WE have completed our review of the third chapter in Principles of Spiritual Growth (In Part One of The Green Letters), and now start the fourth. We have looked at the principles of Faith, Time, and Acceptance, now we come to Purpose. Many times, I have referenced this important issue individually and in groups with the open question: “What is God doing,” what is a primary thing that He is working to accomplish in a Christians life?
THE answer: Well, among the many things he in actively doing on behalf of the saints every moment – the central object of His attention is building His Church (Matt 16:18). But there is another first thing found recorded in Rom. 8:29, a critical central theme and focus of what God is doing in time. I often go to this verse when I’m counseling people who are going through difficulties, trials, or temptations. It helps to know why or what is going on in moments of confusion and heartache. We often point to Rom 8:28, the “all things work together for good” verse during difficult times. But the reality check is that all things aren’t good and pleasant even though we have the promise they work to a good end (Gen. 50:20). In truth however, related to Rom. 8:28 – what that actual and good end really amounts to is explained in Rom 8:29, thus putting things in the right perspective! If I know what God is ultimately doing, it puts a whole different slant on what is going on around me, or better what is being done to me, and how I need to rightly respond to those difficult things under the providential hand of God.
IF it is not obvious already, I love this little book. Every single one of these topics is so vital for a healthy Christian walk. So many times, I return to this principle of purpose for personal comfort and encouragement, as well to help others gain this precious perspective. What is God doing? If we understand the program, we’ll understand, appreciate, and hopefully (by God’s grace) embrace the process (Rom 8:29). So, pay particular and prayerful attention to this chapter!
With highest regards in Christ,
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
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Chapter 4—Purpose
How wonderful and encouraging it is to know that our Heavenly Father has made it crystal clear in His Word exactly what His purpose is for each one of us. Now is the time, right in these next few moments, to make sure, on the authority of His eternal Word, as to His purpose for your personal life.
“And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image’” (Gen. 1:26). The first Adam, the head of the human race, was made in God’s image in the realm of personality, intellect, emotions, will, and so on, so that there could be communion, fellowship and cooperation between them; with God sovereign and man subject—subject to His will, which is perfect freedom. But we know that Adam chose his own way in preference to God’s way, relying on himself only, loving just himself. As a result, he immediately became self-centered instead of God-centered; dead to God who is the source of all life, dead in trespasses and sins. In this condition Adam “begat a son in his own likeness, after his [fallen] image” (Gen. 5:3). Thus, he brought forth a sinful, ungodly, self-centered race, born “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1).
“God … hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son; … who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person” (Heb. 1:1–3). Here is the image of God back on earth, this time in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s “last Adam” (I Cor. 15:45). Our natural birth made us members of the fallen, sinful first-Adam race. Our transition from the old sinful race to the new godly race is known as the “new birth.” When we were born again, through “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21), we were born into Him—He became our life (see Col. 3:3, 4). “Thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree” (Rom. 11:24). “For as by one man’s [Adam’s] disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one [Christ] shall many be made righteous” (5:19).
Our Heavenly Father is still carrying out His purpose of making man in His image.
….to be continued. Wait for it, we’ll get to Romans 8:29 next week!
