The Reason for Our Time on Earth – Week 19 / May 6th

by admin

While life has many pursuits and interests and Jesus wants us live abundantly (John 10:10) it is true that our focus must remain on the essential reasons for why He placed us here. The Book of Philippians is quite amazing because Paul writes from a Roman jail and yet he is full of joy and gets to the “bottom line” all the time. One would have thought that being in jail would have tempered his focus; but it didn’t! It only sharpened it.

So, gleaning from his book we learn that we are here:

1.    To share the Gospel with the lost.
“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which
Happened to me have actually turned out for the
Furtherance of the gospel….”
Philippians1:12

Paul recognized that we have a message of life and must share it. Indeed he saw himself as
debtor to the world (Romans 1:14-15) and thus he wanted to share with the world what he owed
them. I dare say that much of the Church needs this attitude today! This is why we are here!

2.    To help others make progress in their faith.
“And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and
Continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,”
Philippians 1:25

Paul recognizes that he will remain on earth to further their growth in Christ. What then is progress? It is being conformed to the likeness of Jesus; being able to live out the purpose of God for our lives and being empowered to defeat the powers of darkness. This is why we are here!

3.    To help Christians experience the “joy of faith”.
“….continue with you all for your….joy of faith.”
Philippians 1:25

The grace of God that works in our lives requires that we have the discipline of a winning athlete; the courage and skill of a soldier and the hard work of a farmer. (2Timothy 2:3-7) This same grace deposits joy in our lives that make Jesus’ “yoke” easy. This is why we are here!

4.    To sacrifice for the spiritual well being of the body of Christ.
“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering
On the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and
Rejoice with you all.”
Philippians 2:17

Paul viewed the Body of Christ as the only hope of the world. He would do anything to help it and sustain its presence in the world. He saw himself as a catalyst that would inspire the people of God to better follow Jesus and love Him. Indeed, in this way, Paul saw himself filling up “what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.” (Colossians 1:24) That is, he provoked the Body of Christ to be what it should be because of Jesus’ death. This is why we are here!

5.    To model a “spiritual pattern” for others to follow.
“The things which you learned and received and heard and
saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:9

The salvation that Jesus gives us “works” and all can embrace it, thus we should all model it for
others to embrace and follow. In other words do not invite people to be what you are not.
Show them the real thing and invite them to follow you as you follow Christ. This is why you are
here!

Malcolm Hedding

©Malcolm Hedding Ministries

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