God's Purpose for Us
Sunday, July 30, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I thank you for what you’ve done in my life. You have saved me and given me eternal life. I give you all the praise, honor, and glory, for your marvelous work in my life. Help me to glorify you in everything I think, say, and do. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today – Jude 20-25
“20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.”
“24 And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. 25 All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.”
Reflecting on God’s Word
It’s not too often we hear sermons preached from the book of Jude. Although it’s an obscure book, it’s one of the most beautiful benedictions (or conclusions) of any book in the Bible. Not much is know regarding the context of Jude, or to whom the book was written. We do know, however, that it parallels the book of 2 Peter, and that it might have been written to several early churches in general. It was written by Jude, “the brother of James,” which makes Jude the half-brother of Jesus. The book of Jude has one of the most direct denunciations of false teachers, and it shows the seriousness of keeping true to the faith. Just as we often call the book of Acts, “The Acts of the Apostles;” one author calls the book of Jude “The Acts of the Apostates.” It’s a book which warns us to keep away from the “apostates” or false teachers. Jude makes it clear that we’re called to holy living. While we’re removed over 1,900 years from the context of this book, there are many important things that God wants us to understand today. As we go through Jude 20-25 this week, I hope to challenge all of us to obey God’s call and to seek His purpose in all things. The same warnings and encouragements Jude offers his listeners, is the same warning and encouragement I want to offer New Life. As Christians, we’re to remember these truths.
In the end, our purpose is to “glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” As verse 25 reveals, we’re to give God glory and worship His Son, Jesus Christ forever. Let our lives today seek to glorify God!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
According verse 25, who is worthy of glory?
Why is He worthy of glory, majesty, power, and authority?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
Why is God concerned about receiving glory and honor from our lives?
How long will God’s glory last?
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
How can God be glorified in your life?
What are several ways you can glorify God today?
How can you encourage others to glorify God?
Thoughts
Most of you are aware that today is my last day at New Life. Amy and I have greatly appreciated the love, support, and prayers that you all have given us over these past few years. Although we know the Lord is guiding us to where He wants us to be next, the hardest part of making this transition is the knowledge that we’ll have to leave those we love and cherish with all of our heart. We truly love you all and pray God’s richest blessings upon you. We know that as Christians, we’ll never truly have to say “goodbye,” but rather “goodbye for now.” All of us are on this journey called life, and we all seek to obey God’s calling. For Amy and me, God’s just calling us to move forward sooner than we expected. These times aren’t always easy, but we can have peace that God’s directing us to His perfect plan.
This week I want to share with you, through our daily devotions, several things the Lord has put on my heart. I specifically want to challenge New Life in five areas. During each of these next few days, I will be focusing on each area so that we may all live how God would have us – both corporately and individually. God is still working on all of us. We simply must let the “Potter” shape us into what He desires. I pray that all of us may grow into the image and likeness of Jesus and reflect His glory.
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