WHAT IS MY PURPOSE ON EARTH?
September 21, 2008 AM
Sermon Outline
HEB 11:5
INTRO: Recently, I heard among a group of teenagers a discussion of "my purpose on earth". It was an intriguing discussion, and one of the fine young people suggested that the great commission (cited was Mt 28:19,20) is our purpose on earth. I think that the young people, as a whole, had a noble view of purpose. As I listened, though, I began to have the feeling that this question of "purpose on earth" is one in which there may be some considerable struggle ... and misunderstanding. I have had this discussion with numerous people over my preaching years and am not certain I have provided satisfaction in those discussions. So, let me try again. What is my purpose on earth?
- HOW THE WORLD ANSWERS THE QUESTION?
- Almost always in terms of occupation, relationship, quest
- "I am on this earth to be a great engineer, doctor, teacher"
- "I am on this earth to be a great father, mother"
- "I am on this earth to discover a cure for cancer"
- and I would not argue with such ideas
- each of these is commendable and to be encouraged
- But listen to Heb 11:5 very carefully
- what is the one thing which set Enoch apart from others?
- was he good at some occupation? family role? life goal?
- I believe the assumption would be, "Yes, to all the above"
- but what made him "good" at all of these things? what really set him apart from all others?
- he pleased God!
- Almost always in terms of occupation, relationship, quest
- WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS?
- 2 Cor 5:9,10
- the overarching purpose in his life? to be approved of God
- the great realization? there is a coming judgment day
- Mt 7:21 speaks to the issue of purpose in view of judgment
- Col 1:10
- his prayer? that they live lives pleasing to God
- does he negate the need for practice things as jobs, roles?
- of course not, and he will address these ... but he sees the great overarching purpose in life is to please God
- Gal 1:10
- this man had been in a world of pleasing men - world view of purpose
- he came to realize, however, that the world view is not really what ones purpose on earth really is
- another powerful text to this end is Col 3:1-3
- 2 Cor 5:9,10
- SO, HOW DOES THIS WORK IN PRACTICE?
- Isa 56:4,5 - "...and choose the things that please me..."
- here, in very simple language, is how one fulfills his purpose!
- in life he chooses to do that which pleases God
- but there is that second part of what is said here ... "and take hold of my covenant" - "covenant" speaks of agreement with "stipulations"
- 1 Thes 4:1-3a - "...how ye ought to walk and to please God..."
- this begins to take us into the practical application of our great purpose
- pleasing God apparently has much to do with revealed commandments
- "for this is the will of God"
- are reminded of Lk 22:42?
- 1 Jno 3:22 - "...and do those things that are pleasing in his sight"
- what set these people apart from people with the world's view?
- they kept God's commandments!
- in doing so, they pleased Him - they fulfilled their real purpose on earth
- throughout history this has been the manner in which people have fulfilled their purpose on earth
- Now, does this reflect into our roles, relationships, hopes, dreams, goals?
- of course it does - 1 Cor 10:31
- there is "specificity" within the commandments of God
- and we must deal with that specificity - in roles, in relationships, in life goals and desires
- where God specifies, because our purpose is to please Him, we conform to His specifications! it's just that simple
- Isa 56:4,5 - "...and choose the things that please me..."
CLOSE: Was Enoch good at an occupation, his relationships, his life goals? Undoubtedly so! Why? Because he understood life's great purpose, and that purpose reflected into all he did. We just have one great God given purpose, dear friends. And that is to please God!
Cecil A. Hutson
14 September 2008