Good day
We've come a long way in this series and there's still much more to share on this subject. In the previous message (Part 8) we took a look at the importance of the Holy Spirit when it comes to the great commission/evangelism and how we cannot do it without His help.
Today I would like to share on how the purpose behind what we do should mean something. We shouldn't just be involved in various ministries or acts of service and not be able to identify what it's main purpose is, and so I'd like to share the below passages of scripture and point out what Jesus' purpose was and that of the Apostle Paul. Now when I say purpose I'm not referring to what they did or were called to do, or the position they held, when I say purpose I'm referring to the underlying drive/agenda/motive they had behind doing what they did, the reason or purpose behind doing what they did.
John 4:34-38
Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”
Matthew 4:23-24
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
Luke 4:40-43
When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Colossians 1:28,29
Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
I Corinthians 9:16,17
For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]! For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have a reward; but if it is not of my will [but by God’s choosing], I have been entrusted with a [sacred] stewardship.
I Corinthians 9:19-23
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to everyone, so that I may win more [for Christ]. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews [for Christ]; to men under the Law, [I became] as one under the Law, though not being under the Law myself, so that I might win those who are under the Law. To those who are without (outside) the Law, [I became] as one without the Law, though [I am] not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ]. And I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings along with you.
What I'd like to point out from the above passages is that the purpose is all about people, or you could say people are the purpose. We also notice that in all accounts it's primarily based on reaching the lost or preaching the gospel.
We all fundamentally have the same purpose to fulfill. Yes we will have different assignments, calling's, gifting's, mission fields or areas of ministry, etc. but the purpose of reaching the lost and preaching the gospel doesn't change - The purpose remains the same.
So when it comes to various areas of ministry, acts of service, or something we're asked to be a part of, regardless of the activity, we must be reminded of the purpose behind it. Sometimes the activity might not be something we're interested in, it may not be something we enjoy doing, in those moments we need to remind ourselves that it's about the other person and not us. The purpose behind doing what we do is about people, so we make ourselves available to be a vessel so that the Holy Spirit can reach, be a blessing and encourage others.
Same can be said for when God gives us an instruction, let's say to work at a certain company or in a certain team; or to stay in this city or community; or to start up a particular ministry, etc. We must know that the instruction is inspired by His purposes, so if His purpose is people, then ultimately one can conclude that whatever He's asking us to do, the great commission is at the heart of it ... That God has people in mind when asking us to do something for Him.
This purpose should motivate every prayer, every thought, every intention for all believers everywhere. It should be the lenses through which we view the world and should become our driving motive, intention and obligation as we step out and enter each day.
The impact we make on the lives of others is significant because the people we reach and influence, will eventually reach and influence others as well (this will likely continue and carry on past our time on the Earth) - Therefore we should always maintain an eternal perspective on the tasks or assignments God asks us to do for Him ... millions could be reached in years to come through our obedience, faithfulness and commitment to His agenda and will! Amen.
This happens when we take on His purpose!
John 4:34-36
To clarify, Jesus spoke up and said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and bring it to completion.” As the crowds emerged from the village, Jesus said to his disciples, “Why would you say, ‘The harvest is another four months away’? Look at all the people coming—now is harvest time! Their hearts are like vast fields of ripened grain—ready for a harvest. Everyone who reaps these souls for eternal life will receive a reward. Both those who plant spiritual seeds and those who reap the spiritual harvest will celebrate together with great joy!
Amen