Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. It is a joy to be here with you today, standing on the firm foundation of our faith, bound together by the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We gather here, not by accident or chance, but by divine appointment. This is a sacred moment, a holy huddle, where we can draw strength from God's Word and from each other.

Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to 2 Corinthians 4:18, a scripture that beautifully illustrates the essence of our faith. It reads, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This scripture, my friends, is a divine invitation to live with purpose and intentionality, to see beyond the temporal and to focus on the eternal.

In the wise words of the respected Christian author, J.I. Packer, "What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it—the fact that He knows me." This quote beautifully echoes the sentiment of our scripture passage today, reminding us that our purpose is not just about our pursuit of God, but His pursuit of us.

As we ponder on these truths, let us bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for the breath in our lungs, and for this divine gathering. We thank you for your Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we delve into your Word today, open our hearts and minds to receive your truth. Help us to see beyond the temporal and to focus on the eternal. Guide us as we seek to live purposeful lives that bring glory and honor to your name. We ask all these in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Transition. Today, we will be focusing on three main points: Purposeful Pathways, Perceiving Purpose, and Practicing Purposeful Faith. These points will guide us as we seek to understand and apply the truths found in 2 Corinthians 4:18. So, let's begin, shall we?

Purposeful Pathways

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We get caught up in the daily grind, chasing after fleeting pleasures and temporary satisfactions. But God calls us to a different way of living. He calls us to a life of purpose, a life that is focused on the eternal rather than the temporal.

This call to purpose is a call to a way of life. It's about the path we choose to walk, the decisions we make, the priorities we set. It's about living each day with intentionality, making choices that reflect our commitment to God and His eternal purposes.

When we choose to live this way, we are choosing to walk on a path that is purposeful. This path may not always be easy. It may be filled with challenges and obstacles. But it is a path that leads to eternal rewards. It is a path that brings us closer to God and aligns us with His will.

The first aspect of this call to purpose is the recognition of our divine calling. Each one of us has been uniquely created by God, endowed with gifts and talents that are meant to be used for His glory. We are not here by accident. We are here because God has a purpose for us. He has a plan for our lives, a plan that is far greater than anything we could ever imagine.

Recognizing this divine calling is the first step towards living a purposeful life. It's about acknowledging that we are not the center of the universe, but rather a part of God's grand design. It's about surrendering our own desires and ambitions to the will of God.

Next is the cultivation of a God-centered perspective. This means viewing our lives through the lens of eternity, rather than the lens of the world. It's about valuing what God values, cherishing what He cherishes, pursuing what He pursues.

A God-centered perspective changes the way we view our circumstances. Our current struggles and trials are but light and momentary afflictions, preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

The third aspect of this call to purpose is the commitment to a life of obedience. This means choosing to obey God's commands, even when it's difficult. It's about living out our faith in practical ways, demonstrating our love for God through our actions. Obedience is a lifelong commitment. It's a daily decision to say 'yes' to God and 'no' to sin. It's about walking in step with the Spirit, allowing Him to guide us and direct us in the path of righteousness.

The fourth and final aspect of this call to purpose is the pursuit of spiritual growth. This means continually striving to become more like Christ, growing in our knowledge and understanding of God. It's about nurturing our relationship with God, spending time in His Word and in prayer. Spiritual growth is a process that takes time and effort. But it's a journey that is worth every step, for it leads us closer to God and deeper into His love.

Transition. Living a life of purpose is about recognizing our divine calling, cultivating a God-centered perspective, committing to a life of obedience, and pursuing spiritual growth. It's about choosing to walk on a path that is purposeful, a path that leads us closer to God and aligns us with His eternal purposes. It's about living each day with intentionality, making choices that reflect our commitment to God and His eternal purposes.

Perceiving Purpose

As we continue to reflect on the words of 2 Corinthians 4:18, we are drawn to the idea of perceiving purpose ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO