Christian Purpose

September 06, 2010 Monday Message:

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” 1 Tim. 1:15b

When we see something out of place, or something that makes no sense or something that doesn’t meet our standards, my family queries: “What could be its purpose?”

But Paul leaves no doubt as to the purpose of Jesus coming to earth. In his first epistle to Timothy, Paul writes, “This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners!’”

While he was here, Jesus healed those who needed healing, and did a good deal of preaching and teaching. But his main purpose was to redeem mankind. That’s the one thing he did that no one else could have done!

Paul goes on to say that he was the worst sinner of all, because of the way he persecuted the early Christians. Paul writes that if Jesus can forgive and rescue him, Jesus can forgive and rescue anyone, no matter how great his sin. Paul considered the fact that he - the very worst - had been rescued, to represent hope for all mankind, evidence that each of us could be rescued. After all, that’s what Jesus came to do. That’s his purpose, his mission.

Now that we know Christ’s purpose, let me ask: What is your purpose? Worship and serving should be high on your list. Today is Labor Day in the US, and we should celebrate. God made us all in His image, and yet gave each of us unique gifts and talents, and then placed us in different vocations. Not everyone can or should work in the church. For example, Paul constantly returned to tent-making to support his ministry. We need Christians in all vocations. We need Christian teachers, bankers and senators. We need Christian leaders in our businesses, our governments, and our schools. It wouldn’t hurt if the little-league coach held a Christian worldview, giving the team something they could carry home when the game was over.

We know Christ’s mission – today let’s celebrate your mission!

Norton Lawellin