Purpose Driven In Christ

Conviction is necessary as it prompts change and spiritual growth in us. It also keeps us humble and sensitive to the things of God. This message will remind us of the difference between conviction and condemnation, and how to appreciate and heed to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

“Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭

Many Christians want to evangelize and disciple others, but we don’t know how to start or fear and comfort have been stumbling blocks. This message is to encourage and equip us for evangelism and discipling others while relying on the Holy Spirit.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew‬ ‭28:19-20‬ ‭

Happiness is situational, but joy is eternal. We might not always feel happy, but the underlying joy from Jesus should be our strength. He wants us to remain in His peace and joy.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭

It takes mental energy to walk in offense and bitterness, whereas the Holy Spirit helps us to walk in love which is a choice. Offense is the work of darkness influenced by the enemy to cause division and distractions so that others are hindered from seeing the love of God. When we stay offended, we are opening the window for the enemy to invite other areas of strongholds in our hearts and minds that will need to be uprooted and delivered. Forgiveness is not earned. It is given freely even if it doesn’t feel warranted. Our feelings will catch up to God’s principles. We should train our thoughts to not focus on the negative, but on God’s word and character. God has commanded us to forgive others so that He can forgive us. Forgiveness provides freedom for ourselves. “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:31-32‬ ‭

God prepares us for whatever He has called us to in His timing. When we have desires that are not filtered by readiness according to God’s purpose, we may set ourselves up for unmet expectations and unnecessary obstacles. This includes our careers, relationships, children, marriage, finances, property purchases, business ventures, life callings, etc. God wants our desires to be cultivated by purpose and readiness in Him, not our emotions.“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭

The more time we spend praying and relying on the Holy Spirit, the more opportunities we will have to use discernment. When we operate in humility, we are more likely to discern as we would be slow to speak and slow to make decisions that would impact ourselves and others. “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,” Philippians‬ ‭1:9-10‬ ‭

When we walk in love, it doesn’t mean that we approve or agree with the actions or lifestyles of others. It simply means that we choose to demonstrate the character of Christ despite the circumstances. - “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”Colossians‬ ‭3:12-15‬ ‭

When we are aware of our weaknesses, we will have grace for others. God can use our temperamental strengths to complement others in areas of weakness. We were uniquely designed for God’s glory. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”Psalms‬ ‭139:14‬‭. Personality quiz: https://www.temperamentquiz.com

If we try to do things in our journey as a follower of Christ and notice that it’s very difficult, most likely there hasn’t been dependency on the Holy Spirit. The enemy wants us to focus on our own strength because he knows that there’s no power when we do things in the natural. However, when the Holy Spirit empowers, things flow and there is impact including souls being saved and deliverance from bondages.

- “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

- ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:8

Self-introspection reveals the conditions of our hearts and potential blindsides from the enemy. It is important to be aware of these areas so that we are not a stumbling block to others. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Psalms‬ ‭139:23-24‬ ‭