Embracing The Divine Vision: Walking With Purpose Series

As we continue our series on visionary view, I want to speak about Divine Vision: Walking with Purpose.

In our lives, our focus must be a perspective that aligns our hearts with God's divine purpose.

There are five areas I am going to preach about:

The Divine Call to Vision

Directing Our Gaze Forward

Anointed to Envision

Triumphing Over Trials, and

A Heavenly Outlook

The Divine Call to Vision:

As followers of Christ, we are summoned to live with a vision that transcends the ordinary.

In the Old Testament of the Bible, is the book of Habakkuk. This book is part of the Minor Prophets and is located in the section of the Bible known as the Old Testament prophetic literature.

Habakkuk was a prophet who lived around the late 7th century BC, and the book contains a dialogue between the prophet and God about the challenges and questions Habakkuk had concerning the state of the world.

Habakkuk 2:2 (NLT) says, "Then the Lord said to me, 'Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.'"

In this verse, God is instructing Habakkuk to write down the response or answer that God is going to provide to the prophet's questions. The metaphor of writing on tablets signifies a permanent record that can be easily seen and shared. The reference to a runner carrying the message emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the divine revelation to others.

This verse reflects the idea that God's messages are not meant solely for the immediate recipient, but are intended to be shared and passed on to others. It underscores the significance of recording and sharing God's revelations as a means of communicating His plans and purposes. In the context of the book of Habakkuk, this verse sets the stage for God's response to the prophet's concerns about the apparent injustice and suffering in the world.

Just as God instructed Habakkuk to engrave His revelation on tablets, He invites us to etch His divine plans onto the canvas of our hearts. This is not about mere daydreams; it is a summons to a life marked by purpose.

Directing Our Gaze Forward:

The apostle Paul, a man of vision, understood the power of looking beyond the present.

Paul wrote a letter of teaching and encouragement to the believers in the city of Philippi.

In Philippians 3:13-14, he wrote, “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Paul shared his perspective on the Christian journey and his own pursuit of spiritual growth and maturity.

This verse contains so much, so let me unpack it a little further:

1. Not Yet Attained: Paul begins by acknowledging that he has not yet fully achieved the spiritual perfection or maturity that he desires. He humbly admits that he is a work in progress, still striving to become all that God intended him to be.

2. Focused on One Thing: Despite not having reached the fullness of his spiritual goal, Paul expresses his determined focus on "this one thing." This one thing is the key to his Christian life: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.

3. Forgetting the Past: Paul emphasizes the importance of letting go of the past. This doesn't mean erasing memories, but rather not allowing past failures, regrets, or achievements to hinder his present and future progress. He wants to avoid being burdened by what is behind him.

4. Looking Forward: Instead of dwelling on the past, Paul directs his attention to what lies ahead. He is forward-looking, anticipating the unfolding of God's plans and purposes in his life.

5. Pressing On: Paul uses the imagery of a race to describe the Christian journey. He likens his pursuit of spiritual growth and closeness to God to a race that requires effort, endurance, and determination. "Pressing on" signifies his commitment to continually striving for spiritual advancement.

6. Heavenly Prize: The ultimate goal of Paul's pursuit is the "heavenly prize." This prize represents the culmination of a faithful Christian life. It's the reward that awaits believers in the presence of God, signifying eternal life and the fullness of blessings in Christ.

7. God's Call Through Christ: Paul reminds the Philippians that this pursuit is not just a personal goal but is in alignment with God's call through Christ Jesus. God's purpose is to transform believers into the likeness of Christ, and Paul is responding to that divine call.

In summary, Philippians 3:13-14 encapsulates Paul's passionate desire for spiritual growth and his determination to live a purposeful Christian life.