Finding My Individual Purpose—Part Two
By: Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 02/16/2020
February: My Mission
Finding My Individual Purpose—Part Two
Foundation Scriptures:
John 15:1-17 NKJV
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
1. Almighty God Calls and Chooses.
a. Matthew 22:14 AMPC — For many are called (invited and summoned), but few are chosen.
b. Many are called—God invites everyone to receive His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ—but not all choose to respond.
c. Jesus said: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” (John 15:16)
d. He loved us first; He chose us first.
e. 1 John 4:10 KJV — Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
f. When we choose Him, He chooses to use us.
g. We choose Jesus by being submitted and obedient to His Word.
2. Everyone Who Chooses Him, is Called.
a. We (believers) are each called to be ministers of reconciliation.
b. 2 Corinthians 5:18 KJV — And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.
c. Some—those God chooses—are called to full-time ministry.
d. Acts 13:2 AMPC — While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate now for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
e. It is God who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace (2 Timothy 1:9).
f. God calls us according to HIS purpose.
g. How do you know what His calling is on your life?
h. You need to follow His leadings—the desire—that He places in your heart.
3. Follow the Desire.
a. God is the One who places the godly desires in your heart.
b. Psalm 37:4 AMPC — Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
c. As you obey the known will of God (as revealed in His Word), He will reveal and lead you into the unknown will—your specific calling.
d. Delight yourself in Him, abide (dwell) in HIM, in His WORD, and in His LOVE.
e. Obey His commandments and He’ll give you the desires of your heart.
f. John 15:7 AMPC — If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
g. Your obedience is the proof and the expression of your love for Him.
h. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love (John 15:10).
i. Keep your heart pure and walk in (genuine) love toward God and others.
j. 1 Timothy 1:5 AMPC — Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart and a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unfeigned) faith.
k. Glorify God by bearing good fruit.
l. John 15:8 AMPC — When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.
m. You can recognize godly desires, because they always produce good fruit.
n. Proverbs 11:23a KJV — The desire of the righteous is only good.
4. How to Find Out What God Has Called You to Do.
a. Your desire is that feeling within that is intense; deep; a yearning; your soul crying out; it stirs you; it’s a fire; a passion; coming out of a pure heart.
b. Pure heart for God—pure desire from God.
c. 1 Timothy 3:1 AMPC — The saying is true and irrefutable: If any man [eagerly] seeks the office of bishop (superintendent, overseer), he desires an excellent task (work).
d. It is good to have a desire for ministry, but you must be prepared to pay the price and to meet the requirements of the position.
e. A minister is, by definition, a servant, or a waiter—one who executes the commands of another (in this case, God).
f. Lay down your own desires and follow His.
g. Mark 9:35 KJV — And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
h. Yield to Him and do everything in HIS ability, not your own.
i. 1 Peter 4:11 NKJV — If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
j. Stir up the gift of God—the gracious inner fire.
k. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV — Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
l. Your calling is to do His good pleasure and bring Him glory (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
5. Find Your Passion.
a. Write the vision; it is for an appointed time and it WILL come to pass (Habakkuk 2:2-3).
b. Out of it, will come the plan of God.
c. Speak it out—set your course through faith and patience.
d. Stay focused and don’t allow anything to distract you from your assigned and chosen course.