Full
Pt. 3 - Purpose Full
I. Introduction
Are you full? If so, what are you full of? Your "fullness" will determine what overflows to every area of your life. And yet the truth is that if we find ourselves closer to the "e" than the "f" we are in the majority. In a recent study of 1,000 churches and the spiritual growth of their congregation the researchers discovered that only 11% (or in other words 1 out of 10) would say they are compelled by their faith to love God and love others! 89% in the wilderness. Saved? Yes. Full? No! Emptiness reigns in the church community. However, I want to remind you and challenge you that God does intend for us to be full!
John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance - to the full, till it overflows. (Amplified Version)
Colossians 2:9-10
You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.
The accurate and mature understanding is knowing that salvation was only part of the picture. He came to save but He also came to enable us to experience fullness in life!
So I want to clearly state for us some of the things that should fill us so that we are able to experience this fullness that Jesus came to give us.
Last time, I said we must be thank full. I want us to continue on this path to fullness.
Luke 2:41-49 (NKJV)
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Jesus teaches us that . . .
We must be purpose full!
You can read between the lines of this account and come to this conclusion . . . By the age of 12 Jesus already had a very clear understanding of who He was and what He was on this earth to do. In other words, Jesus was purpose full. Knowing His purpose meant that even at 12, while most of us are playing video games and worried about trying to fit into the clique and impress classmates we don't even like, Jesus was already on task. So, I want to stop for a moment and say to our youth . . . figure it out now. Don't buy the lie that you have to wait until you are 25 or 35 to figure it out because the truth is too many of us bought that lie and then have become so full of cares that we can't figure out our cause! We have become so consumed with other things that we are no longer consumed by purpose.
One man said it best when he said, "Hell is not knowing who we are!"
When we are purpose full we will be force full!
Jesus' purpose caused Him to persevere (it caused Jesus to set His faith like flint in the face of the cross), focus (Jesus wouldn't settle for comfort or convenience - nevertheless) and fulfillment (It is finished - I have accomplished my purpose).
That is why the account in which Jesus looks at Peter and changes His name from Simon to Peter is so powerful. In one moment, Peter goes from that guy who is so mouthy, out of insecurity, to someone who is a "rock" and steadfast in his understanding of who He is and in turn is secure in who he himself is. In order to be full we must be purpose full. We must have a very clear understanding of who we are!
This is why each year about this time I take time to do two things . . . I try to reflect back on what we partnered and purposed to do last year so that we will not forget that we have been involved in purpose (and so we can be thank full). Then I try to share with you some of the highlights of what we are doing this year so that you can get engaged in purpose so that you can be full. We must know our purpose!
There was an urgency in Jesus. He MUST be about His father's business. We must be about His business. We are on borrowed, shortened, elapsing time. We can't spin our wheels. We must spread His influence, the good news, and expand HIs kingdom. We can't just mark time. We must be purpose FULL.
His purpose made other people nervous and even angry. The price of promotion is pain. It disrupted the routine - the routine said travel home - He was willing to break routine to fulfill purpose. Purpose challenged the comfort zone that others had. In fact, His purpose inconvenienced His parents. It caused them some concern/anxiousness. I wonder . . . if Jesus isn't making you uncomfortable are you really pursuing Him. Purpose will often produce pain before it produces praise or progress. There are probably going to be some painful/anxious/uncomfortable moments this year. . . But if we will embrace it we will find that we are full!
So here is my challenge to you . . . Some of things we are attempting this year will require you to adjust, to adapt, and to get involved. It is one thing for us to have purpose as a body. It is another entirely for you to find your place and purpose. In fact, we can do some great things and many of you can just sit on sidelines. However, we will never be more power full and force full than when some of you who have been walking around, some for decades, with no real clue as to why you are even alive come to grips with your purpose, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and get involved in the Father's business. Where do you fit in? What is your purpose? I can tell you it isn't to come and observe. It isn't to come to sit and soak. There is a cause. What is the Father's business that you must be involved in? I am asking you to sincerely and purposely dig in and find your purpose! I want you to be full and to be full you must know the why of your life! We know there is one because "before He ever formed you He knew you and had a plan for you!"
Together and individually we must be purpose full this year! In our 10th year may we be more purpose filled than we have ever been!
As you leave today you will receive a card that I want you to look at and place somewhere visible. But I also want you to ask this question . . . Where can I get involved and find my purpose? If you come to this place in your attitude - here I am send me - then you become useful and subsequently - purposeful.
