There are always four categories we explore in Scripture dissection:
- What Does It Say?
- What Does It Mean?
- Make It Personal.
- Make A Commitment.
1. What Does It Say?
We examine two passages today about faith. Interestingly, the underlying messages help you gain purpose increasingly as you live.
Romans 4:18-21
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed . . .Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief . . . but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God . . . being fully persuaded God had power to do what He had promised.”
Heb.11:13,16
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting they were foreigners and strangers on earth . . . Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God . . .”
That’s what those verses say.
2. What Does It Mean?
Let’s explore five phrases in the first passage. And then four phrases in the second passage.
Romans 4:18-21
Just FYI – remember, this first passage begins with the words – “Against all hope.” That phrase helped Abraham gain purpose.
- Without weakening in his faith – Abraham absolutely never doubted God. He had steady faith.
- He did not waver through unbelief – Even though Abraham was about a hundred years old – and God had still not given him a promised son – Abraham continued to trust for a promised son.
- Strengthened in his faith – Interestingly, “waiting” for many years seems to have strengthened Abraham’s faith. Apparently, he was so resolved, doubting was not an option.
- Gave glory to God – Naturally, Abraham worshipped God. Plus, he gave God glory. Remarkably, he gave up his own timing, preferences, agenda – and instead glorified God every day he lived.
- Fully persuaded God had power to do what He had promised – So, why did Abraham know God would keep His promise? Simply, because he chose to be fully persuaded in the truth.
Heb.11:13,16
- Still living by faith when they died – Faith in God sustains you throughout your life. Young – middle – older. Many folks have figured this out.
- Welcomed them from a distance – Apparently, many faithful Jesus followers welcomed God’s answers and interventions from a distance. Basically, they “let God be God.” And a lifetime was not a barrier.
- Longing for a better country – Many people leaned forward into eternity, even as they lived on this earth. However, they knew in their souls, death was a bridge into a better country – Heaven.
- God is not ashamed to be called their God – What an amazing proclamation! God is honored to be called the God of people of faith. Plus, He’s proud of them.
That’s what those verses mean.
3. Make It Personal
Now, let’s review those phrases and explore how to gain purpose.
Romans 4:18-21
“Against all hope” do this –
- Without weakening in his faith – Shore up everything in your life by faith. Subsequently, faith is what matters to God. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6)
- He did not waver through unbelief – You exercise faith every day in so many ways. It’s part of being human. Ultimately, you need resolve to remain in faith in God. Don’t waver, even when you wonder.
- Strengthened in his faith – If you persevere, your faith will be strengthened. Additionally, your confidence in God will also grow.
- Gave glory to God – Whatever you are going through, always decide to praise God! Frankly, even while you are asking, wondering, waiting – whether short or long. Why? Because God is faithful.
- Fully persuaded God had power to do what He had promised – Faith believes God utterly. Essentially, you are convinced God has heard you and is in process of fulfilling His every promise – even though you can’t see it.
Heb.11:13,16
- Still living by faith when they died – Faith in God is a deliberate choice. Plus, you decide each day of your life. In other words, even when you die, you choose to trust God.
- Welcomed them from a distance – Have you wondered if God is ever going to answer your prayer? Interestingly, faith does two things. First, it makes sure you ask according to God’s will. Second, you realize it’s an honor to wait for God’s timing – even from a distance.
- Longing for a better country – As aging happens, many Jesus followers long for Heaven. Oddly, it’s not that they don’t like living. Many completely enjoy daily life. Rather, they believe God created a “better country” for them – forever.
- God is not ashamed to be called their God – I absolutely love this phrase. One of my verses I repeat is another from Hebrews. “Jesus is not ashamed to call me His sister.” (2:11b)
Count The Cost To Gain Purpose
God wants you to count the cost. Yet, He also wants you to trust Him radically. That combination puts you smack in the middle of on-going adventure. Essentially, to gain purpose throughout life, you do both.
Salvation
Incidentally, Jesus assumed the cost and risk of salvation at the cross. He never even knew sin in His life. Nevertheless, He became sin for you – and me. Additionally, never separated from His Father, He experienced piercing loneliness when God turned His back as He was dying. (2 Cor. 5:21; Mt. 27:46) Jesus offers salvation as a free gift to you.
Discipleship
Living in salvation is different than receiving it. Once you invite Jesus to be your Savior, you enter the flow of eternal life. In the flow, you –
- Realize Jesus is your LORD. He is both Savior and Lord. You don’t decide which you want. He is both at all times.
- Give up your entire life to God. Flesh-out your new life. That’s becoming a living sacrifice. Discipleship demands everything you have. Another term is full surrender.
- Absolute abandon to God’s plan. Frankly, you begin to work to accomplish God’s purposes instead of your own. Interestingly, this commitment helps you gain purpose. Actually, a “fresh, growing, vibrant kind of purpose” that makes each day an adventure. Even when life is hard.
Paul said it well, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ . . .” (Phil. 3:8-9)
When you do not waiver through unbelief, God gives you –
- Comfort.
- Companionship.
- Hope.
- Renewed, refreshed, deeper purpose.
That’s how you make those verses personal.
Cost Of Discipleship
Incidentally, I recommend an incredible book to you – “The Cost Of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Dietrich was an amazingly passionate and committed follower of Jesus. Throughout his short life, he became a global figure and spoke into the future as a guide for all time. In fact, he is much like the apostle Paul. His discipleship book is a good read (or audio book).
Additionally, (in print or as an audiobook) is the story of his life journey – how he gained purpose. Check out “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.” A fabulous resource.
You might also consider “Letters and Papers from Prison.” (D. Bonhoeffer)
Frankly, what does it cost to gain purpose? Simply, it costs everything! Remarkably, however, as you pay this cost, you automatically find you gain purpose. Fresh, Alive and Active, convicting, and passionate purpose. In fact, this purpose rises up increasingly into vibrant faith.
Before we explore application thoughts and questions –
4. Make A Commitment – Application Thoughts And Questions
As you live, do you continually gain purpose?- Do you sometimes weaken in faith or waiver in unbelief?
- Even before you receive answers, do you give glory to God?
- Do you believe God has power to do anything?
- Did you know you can claim your purpose even from afar?
- Further, does your purpose mold to needs around you?
- Have you considered God created you for another country?
- Are you resolved to live by faith in Christ – and gain purpose increasingly?
For Your Quiet Time
* Portions of this content come from my book – It’s Your Move – a devotional book that takes you through Romans and challenges you to live with perspective and purpose. Also from my book – Sharp Shooting: Your Bronze Bow – a devotional
book that takes you through Matthew and challenges you to live like Jesus. You can find these books in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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