True Purpose Series

Introduction: This past Spring, our church was involved in a spiritual campaign called 40 Days of Purpose. The jest of the campaign asked the question, “What on Earth am I here for?” Each of us has a purpose; God did not design us to drift through life having little or no impact on others. Rather His desire is for us to be difference makers – by living a life with purpose!

Each of us are planned for God’s Pleasure – this expressed through Worship

We are formed for God’s Family – this is demonstrated by Fellowship

We are created to be Like Jesus – The Bible calls this action Discipleship

We are shaped to Serve God – We discovered we each have a ministry

We are made for a Mission – which is lived out in Evangelism

Once we understand our purpose in life we have both clarity and direction to guide us as we do God’s will.

Discovering one’s purpose allows us to focus on the right things of life. We do not drift from project to project nor do we spend our time on frivolous matters which do not amount to much in the grand scheme of life.

Not only do we have a purpose, but as God’s people the area of Stewardship is to have purpose as well. The video we saw a few moments ago showed how our offering makes a difference in the lives of others. While you may see your money as an offering, God sees our money as a way to accomplish His mission. For that reason I am Glad our Church needs Money!

If it did not, there would be no interest in missions. No need to send $48,000 to the mission field to spread the gospel.

I am glad our church needs money; if it did not, there would be no zeal to support the needy. NO COMPASSION! Can you imagine a church that does care for the hurting and helpless in our society?

I am glad our church needs money, if it did not, there would be no youth ministry – NO YOUTH MINISTRY MEANS NO FUTURE. What a dreadful day that would be not to care for the young of our church.

I am glad our church needs money, if it did not there would be no music ministry in the church, no need to make a joyful noise, no Children’s choir, no bell choir, no – GOOD MUSIC ENHANCES OUR WORSHIP!

I am glad our church needs money – because we are a church that has a missionary zeal, a compassion for the poor, interest in youth and a desire to raise our voices in praise to God.

THE CHURCH THAT DOES NOT NEED MONEY IS A CHURCH THAT HAS NO VISION FOR THE FUTURE AND NO PURPOSE FOR EXISTING

We are in a series of messages regarding stewardship, as I said last week it is the practice of our congregation to take time out of the year to talk about this vital topic. In our series we have looked at TRUE OWNERSHIP & TRUE GENEROSITY

In our first message that focus was on God as the owner, in our second message we looked at what it means to be generous with our resources. In today’s message I want us to focus on what it means to give with a purpose. Not to give indiscriminately or haphazardly but to give with the idea of having a purpose behind what you give.

Our text comes from the last chapter of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In the letter Paul is encouraging Timothy how to set up and oversee a church. In the 6th chapter he deals with some practical issues of money, note what he says beginning with the 17th verse.

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

In this passage Paul deals with the problem, the purpose and the potential of wealth.

The Problem

Paul begins this section of scripture with a warning

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable.

In verse 10 of this same chapter Paul has already warned Timothy about the danger of loving money, For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6:10