Everyone desires to have a purpose in life. Some spend years backpacking around Europe to find it. In reality, we don’t have to go that far. God has a prophetic purpose for each of our lives, and we can find it in His Word.
Read: Acts 28
Response: Name a few of the hardships Paul encountered on his journey.
In response to the calling of God, Paul was on his way to Rome when his ship encountered a storm and wrecked on the island of Malta. He was well-acquainted with the hardships that often accompanied God’s plan. Even after being bitten by a snake, he was not deterred. He simply used it to further the gospel. Confident in his life’s purpose, he remained focused on carrying it out.
How often are we distracted from what we know God has called us to do? Trials tend to shift our view. When we believe the lies the enemy has spoken, we lose our way. To fight the fight well, we must remember what God has spoken over our lives. We are not easily distracted when we live with purpose. No one except ourselves can keep us from where God has called us to go.
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. —1 Timothy 1:5-6, 18-19
Culture influences the way we think and feel every day. We are being told who we are with every breath. As we walk through life, we gather offenses and hold onto them like trinkets to treasure, but they only distract us from the truth. Instead of being so focused on what people say about us or are doing to us, we need to focus on what God wants to do in us. This life is way too short and your purpose way too important to live life offended.
Respond: According to 1 Timothy 1:5-6, what three things do we need to live on purpose?
The key to having all of these things is the same, but we try to make it more complicated than it is. When we stay rooted in the Word and seated in His presence, we can live on purpose and carry out His plan.
Maybe you’ve allowed ongoing sin or legalism in your life to dull your conscience. Let Him give it a reset.
Maybe you’ve neglected His presence and allowed poison to creep into your heart. Let Him filter it out.
Maybe you’ve lived life offended, and it’s time to give it to Him. Let Him handle it the right way and trust Him with the outcome. He won’t let you down.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live a life on purpose today.
Activation: What has God revealed to you throughout the study of Acts? Share anything that He has asked you to do to help you live a Spirit-filled, purpose-driven life and activate those things in your life.
Prayer: Write a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help you activate these things in your life.
All scripture is from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.