Purpose
Purpose in Scripture is rooted in being made in God's image, called to know and reflect him, and given work to do in his creation. The Bible does not offer a "life-purpose" curriculum but keeps returning to creation, calling, and the glory of God as the horizon for every life. Meaning is located not in self-invention but in the Maker's assignment (Ephesians 2:10).
Key verses (11)
- Psalms 139:13Thou hast possessed my reins — fearfully made
“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.”
- Proverbs 19:21Many devices in a man's heart; counsel of LORD stands
“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”
- Jeremiah 29:11Thoughts of peace — a hoped-for end
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil,...”
- Matthew 22:37Love the Lord thy God — the first great commandment
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and...”
- Matthew 22:39Love thy neighbour — the second
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
- Matthew 28:19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, an...”
- Acts 20:24Finish my course with joy — Paul
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish m...”
- Romans 8:28All things work together for good
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called...”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31Whether ye eat or drink, do all to glory of God
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
- Ephesians 2:10His workmanship, created unto good works
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained ...”
- Colossians 3:23Heartily, as to the Lord — work framed
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”
Relevant characters (4)
Esther
"For such a time as this" (Esther 4:14)
Paul
Damascus road commission (Acts 9)
Jeremiah
Ordained from the womb as prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5)
Moses
Burning-bush commission (Exodus 3)
Further reading
- J. I. Packer — Knowing God, IVP (1973)
- John Piper — Desiring God, Multnomah (1986)
- Os Guinness — The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, W Publishing (1998)
Pastoral commentary
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