God's Purpose for Us
Saturday, August 5, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I thank you for beginning a good work within me. I ask that you would complete your perfect work in my life. I trust you today, and I trust you with all of my “tomorrows.” May my life give glory and honor to you, so that you may be pleased. 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
This week we’ve been talking about “God’s Purpose for us.” We’ve seen that God has called us to keep strong in faith, to be prayerful, to stay in love with Jesus, to have an outward focus, and to be holy. Jude concludes with a final benediction to remind us to give God glory in all things. He is faithful to complete all that He began in us. Jude 24-25 have a special place in my heart because it was the text my great-grandfather used in his last sermon three days before he died. This passage reminds us to keep an eternal perspective. Although Amy and I are leaving New Life for another adventure, we all will be joined together on the day where the Church, the “bride” of Jesus, will be presented in heaven. I look forward to that day. Until then, we all have living to do – and we must live every minute for God’s glory.
God’s into receiving “glory.” He wants glory from us in everything we do. Whatever challenges we’re facing right now, we should always pray that the circumstance will turn out in a way that He will most be glorified. If we pray this way, we will always be praying according to His will. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we do know who holds tomorrow in His hand. Trust Jesus in everything, and don’t forget to give God the glory!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
According to Jude 24, what is God able to do?
Why is God worthy of all glory?
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
How does God keep us from stumbling?
How can we be made “innocent of sin?”
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
How does knowing that God will keep you from stumbling inspire hope in you?
What work does God still need to complete in you?
How can you give glory to God with the rest of your life?
Thoughts
I love Jude’s final benediction. He says in verse 24-25, “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. 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.” As Amy and I will be moving on to what God has for us next, we want to encourage you to remember that God is able to keep us all strong. He will keep us from stumbling, and bring us before His throne without sin and with great joy. God’s at work within all of us. If God began the work in our hearts, He will be faithful to complete the work. There will be delays, difficulties, and dead-ends, but when its all said and done – we’ll be together in eternity. It’s great that as Christians, we never really have to say “goodbye.” It’s just “goodbye for now.” One day we’ll all be reunited as we are presented to Jesus as His pure and spotless bride.
This benediction in Jude reminds us that everything we do must be done for God’s glory. He alone is the only one worthy of glory. Everything we think, say, and do, must be done in such a way that it exalts Jesus and brings glory to the Father. None of know how many days we have in this life, but however many days God gives us, we’re to live 110% for Jesus. I encourage you to live in such a way that gives all glory and honor to God. New Life we love you!
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