The Purpose of the Christian is TO SERVE the Purpose of Christ (Sunday, Apr 13, 2025)

Introduction: The Deepest Need of the Human Heart

Everyone searches for meaning. At some point or another, every person asks, “Why am I here?” “What is my purpose?” That question is not unique to philosophers or the spiritually inclined. It’s a universal yearning — one that God Himself placed inside us.

The world offers many answers. Some say our purpose is success, happiness, or legacy. Others say it’s simply to survive, have a family, or find love. But all of these, while valuable in their own way, fall short of the divine purpose for which we were created.

The Bible tells us that we were made by God and for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11). That’s why even the most beautiful achievements in life can feel empty without God. There is a “God-shaped void” in every heart, and only Christ can fill it. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has also set eternity in the human heart.”

Part 1: Created with a Purpose Greater than Ourselves

We are not accidents. We are not mere products of biology. We are handcrafted by a Creator who has given every part of His creation — including us — a role in His grand design.

  • The sun brings light and warmth.

  • The trees provide air and shelter.

  • Even animals operate by instinct to fulfill their roles.

But humanity is different. Unlike anything else in creation, we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). We have the capacity to think, choose, worship, and form relationships. We don’t just function — we seek meaning, and we long for something eternal.

Yet this design was broken in the fall. Sin disrupted the original harmony between God and man. Still, God’s love never ceased. He sent Jesus Christ to redeem us and restore our purpose — not only to save us from sin, but to call us into a life of purpose, mission, and transformation.

Part 2: The Great Commission — Our Shared Mission

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His followers one clear command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19–20

This wasn’t just a command to the original twelve apostles or to pastors and missionaries. This was — and still is — the calling of every believer.

God’s purpose for each Christian can be summed up simply:

  • Know Christ deeply

  • Make Christ known boldly

  • Help others grow in Him faithfully

This is discipleship. It is more than attending church or believing in doctrine. It is a life that reflects Christ and draws others into relationship with Him.

Part 3: Two Audiences, One Calling

The sermon rightly pointed out that the world consists of two kinds of people: those who follow Christ, and those who don’t.

1. For those who don’t follow Christ:

We are called to be witnesses — carriers of the Gospel message.

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

The word “witness” in the original Greek (martys) is where we get the word martyr. It’s not just about talking; it’s about living a life that testifies to the reality of Jesus — even at great personal cost.

This can mean:

  • Being bold in conversations with unbelievers

  • Modeling integrity and love in everyday life

  • Being intentional about friendships outside our Christian circle

Too often, we stay within Christian bubbles. But the lost are all around us — neighbors, coworkers, friends, and even family members. We may be the closest some people ever get to the Gospel. God is calling us to step out, pray for opportunities, and lovingly share the truth.

2. For those who do follow Christ:

We are called to edify — to build up the body of Christ.

The New Testament Church wasn’t an audience watching a performance. It was a family, marked by love, truth, correction, and encouragement. Scripture is filled with “one another” commands:

  • “Encourage one another”

  • “Forgive one another”

  • “Carry one another’s burdens”

  • “Teach and admonish one another”

This is not optional. It is the life of the Church. Christianity is not a solo journey — it’s a shared pilgrimage where we help one another grow in faith, love, and holiness.

Part 4: No Spectators in the Body of Christ

One of the most powerful insights from the message was this: There is no difference between the “clergy” and the “laity.”

God never intended the Church to be divided into “doers” and “watchers.” Ephesians 4:11–13 explains that leaders (pastors, teachers, etc.) are given not to do all the ministry themselves, but to equip all believers to do the work of ministry.

“...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ...”
Ephesians 4:12

That means you. Every believer is a minister. Every Christian is a disciple-maker. We all have something to contribute — a word, a testimony, a prayer, a listening ear, a helping hand. No act of love is too small when done in Christ’s name.

So whether you're a student, a parent, a professional, or retired — you have a ministry. God has called you to influence the world and the Church for His glory.

Part 5: Giving Our Utmost for His Highest

The message closed with a challenge: Are we giving our utmost for His highest?

Inspired by the devotional by Oswald Chambers, this phrase calls us to give our best efforts, our best time, and our best love — not for earthly gain, but for God’s eternal purpose.

Yes, the work is great. Yes, it may be uncomfortable. Yes, we may be rejected. But we are not alone.

“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
Colossians 1:29 (NIV)

We do not labor in our strength. Christ is in us, empowering us. As Paul said, our goal is to “present everyone perfect in Christ.” That’s a high calling, but it’s worth everything. Heaven rejoices over one soul that repents. Let’s live in a way that echoes into eternity.

Conclusion: A Purpose Worth Living and Dying For

If you’ve been wondering about your purpose, look no further. You were created:

  • To know Jesus deeply

  • To make Him known passionately

  • To build others up in the faith consistently

Let this purpose shape every part of your life — your decisions, your relationships, your daily routines. And when you feel inadequate, remember: God doesn’t call the equipped — He equips the called. And you are called.