Category Archives: Purpose

Bible, Death, Fruit, Law, Purpose, Scripture

A REASON FOR GETTING UP

ROMANS 7:4

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you also were put to death in regard to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.”

We all need a reason for getting out of bed in the morning, don’t we? If you don’t have some motivation, you might be like the son who refused to get out of bed and go to school even after his mother kept calling and calling him. Finally, his mother went to his bedroom, opened the door and demanded he get up right then. The son replied, “Give me one good reason why I should go to school today.” To that his mother said, “Because you’re the principal.” We all need a reason for getting up.

You may not see it at first glance in this verse, but Paul tells us why we should get up. It’s in the last phrase – “in order that we might bear fruit for God.” Isn’t that a good enough reason to get up and get going each day? Our physical resurrection from sleep should put us right into the vineyard with God. We “were put to death in regard to the Law” so that we can be fruit producers in God’s kingdom.

APPLICATION

Barnes says this about that last phrase of the verse. “That we should live a holy life. This is the point and scope of all this illustration. The new connection is such as will make us holy. It is also implied that the tendency of the Law was only to bring forth fruit unto death Romans 7:5, and that the tendency of the gospel is to make man holy and pure; compare Galatians 5:22-23.”

Look at those verses in Galatians. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” This is our destiny as followers of Christ. We are to live out this fruit of the Spirit every day. I have to admit I miss some of these some days. But I have the obligation to shake that off and go after it again.

God has saved you and delivered you from the bonds of sin, from the chains of the law to serve Him freely. He will produce the fruit as you yield yourself to Him. Take a look at John 15. See how the fruit is the result of the branch (that’s us) abiding in the vine (that’s God). Now, get up and go produce that fruit!

I am simply a branch You have chosen to produce Your fruit as I give myself over to You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Joy, Love, Purpose, Scripture, Unity

HOW TO MAKE COMPLETE JOY

PHILIPPIANS 2:2

“make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

I really like making people feel full of joy. That might be done by surprising them with a gift or a special treat. It might be done by saying the right thing at the right time. It might be done by just showing up unexpectedly. However it is done, the expression on their face also gives me joy. You see, I receive joy by giving joy.

Paul is asking the Philippians to make him full of joy by doing some things to and for each other. Their efforts weren’t directed at him, per say, but he received joy in hearing of their treatment towards each other. Isn’t that what a mentor wants? He or she wants to see them live out what they have been taught. Let’s look at what Paul was asking.

APPLICATION

First of all, he says he wants them to be “of the same mind.” The Greek word here can actually mean to care for or to seek. Paul was asking them to truly think about each other and what was best for each other. It was a heart thing, not just a mind thing.

Then Paul asks them to maintain the same love. The original language literally says “having the same love.” What did that mean? Well, the key is the word “love.” It is the agape love which we know is God’s benevolent love. That love is always looking out for what is best for the other person. It’s a giving love, a sacrificial love.

Next, Paul asks them to be “united in spirit.” The Greek word here is sumpsuchos which is only used right here. Stong’s Lexicon says this, “Sumpsuchos is used to describe a unity of spirit or being of one mind. It conveys the idea of being in full accord or having a shared purpose and mindset. In the New Testament, it is often used to encourage believers to maintain unity and harmony within the body of Christ, reflecting a collective commitment to the teachings and mission of Jesus.”

Finally, Paul says for the Philippians to be “intent on one purpose.” What you don’t see in the English is Paul uses the exact same word he used earlier when he said to have the same mind. He must have really wanted to stress this point. Be like-minded. Agree on a purpose. Work together.

When we do these things we bring joy to our mentors, but we also bring joy to the Lord. Can you spread joy today? Do these things and you too will be full of joy.

Father, help me today to spread the joy of Jesus in the way I treat others.

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Bible, Calling, Purpose, Scripture, Together

KNIT TOGETHER

COLOSSIANS 2:2

“that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,”

You have probably heard the expression “tight knit” to refer to a group of people whether they be family, co-workers or teammates. It is a good thing. It means they have come together as a group and are in agreement on a common goal or purpose. They work together well and rely on each other’s strengths to accomplish their tasks.

Paul uses the Greek word, symbibázō which comes from sýn, “identified with” and embibázō, “to board a ship.” HELPS Word studies says this word means “‘causing to stride together’ (TDNT); (figuratively) to grasp a truth by intertwining ideas needed to ‘get on board,’ i.e. come to the necessary judgment (conclusion); “to prove” (J. Thayer).”

APPLICATION

Don’t you just love that? You could say you are all on board together. Paul’s desire is that these believers in Colossae would be so connected through Christ’s love that they could accomplish whatever God asks them to do. Ephesians 4:16 uses the word this way, “from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

Albert Barnes says this about this word. “It means, properly, to make to come together, and hence, refers to a firm union, as where the heart of Christians are one. Here it means that the way of comforting each other was by solid Christian friendship, and that the means of cementing that was love. It was not by a mere outward profession, or by mere speculative faith; it was by a union of affection.”

So, let me ask you a question. Does that describe your connection with your fellow believers? Are you “knit together” like that? That should be the goal of each believer, each church, each small group. Do your part in being knit together. It begins with you.

O Lord, help me join others in this manner today. Let our hearts be knit together through the love of Christ.

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Bible, Power, Purpose, Scripture, Striving

BIBLICAL STRIVING

COLOSSIANS 1:29

“For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.”

The thought of striving tires me out, lol. As I have gotten older, it takes less and less to make me tired. I don’t know about you, but when I bend down to pick something up, I always look around to see if I need to do anything else while I am down there. Just saying! So, when Paul talks about striving today, I was a little nervous.

Today’s verse is linked back to the previous verse by the phrase “for this purpose.” Actually, in the Greek, it reads “for this” which refers back to verse 28 (take a second and go back read that verse). Paul says he labors or toils, but then he clarifies this. He says, “striving according to His power.” Paul knew we could accomplish nothing outside the power of Christ “which works mightily within me.”

APPLICATION

Strong’s Lexicon gives a great explanation of the Greek word for “striving.” “The verb agónizomai conveys the idea of engaging in a struggle or contest, often with a sense of intense effort or determination. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual and moral effort required in the Christian life. It implies a sense of perseverance and dedication in the face of challenges, akin to an athlete competing in a race or a soldier in battle.”

This word is used 8 times in the New Testament. Let’s look at a couple. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, we see it used in this way. “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” It’s compared to the physical activity of an athlete in games. So, it can involve physical exertion.

 In 1 Timothy 6:12, we see an even harder usage. “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” It’s actually used to talk about fighting. If you don’t know we are in a battle with spiritual forces of darkness, you have already lost that fight.

How are you striving? If you attempt to strive in your own might, you won’t make it. If you only half-heartedly strive, you will fall. If you don’t know against whom you are striving, you will lose those battles. Realize it is His power in you that strives. Submit yourself to Him and win.

Father, I thank You that I am not striving alone. I know You have my back.

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Bible, Creation, Glorify, God's Will, Purpose, Scripture

BY HIS HANDS

COLOSSIANS 1:16

“for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” 

Creation is such an amazing event. We read in Genesis how the Lord spoke everything into existence and then reached down and formed man with His hands. He breathed into him the breath of life. No one evolved into existence. Everything that has ever lived on this earth was the result of God’s interaction. Today’s verse reminds us of this.

Paul took the time to expound on the life we have in Christ. Jesus was there at the very dawn of creation. He was involved in creation. I just love the last phrase of this verse – “all things have been created through Him and for Him.” We not only were His creation. He created us for Himself. Wow! God wanted to make me just like I am. You have heard the expression that God does not make junk. Amen to that. You are special to Him because He chose to create you.

APPLICATION

Barnes speaks of this verse and says this, “the assertion is, that the ‘creative’ power of Christ was exerted on ‘all things.’ It is not in reference to angels only, or to men, or to Jews, or to Gentiles; it is in relation to ‘everything in heaven and in earth;’ that is, to the whole universe.” That kind of covers it, don’t you think?

Why should we, the creation of God, ever doubt His creative work in us? He has made us for a purpose – for His glory. Therefore, all that we do should give glory to Him. So, let me ask you a question. Do you do that? Are you giving Him glory in all that you do? Or are you complaining because your nose is too big or that you are too tall or too short. Remember, God doesn’t make any junk.

Give praise to Him today for creating you in your mother’s womb. Give praise to Him today for making you just like He wanted to – warts and all. Sure, we can all do things to take care of ourselves physically. We can improve our health. But God made you to give Him glory. And if He did that, He expects you to do that.

Father, You are the great Creator. It is You who have made me to glorify You.

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Bible, Blessing, Body, Church, Gifts, Purpose, Scripture

THE GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

EPHESIANS 4:11

“And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,”

Don’t you like getting gifts? I sure do. I am not a materialistic kind of guy, but when someone gifts me, I am happy to accept. Opening that package is exciting. Depending on the size of the box (like the size of a new pickup, lol), it is even more exciting. Why would God treat us any differently? He wants us to receive the gifts He gives with a cheerful heart.

In today’s verse, Paul begins a sentence that runs through verse 13. He is telling the Ephesians how God has given as gifts to the church certain roles. It is interesting he says here “He gave” which literally means to give a gift. Then Paul begins to name these gifts. I am not going to dissect each of these “gifts.” You need to do a little deep dive yourself if you want to know more. But I do want to show you where else Paul talks about this very thing.

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 12:28 we see Paul talking about these offices. Notice, however, the different verb he uses – “appointed.” This passage is directed to those who have received these gifts.  “And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, and various kinds of tongues.” The addition or deletion of certain roles does not mean Paul necessarily valued one over the other. Every part of the body of Christ is valuable and necessary for the kingdom work.

The third time we see Paul talk about these gifts is in Romans 12:6-8 “6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

The question I want to ask you today is what is your gift? How has God gifted you? As a believer, God has saved you for a purpose. He wants to use you as a part of His body. You have a role to play. You may not be a pastor or teacher or an evangelist, but in some unique way God has gifted you. If you aren’t sure what that is, ask Him. He’ll be glad to tell you.

Father, thank You for my gifts of administration and teaching. These give me pleasure as I exercise them in serving You.

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Bible, Eternity, God's Will, Purpose, Scripture

AN ETERNAL PURPOSE

EPHESIANS 3:11

“This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,”

We should always have a reason for the things we do. Even leisure time has a purpose – to rest your body and refresh your spirit. Unfortunately, many of us do things out of rote habit. We haven’t stopped to think why we do the things we do. For instance, why are you taking the time to read this blog? Hopefully, you have found something worthwhile in what I have written in the past, so you “tune in” each day to see what’s next.

The Greek word used for “purpose” is prothesis, which comes from the verb protithemi. These words refer to a setting forth of something in advance for a specific reason. One use of this word is in Hebrews 9:2. “For a tabernacle was equipped, the outer sanctuary, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy Place.” The word “sacred” is prothesis. It refers to the presentation of the bread in the temple. Let’s dig into this a little.

APPLICATION

When Jesus and the disciples were walking through a grain field one Sabbath, they were plucking the grain and eating it. When the Pharisees saw them doing this (they were always watching), they confronted Jesus about gleaning on the Sabbath. Jesus referred them to the story about David and his men who ate the consecrated bread when they were fleeing Saul. The word “consecrated” is the word prothesis.

One verse I am sure you know is Romans 8:28. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” God does not do anything by chance. Behind everything He does is a purpose, a divine purpose, an eternal purpose. He is still at work today carrying out His purposes.

Take a look at your calendar today. What do you have scheduled? Is there a reason you are doing that? Does it have a divine purpose? Let me encourage you to get rid of those things that have no eternal purpose. None of that will last. Concentrate on the things that have an eternal significance and that pleases our Master.

Father, give me wisdom to know how to choose the eternal over the temporal.

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Bible, Correction, God's Will, Kingdom, Perfection, Purpose, Scripture, Temple

A PERFECT FIT

EPHESIANS 2:21

“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,”

As a boy I can remember my dad working to make something fit just right. He would measure carefully (measure twice cut once rule), try the fit, and if it didn’t feel just right to him, he would pull it back apart and file or sand some more. He wanted whatever he was working on to fit right and function properly for years to come. I wouldn’t go so far as to call him a perfectionist, but he was pretty close.

Did you know God is a perfectionist? Of course, you did. God is perfect. He is flawless. So why should it surprise us that anything He does is also perfect. Today’s verse uses a Greek word that is only use twice in the New Testament. In fact, both times it is used in Ephesians (today’s verse and 4:16). HELPS Word studies gives a great definition of the phrase “being fitted together.” It defines synarmologéō as “(hinged together), occurs twice in the NT (Eph 2:21, 4:16) – both times of God ‘fitly framing believers (OT, NT) into a harmonious, synergistic whole.’ That is, each individual being functioning as a part of the one people of God.”

APPLICATION

In yesterday’s blog we looked at the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and how He fitted the two walls (Gentiles and Jews) together. Synarmologéō just goes on to complete that picture. The first part of that word is the preposition sun which is the Greek word that implies an inseparable togetherness. This “fitting together” is permanent. And the purpose of this “fitting together” is to build a permanent holy temple. This temple is not an earthly temple. No! It is a heavenly temple for all believers.

Look at what Paul said in the letter to the Galatians. 3:26-29 says, “26 For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.”

Listen, beloved, we are all “fitted together” to serve the Lord. The reason God brought us to Himself was to be a part of the big picture. You are important in the kingdom. He needs you to do your part, to play your role. It’s not about works. It’s about service. Will you “fit together” today? Allow God to use His tools of grace on you to make you fit perfectly.

Thank You, Lord, for all the filing and chiseling You do on me to make me more like You.

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Bible, Eternity, Foundation, Messiah, Purpose, Scripture, Strength

THE CORNERSTONE

EPHESIANS 2:20

“having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,”

Just what is a cornerstone? Well, it is a stone placed at the corner of a building. Thanks a lot, Carl. You are so smart. I’m not trying to be funny, but that is what it is. It is used to connect two walls and is used by the mason to make sure the walls are plumb. That cornerstone may be square or another shape but is still a very important foundational stone for any building.

Christ is the cornerstone. It says so right here in today’s verse. What does that mean. He is the stone that holds the two walls of the Gentiles and the Jews together. Together they make one building for God’s kingdom. Our people are connected through Jesus. As Paul says “the foundation” is important. Without that firm foundation, the building will crumble. All will fall. That is not possible with Jesus as our cornerstone.

APPLICATION

The Greek word that is used for “cornerstone” is used here and just once more over in 1 Peter 2:6. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.’”

This quote comes from Isaiah 28:16. “For this is contained in Scripture: ‘BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOICE STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.’” This forthtelling of Jesus is just one of the over 300 Messianic prophecies. Jesus was always God’s Plan A.

How does this apply to us? We must place our trust in Jesus and then trust He is able to handle anything. That cornerstone has been established for eternity. That cornerstone can withstand any storm that comes against it. That cornerstone cannot be removed. It is permanent! Believe that! Trust that! Amen?

How firm a foundation is our Lord. Thank You, Father, for laying that cornerstone.

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Choices, Estrangement, Promises, Purpose, Scripture, Separation

SEPARATE FROM CHRIST

EPHESIANS 2:12

“remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

Separation from those you love is hard. Whether it is due to death, a move across the country or world or estrangement, it’s hard to deal with. Why? Because our love doesn’t stop just because the person(s) is out of our sight. We continue to love them, but now we can’t touch them (hug, kiss). We miss them. Our heart aches for them. If you have experienced this, you know the deep longing that is with you every day.

Paul reminds us in today’s verse that we were once separate from Christ. We had no part in Him. Most of us never even realized we were separate from Him. We were going on our merry way as if everything was fine. But we weren’t fine. Paul says we were “excluded” for God’s people, we were “strangers” to God’s promises and we had “no hope” because we lacked God’s purpose. No people, no promise, no purpose. That’s separation from God.

APPLICATION

Paul uses a Greek word in this verse for “excluded” which can be defined as “estranged.” The word is apallotrioó, which is only used two other times in the New Testament. Later in this letter (4:18) and in Colossians 1:21. All three times it refers to an alienation or exclusion from Christ before we were saved. What does that mean for us as believers? It means we should be grateful for what we have now. Amen? We should occasionally lookback and give God praise for all He has done for us.

Sometimes our exclusion, our estrangement is of our own doing. We decided to move away from Christ. We don’t live as if He has any part of us. We are actually shunning the Spirit of God that is in us as believers. Listen, beloved, that is dangerous territory. That puts you outside the umbrella of His protection. As for me, I choose to stay under that protection.

Paul says we are “strangers.” That Greek word is xenos.It is where we get “xenophobia” -the fear of people. I don’t want to be a stranger to Christ. I want to be family. Don’t you? We all want our families to be close. We all want to be able to share our love with one another. Christ desires the same with us. He is drawing you close today. Do you feel that tug? It’s Him!

O Father, thank You for drawing me into Your family so I am no longer an alien or stranger.

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