Why Do We Do What We Do? I. Introduction A. As humans, we engage in all kinds of activity all the time B. But do we really stop and think about many of the things that we do? 1. We tend to get stuck in ruts! 2. We have our various habits and processes 3. Eating, working, sleeping, etc.-- it never ends! C. While we may not need to put a lot of thought into many of the things we do, is there value in asking ourselves why we do what we do, especially in spiritual matters? 1. Should we stop and think about what we do and why we do it? 2. What's our purpose in our lives? In the various things we do in our lives? 3. Can our service to God be enhanced and our effort in the Kingdom more effective if we purposefully consider what we are to do and why we are to do it? D. Let us consider the matter today -- why do we do what we do? II. Having Purpose A. When we consider the Bible, we do find the need to have purpose! B. Proverbs 29:18 1. People perish (KJV) or throw off restraint (ESV) where there is no vision 2. Certainly refers to prophetic vision, information we have in the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 3. Yet it demonstrates that people need to have some type of direction! C. Philippians 3:13-14 1. Paul presses on for a goal-- upward call of God in Christ Jesus 2. He casts off everything else to obtain this goal 3. Demonstration of purpose D. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-2 1. Racing imagery 2. Focus, determination, purpose required to win the race, therefore, we must have focus, determination, purpose to fulfill God's purposes! E. The life of Jesus 1. Luke 4:43, John 12:27, John 18:37-- Jesus had a purpose in His existence, to preach the good news of the Kingdom and to die on the cross 2. In three years, He accomplished His purposes 3. Trained the twelve so that all would be ready for the Kingdom (Matthew 10, etc.) 4. Everything He said and did according to His Father's intentions (John 14:9-13, Ephesians 3:11) F. God's Purposes for Us 1. Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:5 2. Our purpose: to be disciples of Christ, make disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) G. We can see, therefore, that purpose is an important element in the life of the Christian! III. Considering Ourselves A. As Christians, we must recognize that we have many obligations 1. All things that we do must be according to God's authority (Colossians 3:17) 2. We must examine ourselves and prove all things (2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 John 4:1) 3. Everything we do should result in God's praise and glory (1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 1:9) B. Therefore, it is good for us to ask ourselves: why do we do what we do? C. This question has two levels 1. First level: if we engage in a given practice, what is our reason for doing it, according to the Scriptures? 2. Second level: why do we engage the practice in the way that we engage it, and how can we improve ourselves/the practice to better fulfill God's purposes? D. We can see how this works in many aspects of our faith E. The Assembly 1. According to Scripture, all things in the assembly are to be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:26) 2. Praying: we pray to thank God, make requests to Him (1 Corinthians 14:14-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)-- the one leading the prayer should consider how the prayer will build up and provide thanks to God 3. Singing: we sing to speak to one another in song (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)-- as singers, we should consider how well we are speaking to one another, and if we really mean what is sung, and song leaders should consider how the songs work to build up and if there is any reason behind the selections of songs 4. Lord's Supper: yes, we know that we are to partake to remember the Lord's death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), but thought can be given as to how we can best encourage brethren in their focusing on the Lord's death as they partake 5. Preaching: preaching is designed to instruct, exhort, rebuke, encourage as necessary (2 Timothy 4:1-2)-- the preacher must give thought as to how the message relates to the people to whom he is preaching, how it will build them up in their faith 6. Giving: giving to be done cheerfully, as one has prospered (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)-- thought must be given by the giver regarding how they give and the church as to what they are asking people to give for F. Evangelism 1. We know that we are to preach the Word and get the message out (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:16) 2. What methods are being used toward that end? Why? Are they effective? What can be done to better reach people? G. As individuals 1. We have many Scriptures that speak about our responsibilities as individuals (Matthew 5:13-16, Ephesians 5:22-6:9) 2. How are we doing in our various roles? How can we do better at reflecting Christ in our relationships? H. The Church 1. The church as body: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 2. Does the local church reflect God's purposes for it? How can the church do better at improving the community and environment so as to better reflect its Lord? 3. How can the church improve how it accomplishes the work given to it? I. The Big Picture 1. Jesus charges all of us to grow as His disciples and to work to encourage and make more disciples (Hebrews 5:14, 2 Peter 3:18, Matthew 28:18-20) 2. Do we have a good handle on our purpose? Do we work diligently to better accomplish that purpose? IV. Why Purpose, Anyways? A. As we can see, there are a lot of ways in which we can ask why we do what we do B. But why is it a profitable venture? C. Humans do better when given a goal and an incentive! 1. This reality is not lost on the world 2. Businesses, organizations, governments use these principles 3. They develop purposes and make goals to accomplish those purposes 4. They have indicators that show how goals are to be accomplished, and many times there are incentives to reach the goals D. Without direction, guidance, and incentive, humans do not accomplish as much and as well as when they are present! E. Humans also need encouragement 1. This is evident-- Hebrews 10:24-25 2. Why are people willing to sacrifice so much for various causes? 3. They are motivated by being part of something greater than themselves and the purpose behind their actions! 4. Is this lost on the church? F. Consider the message of Jesus 1. As Christians, we participate in Christ's Kingdom, are part of God's eternal plan (Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 3:11) 2. We are pictured as part of a much greater conflict (Ephesians 6:12, Revelation 12-19) 3. We are to become disciples and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) 4. The hope of eternal glory is given for those who accomplish God's purposes (Romans 1:17-18, 1 Peter 1:3-9)! G. Here we have all the elements necessary! 1. We are given a purpose and a goal 2. We have indicators in the Scriptures as to how to accomplish these goals 3. We have the greatest incentive to accomplish God's purposes 4. God invites us to be part of something much greater than ourselves 5. God provides great encouragement regarding the purpose of our actions H. How well, then, are we doing at communicating this great message, both to those outside and among ourselves? V. Conclusion A. Considering why we do what we do of great importance B. Without proper purpose and goals, we can get lost in the business of life, and sacrifice the greatest for lesser goods C. When we have the proper purpose and goal in our minds, we will do all we can to accomplish God's purposes to His praise and glory D. We may find that more was accomplished than we could ever dream to be possible-- but that is only possible through the power of God and living lives praising, honoring, and glorifying Him! E. Let us then consider why we do what we do, and honor our Lord by our lives! F. Invitation/songbook