Acts 13:32-36; “26:12-20; Colossians 2:6-8, Math. 28:18-20

Recurrent Thought

Jesus set a Vision and a Commission for Us (Math. 28:18-20). However we pursue our life’s purpose, it must be connected to His Vision

Jesus through his substitutionally death, burial and resurrection came to eternally transform humanity.  His Work of Salvation was the effective and ultimate sacrifice for the Sin of mankind (John 1:29) and successfully produced Light for all: both Jews and Gentiles (26:23). 

In the vision of Jesus there are two significant and strategic elements that are key to its implementation: Winning Souls, and Discipling believers (Math. 28:18-20)

Paul captures the two-fold strategic elements to the vision of Jesus 

Act 26:18  to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’   

One biggest challenge for congregations and individual Christians is to ensure that the People who are won are truly maturing disciples.

Some Indicators of a Maturing Disciple can be found in Colossians 2:6-8

• Consistently walk in Him
• Rooted and built in Him and established in Faith 
• Abounding in Thanksgiving (Gratitude)
• Diligently follow the Truth

Our Biblical Texts and Life’s Purpose

(Acts 13:32-36; 26:12-20)

These are two texts that Paul writes. First, is on the first apostolic trip and they are in Antioch Pisidia and give his account of Jesus and the ultimate Gospel that becomes the essence of his preaching. Second, he is under remand in the City of Caesarea where the Roman Governor Festus resides. He was visited by new Herod called Agrippa and the Governor thought it was needful for the king to hear the defense of one of the famous prisoners, called Apostle Paul.

What Paul recounts are elements of what we now, by hindsight, call the Apostolic Teachings.

God places purposes in the hearts of human beings, which they serve while on earth. These Purposes become the dream, project or life mandate that consumes their life’s existence. When you assess such person’s life, it is like they were born just for that very reason.

Our purpose on earth is achieved through various significant life assignments. David fulfilled God’s purposes for his generation before he slept (Acts 13:36). Due to their fallen nature, human beings find it relatively harder to know God’s purposes for their generations. One way to understand Gods purposes for Your Life is to be clear about the assignments He reveals to you for every season of your life.  

Life Assignments are activities that manifest one’s purpose on earth. Whatever assignments one feels led to do on the earth they always impact human beings. People are always at the center of your assignment. Serving one’s purpose in the earth is linked to the bigger picture of the Kingdom of God. 

In today’s message we look at two Persons who are fulfilled their life purposes as they pursued the Vision of God. This is David and Paul.

• David was the King of Israel who fulfilled God’s purpose in allowing a natural kingdom become an avenue for the manifestation of the Kingdom of God 
• On his throne will later come his greater son, who shall be the Christ. 
• Paul, as an Apostle to the Gentiles, crisscrosses Asia minor and later western Europe in preaching the Gospel
• Apostle Paul was driven to fulfill Kingdom of God assignments that seemed to have no benefit at all 
• He suffers so heavily; however, he is so focused on fulfilling what God gave him.

Three Thoughts about Serving God’s Purposes in the earth

1. Recognize the Heavenly Vision in Your Life
   • Whatever Your Destiny Path, Your Vocation is connected to What God is doing in the earth
   • Be aware and honor the heavenly vision in your life. It will be related to the impact you bring to people. 
   • Realize how the salvation of People is central to the Kingdom of God. 
   • Whether you are part of those who leave the nets and follow him (Math. 4:18-20) or those who carry the Tent and follow him (Acts 18:1-4), You must be clear of his Vision: Win Souls and Disciple Believers.
   • The heavenly vision is not always pleasant. Paul was told he would suffer for it.
2. Your Working out of God’s Purpose is Always Time-Bound
   • Our time one earth in this physical form is not forever
   • Be aware that the time for you to do what is necessary is ticking
   • When David Finished, he slept (Died) Acts 13: 36
   • It is possible many others sleep but they don’t finish their Purpose.
   • Fulfilling Your Purpose impacts Your community with the Light of Jesus (Acts 26:18-19)
   • There is always Your Time, a season, to fulfill God’s Purposes. When that time passes, you will not recall it.
     Act 13:36  For David served God's purposes in his own time, and then he died, was buried with his ancestors, and his body rotted in the grave.  
3. Be a Focused and Obedient Finisher
   • Paul was focused in pursuing the heavenly vision
   • He boldly told the Governor and King that he was not a man with the intention of disobeying the vision
   • Your Performance is time bound. We don’t have all the time. 
   • Be obedient to the heavenly Vision as You Fulfill Your Purpose

Altar

1. Encounter With Jesus
2. Commitment to the heavenly Vision