Finding Our Purpose

As followers of Jesus, each of us received the promise of the Holy Spirit, who bestows upon us various talents, called Spiritual Gifts.

The Apostle Paul outlines some of them in Romans 12:6-8,

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;

8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

According to 1 Corinthians 12:11:

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

Why did we receive these gifts?

According to Paul in Ephesians 4, they have a very specific purpose:

12 “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

13  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

• Ephesians 4:12-13

Theologian James R. Edwards writes, “True to their name, they [gifts] are spiritual endowments for ministry within Christ’s body; they are not our possessions or status-builders.”

God wants to grow us up to become all that He created us to be and, in doing so, make His church a brighter light to a world that desperately needs Jesus. As Pastor Nate put it, “Joy is the result of finding and knowing your purpose. It is not found in the next thing you get, but in the next person you serve.”

We have an amazing opportunity and equal responsibility…to find our purpose, connect with our passion, and look for the opportunity God provides to serve someone and make a difference. It will bring JOY, both to us and to them.

Pastor Ken

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