God's Plan and Purpose (Part-3)

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Plan to live purposefully. God Bless!) 

 

I have been talking to you about God’s great plan for each one of us, as individuals. We have been created primarily FOR HIM. In this short span of our life, we must find our purpose for Him and live it. Think about it- we have been created in His image; no other living creature, whether in heaven or on earth, has been created in His image. We, humans, have this great privilege of being found in God’s image. After the fall of Adam, God sent His only begotten Son- Jesus, that whosoever believe may draw near to God again. Apostle John says that His seed remains in those who believe (1 John 3:9); therefore we have been given the ability to grow, develop and become like Jesus- in God’s own image.

This ability cannot be found in an unbeliever, because God’s ‘seed’ does not abide in him. Paul explains in Eph. 2:19 “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God…”; And this is the verse that I would like to further explain in the context of God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

We become fellow citizens and members of the household of God; we are not ALONE. Believers are NOT called for a secluded and solitary life that they should seek some lonely place to get ‘more close’ to God! Some people think that once they are born-again and baptized, all that matters is their relationship with God. It is not true- we are also connected with ONE ANOTHER as members of a household in and through the blood of Jesus Christ. And this is what we confess before God as we partake of the emblems- the bread, His body; and drink of the cup, His blood.

In this 21st century, the age of fast growth and fragile relationships, people have become more independent. And this reflects badly in their spiritual living as well, as they think that it is all about ‘God and me’ ALL the time. If you look at Acts 2:42, the early Christians DID four things that separated them from the rest of the unbelieving crowd; (i) they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles (ii) they broke bread (iii) prayed and (iv) they fellowshipped with one another.

So many of US are quite comfortable doing our 3 things- His teachings, partake of the bread and prayer. But when it comes to fellowship, many stay away. There are also people who do not attend church, and think that it is good to break bread at home itself! And there are others who attend church to get connected to God alone –and not others! What I am saying is, if you refrain from fellowship with those of God’s household, you are MISSING OUT on one of God’s great purposes for your life. We were created for this fellowship! Look at the following verses:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” Eccl. 4:9,10

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Prov. 13:20

“Open your hearts to us…” 2 Cor. 7:2

Paul, while writing how believers ought to be separate from the rest of those in the world, says “For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?” [2 Cor. 6:14] and goes on to write these words: Open your hearts to us!

Eph. 4:3 calls us to endeavour {labor} to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; yes, this verse calls for our co-operation with God the Holy Spirit, who unites us ALL with bonds of peace. Yes, there will be differences, and variation in opinions. But there are a LOT of common ground that we AGREE upon as believers in Jesus Christ- God’s Son. Forget about the differences, concentrate on the commonalities. God is preparing a ‘peculiar’ people (and not individuals) for Himself- a chosen generation (a group), a royal priesthood (of communities) and a holy nation (of a world wide church).

I do not know about you, but I have experienced this, and maybe you too would have- that as you travel around, and maybe come across a different people from another country, maybe they speak different languages; but as we gather in Jesus’ name, suddenly we find that there is a bond of peace in the Holy Spirit, and we identify them as believers and as saints in God’s own household.

Now, how can WE endeavour to preserve the unity of the Holy Spirit? There are a few things that we can start practising right away!

1. Forgive one another… just as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:2)
2. Love one another; because you are taught by God Himself (1 Thess. 4:9)
3. Pray for one another (Eph. 6:18); go beyond the needs of your self, your family and your own relatives.
4. Encourage one another (1 Thess. 3:2); everyone needs encouragement sometime or other.
5. Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25, 26); just as parts of your body cares for that part that is hurting or is in pain.

It is God’s purpose for you to be united in a bond of peace with those of the household of God- and those who have believed in the name of Jesus, young and old. Fellowship with God is connected with fellowship with one another. If we do our part to co-operate and endeavour these are the benefits God has promised to us in God’s household:

• Growth in love (Eph. 4:16)
• Protection and restoration (Gal. 6:1, 2)
• Peace of God in confirmation of God’s voice spoken to us (1 Cor. 14:25)
• Counsel and guidance (Prov. 11:14)

This is my prayer today, that you will find God's purpose in fellowship. Go, join a church if you are not part of any congregation. Work together and co-operate with God -the Holy Spirit in preserving the unity in a bond of peace. Learn practical ways to grow in fellowship and reap the benefits of a fulfilled life in His purpose. Amen.