Pursuing Purpose (Ephesians 1:11; Acts 11:23; Philippians 3:12; )

EPHESIANS 1:11 speaks of "...the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will"

"PURPOSE" is the Greek word (prothesis), [4286, Strong's], a combination of (pro), "before", and (tithemi), "to place". It has it's origins in the placing of the shewbread before the presence of God, in the holy place, and from there, came to mean anything that is set out in plain view, for all to see.

ACTS 11:23 talks about Barnabas seeing the gift of God in the new Believers at Antioch, exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart, they would cling to the Lord.

"...he encouraged them all to remain, with fixed resolve, faithful to the Lord" (Wey)

"...to be resolute and steadfast in their devotion to the Lord" (Gspd)

IN THE OPEN

The main point of "purpose", is that it is seen; it is placed out in the open so that everyone knows exactly what you are all about.

FULLY KNOWN

Paul said to Timothy, "...you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith.." (KJV)

"...you have accurately traced (ABUV); closely studied (Rhm); followed, step by step (NEB); have known intimately (Phi); my teaching, my conduct, my purpose (Ber); my aim in life (RSV)..."

DISPLAYED OPENLY

Quite emphatically, for Timothy to be intimately acquainted with Paul's purpose, there could be absolutely no doubt what Paul's purpose was; it was displayed openly, for anyone who got close to him, to readily see.

OUR PURPOSE

We obviously have to know who we are in Christ and then know who Christ is in us. In other words, what is the calling on our life? Why does He have us here? What is our purpose in Him?

PHILIPPIANS 3:12

Paul said, "Not that I have already laid hold of it (TCNT); or am already at the goal (Beck); but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus (ASV); I press onward, if indeed I might lay hold on that for which Christ also laid hold on me (Con)".

PAUL'S PURPOSE

Paul's evident purpose, displayed for all to see, was grasping Christ's reason, for grasping; catching him. Ironically, Paul's ultimate purpose in Christ, was fulfilled, and is still being fulfilled today, after his earthly ministry. More than founding churches throughout Asia, and changing culture and civilization, to the pursuit of Christ; beyond all his earthly existence, his ultimate purpose was to write two thirds of the New Testament, to forever change the world, with the announcement of the good news of Jesus Christ!

PURSUE YOUR PURPOSE

Pursue your purpose so that it is evident for all to see. It is not hidden, it is publicly displayed. Everyone knows who you are, and what you are about, for the glory of God.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours