rick warren, purpose driven life: section 37

PURPOSE 5

YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION

The !uit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.

Prov. 11:30

Thursday 18 November 2010

Sharing your life message

Section 37Pages 289-295


When you become a believer in Christ you become his messenger too - this is your life message and it has 4 parts:Testimony - how your relationship with Jesus beganLife Lessons - the most important ones God has taught youGodly Passions - what God shaped you to care most aboutGood News - message of salvation


Your life message includes your testimony

How Christ made a difference in your life1 Pet 2:9 - But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Witnessing is simply sharing your personal experience


Acts 1:8 - your story is unique, you are a satisfied customer of the gospel.People love to hear personal stories - Paul used his own on at least 6 occasions recorded in the Bible1 Pet. 3:15-16 -But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.


But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Memorise your own testimony - in 4 parts1. Life before I met jesus2. How I realise I needed Jesus3. How I committed my life to Jesus4. The difference Jesus has made in my life


Your life message includes your life lessons

What has God taught you - about Himself, relationships, problems, temptations - we are meant to learn from life, though often we fail to:Ps 119:33 - Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end.


Ps 106:43 -Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.

We need to learn lessons from the lives of others -

Pr. 25:12 - Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

What are the major lessons you have learned in life? Mature people extract lessons from every part of life, this is how we get most of Solomon’s writings


What has God taught me from ...failure?...lack of money?...pain, sorrow, depression?...times of waiting?...illness?...disappointment?...family, church, relationships, small groups, critics?


Your life message includes your godly passions

The passions of God should, over time, become your passions:David - for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.

Jeremiah - But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.


Often the people of God are called to a cause or group of people in the world - the Bible is full of calls too defend the weak and defenseless:Abuse, addiction, infertility, depression, disease, difficulty, the unborn, persecuted, poor, imprisoned, disadvantaged...


Often the people of God are called to a cause or group in the KOGChurch planting, family life, Bible translation, leader training...Reaching businessmen, college students, young mothers...a particular countryGal 4:18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good,


Your life message includes the Good News

Rom 1:17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith.

2 Cor 5:19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.


God never made a person he doesn’t love - we need to express God’s love for them:2 Cor 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.

If you are afraid to share the good news, love leave us no choice...1 Jn 4:18 - There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.


2 Pet 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.‘The church that doesn’t want to grow is saying to the world, “You can go to Hell”’


2 Pet 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.‘The church that doesn’t want to grow is saying to the world, “You can go to Hell”’

What are you wiling to do so that the people you know will go to heaven?


Point to ponder

God wants to say something to the world through me


Verse to remember

1 Peter 3:15-16

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.


Question to consider

As I reflect on my personal story, who does God want me to share it with?


rick warren, purpose driven life: section 37

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