Studies

Focus on your Purpose

In the 1st century, a Christian's purpose in life was clear: Preach the word to all mankind. They understood that so many people were lost and needed Jesus Christ. There was much work to do. Today is no different. But what has your focus been lately? Have you focused on your purpose or does Satan have you focusing on problems?

1. NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANS UNDERSTOOD THEIR PURPOSE
JESUS - Read John 12:47 Jesus came to save the world. Read Luke 19:10 He came to seek and save the lost. Read 1 John 3:8 He came to destroy the devil's work. No matter what happened around Jesus he was always focused on his purpose. Nothing moved his focus - not the death of loved ones, not being tired, not his friends, not his family, nothing. What is distracting you from your purpose at the moment? Make sure to speak to someone who can help you get your focus back.

PAUL - Read Acts 9:20 At once he began preaching about Jesus. Read Acts 13:46 He was compelled to speak the word of God. Read Acts 23:11 He knew he must testify about Christ. Paul didn't stop speaking about Jesus no matter how people reacted towards him. What stops you from sharing your faith? Have you ever been put in jail, beaten, threatened to be killed, etc. because you shared your faith with someone? Sometimes we think we've got it hard but look at Paul and his love for God and the lost. Have you got the heart of Paul? Paul even started speaking as soon as he was saved. Why do you think he did that? He was so grateful that God would forgive him that nothing could stop him from sharing about God. What excuses do you use not to share your faith? Here Paul was just saved. Do you think he knew much about talking to others? No. He didn't even use that as an excuse. We've got to check our hearts and imitate Paul in his faith.

THE APOSTLES - Read Matthew 4:18-20 They were called to be fishers of men. Read Matthew 10:5-7 Told by Jesus to preach the Kingdom. Read Acts 4:18-20 They couldn't help speaking about Jesus. Why has God called you? Do you speak to people about the Kingdom? So many times we forget why we were called. We think we were called to do our work or to be a good husband, wife, father, mother, etc. While all of those things are important, you were called to be a fisher of men! That's why we are here. How eager are you to speak about Jesus? The apostles couldn't help speaking about him, it was their heart and life style. Does this describe you? We need to start thinking in the right way.

THE DISCIPLES - Read Acts 4:29-31 They preached boldly. Read Acts 8:1-4 They preached wherever they went. Read Philemon 6 They were active in sharing their faith. Do you speak boldly about God? Do people want to be like you? People won't want to be like you if you are wimpish about speaking about God. Who would want to be part of such a group? Nobody! You need to be bold! Don't you like to help people to follow God? Do you share your faith wherever you go? Is it part of your lifestyle? Look at Jesus and imitate his life. He shared his faith wherever He went. He didn't wait for a golden opportunity to arise; it doesn't work that way. Sharing his life with people was who He was. Is sharing your faith with others who you are? Imitate Jesus and the 1st century disciples.

2. SATAN UNDERSTANDS HIS PURPOSE
Read Revelations 12:7-12. What is Satan's purpose? To accuse you day and night before God. He wants you to fall. He hates you. He will do anything to stop you from getting to heaven. How much time does he know he has got? Do you think that Satan ever gets distracted from his purpose? He knows his time is short so he doesn't waste any time. He will use anything and anyone to get you to fall. Make sure that you don't fall into Satan's trap. Do you think that Satan shows favoratism towards anyone? No. He hates all of us. Why do you think that Satan hates us so much? Because he knows that he has lost his place in heaven and he doesn't want us to get there.

Read 2 Corinthians 2:11. You must never under estemate Satan. You must always be aware of Satan's schemes for you. What schemes is he working out for you? Distractions? Worry? Discouragement? Lack of discipline? Be very open and real about what is going on in your life. Also make sure to speak about it. No matter what is going on, remember your purpose.

3. DECIDE TO CHOOSE WHAT IS BEST!
Read Luke 10:38-42. What was Martha doing? Was it wrong to want to make things great for Jesus? What was Mary doing? How did Martha respond towards Mary? Who does Jesus say chose what was better? Why? Are you Mary or Martha? How was your Bible study like this week? Prayer? REMEMBER: every week that goes by with poor Bible study makes you weak. It's more important to spend great times with God than to do things that could wait.

Read Matthew 6:25-34. The cares of this life are common. God knows what you need. Are you anxious about your needs or do you have faith and rely on God? Have you spoken about your needs to someone that can help you? How much advice have you asked about what to do? How much are you praying about it? Have you forgotten your purpose this week and been too busy seeing to your problems? Make a list of all your problems/worries/needs. Pray about them, talk about them and trust God. Make sure that you allow God to be in control of your needs. God wants to help you but you must allow God to help.

Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-30. These were Paul's problems. How do yours compare? Does everyone around you hear about your problems or your purpose? Did Paul ever forget about his purpose? No, he never lost sight of why he was here. Even when he was in prison or being flogged he spoke about God boldly. Not even fear stopped him from talking about God. Decide today that you are going to imitate Paul and not allow Satan to distract you with anything.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:1-18. Don't preach your problems, preach Jesus! How can you "renew" your light? vs. 7-12 What should you always carry around in your body? How can the life of Jesus be revealed in you? vs. 13-18 Are you being renewed day by day? How does Paul view our daily cares? How does your view differ? How can you achieve your purpose without ignoring your problems? It is vital to see the importance of daily time with God. When you spend great times with God everyday nothing will be too much for you. God will give you the strength to carry on. Then you won't ignore your problems but deal with them God's way with God's help.

PRACTICALS

Repent! Make your relationship with God top priority!

Get advice. Learn to solve problems as a disciple. Stop worrying.

Take action. Make a plan and stick with it.

Commit yourself. Remember your purpose. Trust and rely on God.

REMEMBER
Read 2 Corintians 6:1-2. Remember that problems will come and go "but now is the day of salvation". Don't let your problems stand in the way of the joy of fulfilling your purpose and helping others know your God. When you focus on your purpose your problems won't even seem as bad as you thought.