Study 31 – Serving God's Purpose

Before his coronation, King Saul seemed keen to do God's will. But he disobeyed God and lost the throne to David, his successor.

Unlike Saul, David fulfilled his calling. Before he died he had 'served God's purpose in his own generation' (Acts 13:36).

King Jesus said, 'I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me' (John 6:38). He knew that He had to die for the sings of the world. It was God's predestined purpose.

At the end of His life He declared to His Father, 'I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do' (John 17:4). And on the cross He cried, 'It is finished' (John 19:30).

We were born to serve God's purpose in our generation. We can choose to live in the past, assuming that God will work in the same way as He has always done. Or we can set our sails to the present day move of the Spirit and be open to new waves of blessing.

Some Christians think that God's will is 'important, burdensome and necessary'.

The Bible says that it is 'good, pleasing and perfect' (Rom. 12:2).

A good human father wants his children to enjoy their work. God is no different. He gave His Son a task and anointed Him with the 'oil of joy' (Heb. 1:9) to accomplish it.

Jesus willingly submitted to God's will because, unlike Eve, He knew it could not be bettered. It was nourishing enough for Him to call it His 'food' (John 4:34).

The only way to discover if God's will is good, pleasing and perfect is to devote yourself to it. You will find it tough at times.

God will test you in some fiery situations but if you trust Him, He will bring you forth as gold (Job 23:10).

At the end of your life God wants you to know the tremendous satisfaction of having done His will.

He longs to hear you declare, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' (2 Tim. 4:7). And He looks forward to welcoming you into heaven with the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!...Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matt. 25:21).

To Meditate On

God wants you to serve His purpose in your generation.

'Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come' (Ps. 71:18).

'I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus' (Phil. 3:14).

Food For Thought

God wants you to broaden your horizons.

LOOK UP the following Scriptures and catch a glimpse of God's glorious eternal purpose:
Gen. 17:3-8; Isa. 11:10; 56:4-8; matt. 12:18-21; 28:19; Eph. 1:9, 10; Rev. 7:9.

READ Daniel 2:31-45.

Meditate On Psalm 2.

The kingdom of God has invaded the present. If you are a Christian, you are serving the King. Let Jesus reign in your life. Like Abraham, be captivated not by an earthly kingdom but by a heavenly one (Heb. 11:10). Pray often, 'Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven' and have the joy of knowing that you are playing your part in God's great world purpose.