Purpose

The word purpose is a very simple word.  It means “To intend or resolve; determination; aim; what one strives for.”  From this word we can have a good Bible study.

Solomon said in I Kings 5:5, “I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God.”  In the New Testament the house of God is His church (I Timothy 3:14, 15).  Can we all say that our purpose is to build the Lord’s church?

David said in a prayer in Psalm 17:3, “I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.”  What a great statement!  David’s determination addresses a great need among us.  May we all strive to not sin with our mouths.

Then we read in Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the King’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.”  Today, we live in a world of sin.  We must resolve to not defile ourselves.

In Acts 11:22, 23 we have these great words to new converts, “Barnabas exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.”  Husbands are to cleave unto their wives (Genesis 2:24); and all of us are to cleave unto the Lord.  Does this statement describe our purpose on a daily basis?

Paul said in II Corinthians 9:7, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give.”  Determining our giving with prayerful thought and consideration is very important.  We can certainly do better in this area and surely we can see the necessity of doing so.

Our greatest purpose should be to go to heaven.  That’s what Paul was saying about himself in Acts 21:13, “I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Lord Jesus.”  I appreciate his purpose and want to be like him, don’t you?

Ken Tyler