◄ God’s Purpose ►

Christ’s Heart

Christ’s only consideration throughout His earthly life was to do the Father’s will. Christ’s heart's desire and joy was to carry out and complete God's will for His life. He did not sit around a table with like-minded men, constructing a pleasing plan. He did that which was pleasing to God, each day – every day, throughout His life: I do always those things that please Him. John 8:29

The Father’s Will

He did not engage in a 12-step program, developed through man’s clever strategy. His life work and His life prayer and His whole life-focus and joy was to do the Father’s will: not as I will but as Thou wilt. Mark 14:6  He didn’t take one verse of Scripture out of context and rest His lifework on that: My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to finish His work. John 4:34

Eternal Purpose

All Christ did was done to fulfil God’s plan laid out before the world began. He did all according to God’s eternal purpose, from the foundation of the earth – the plan, which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: Eph.3:11

Life Purpose

God has a plan and purpose for the life of every believer: man, woman, or child. Many beautifully identify what God has called them to do – to go – to be.. and Paul tells us that He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some He gave to be pastors teachers. Ephesians 4:11. And like Christ each should cry from the depth of their heart, Thy will be done. But rather than submitting to His will and crying Thy will be done.. some set off to do what a work that they perceive to be His will.  Some see it as their job and responsibility to convert the world – some are quickly pushed into a ministry or service by other people.

Learned Obedience

Yesterday I was sent a little video of a 10-year-old ‘child preacher’, and the cheers, acclaim, and adoration he received were simply inappropriate. I watched some similar clips of 4 years olds, 7 years olds and other minor ‘preachers’ – infants and children given the pulpit, who were evidently considered ‘gifted’ – and yet the Lord Jesus Himself waited until he was 30 before starting His public ministry. For 30 years the Lord Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Shepherd

One verse that came to mind was about WHO should lead, guide and teach the flock. Paul tells us it should be – NOT a novice, a new believer, or one young in the faith.. in case he becomes arrogant and prideful and falls into the same sin as the devil.

Immature Faith

Paul identifies pride as the fruit of immature faith that’s launched into leadership. Pride, being the area that caused the downfall of Satan himself. not a novice lest he be puffed up with pride and he falls into the same condemnation as the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6. How vital it is to search the scriptures daily to discover God’s purpose for us.

True Submission

There are no shortcuts in spiritual growth, and God’s training has eternity in view. God takes time, and plenty of time, to bring a man to a point of true submission.. and true submission to His will is God’s desire for all who are called.

Spiritual Growth

He trained Moses for 80 years before letting him lead the children of Israel. He took Job to the edge of despair before his spiritual eyes were unclouded. Jacob was 77 before he met his bride – but not yet was his thigh ‘dislocated.. for 20 more years had to pass before fleshly Jacob submitted to God – 20 years of training passed before submitting to become spiritual Israel.

Man or Ministry

If God’s word is true, then God is more interested in developing a man than a ministry. We see God start His training of Adam – the federal head of the old creation. We see a lifetime of God training the apostle in John – the writer of Revelation. We see God training Noah, Job, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Peter, and Paul. The work of God in each person is to bring each one to an end of themselves. The work of God brings each to the realisation that He alone is their all in all.

Plan of God

The plan of God in each life is not that they do service, but He does it through them. The purpose of God is to develop a realisation that I can do nothing. Jesus said apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5. Paul said I can do all things through Him who strengthens me, Phil.4:13 – for I can do nothing except as I do it in the strength of Christ. The will of God is to transform those that believe into the likeness of His Son – and God will take a lifetime, if necessary, to achieve His purpose in each life.