1 Timothy 6:11

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue… endurance”

We continue with our next-generation disciple instructions from Paul to Timothy. Having told him to flee the evil desires, he encouraged pursuit of multiple godly desires including endurance, which we take in this week. It isn’t just about enduring, but enduring well – standing through the onslaught of evil described in Ephesians 6:13. Then we will still be ready to serve the purpose God has for us without being taken out by the enemy. What is that purpose? Honor God, reflect God, Know God. Rick Warren, pastor and author, suggests five areas of purpose to focus on, each taking us deeper into our intended life with God while on this earth.

We step into this week celebrating You, Abba, Father, who has created a purpose for each of us;

We celebrate You, Jesus, who makes all of our sacrifices acceptable to the Father;

We celebrate You, Holy Spirit, who reveals our purposes to us;

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Acts 13:36

…when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep

Luke 7:30

the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves…

What a contrast between these bible verses above: Whereas David fulfills his purpose, the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for them. How sad. On the other hand, this comment from the Apostle Paul about David is a powerful testimony. To have a third party recognize such a Godly legacy is powerful… and inspiring to us in our generation as well. This all leads to an predictable question for us: What is God’s purpose for us, and are we working with Him or against Him in our lives.

Lord, like David, let me serve Your purposes to my generation. I pray that You will alter my plans, thoughts, and life itself when not in line with Your purposes for me. In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.

Don’t simply walk away from this devotion: Ask God if there is anything to do in response to this prayer time… reflect on it.

Psalm 29:2

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the Lord…

Purpose one: Worship – “Ascribe” means to give credit where credit is due. To start, God has created us (along with millions of other awesome creations), saves us from sin’s ugly conclusion (eternal death), and preserves us daily in his love and grace. We are called to respond to this reality with “worship”.

Lord God, I praise You for creating and redeeming this multi-faceted world –including me.

Amen.

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves... to the fellowship…

Purpose two: Fellowship – From the start God intended for us to experience relationship both with Him and one another. Worship acknowledges the first; fellowship acknowledges the second. When you fail to devote time to build relationships with fellow Christians, you fail in God’s purpose for your life.

Lord, remind me of Your desire that I build relationships with other Christians beyond worship itself.

Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Purpose three: Grow spiritually – God does not merely want us to know Him and believe that Jesus died for us. Jesus died to restore a relationship so that you could walk with God daily and grow closer to Him; studying His word, praying and growing your faith enables this to happen – we have settled for less. Pause and consider if you can pray the following:

Lord, I want to get to know You better – I do; give my discipline to grow with You daily.

Amen.

1 Corinthians 14:12

try to excel in gifts that build up the church…

Purpose four: Minister to one another – God always had it in mind that His people would be a blessing to one another – people dependent on Him and interdependent with each other. There is such joy in caring for each other, serving others – especially when they are unable to return the blessing. But it is also wonderful to receive ministry and service from others too.

God of gifts and service, let me not despise Your gifts by refusing to use them for others, nor deny others an opportunity to use their gifts for my benefit. May You be glorified in all that I do – and receive.

Amen.

Matthew 28:18

Go and make disciples of all nations…

Purpose five: Be Missional – In Ephesians 3:10, God’s says that His intent, through the church, is that His wisdom would be made known to the world. Why?... to connect people to Himself through Jesus. The church is you, and God’s purpose is that you make His wisdom known to the world around you – not on your own, but with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Father God, You don’t have to make me overly-wise, but help me display Your wisdom to those who don’t yet know You. I could use all of the Holy Spirit leadership I can handle. I need Your help to do this. I seek it for Jesus’ sake, 

Amen.