Living on Purpose: Embracing Today with Wisdom
Pastor Kenny Navarro
September 25, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Setting the Stage with Solomon's Wisdom:
We'll begin by looking at one of the greatest intellectuals in human history: Solomon.
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 (Easy-to-Read Version)
"The same thing happens to animals and people; they die. People and animals have the same breath. Is a dead animal different from a dead person? It is all so senseless."
These words, though sobering, come from a man considered the wisest of his time and remain relevant to us today.
Main Message: Living on Purpose
Our key message focuses on three simple words: Living on Purpose. We'll explore this in three parts: Live, On, and Purpose.
Live: Embracing Today
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:22 - "Nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own work, for that is his heritage."
Living is about being fully present and embracing the life we have now.
Too often, we are stuck in the past, filled with regrets, or anxious about the future.
Today is an accumulation of all our yesterdays.
What we do today determines our tomorrow.
Analogy: Being on life support – technically alive but not living. How many of us are merely existing, not thriving?
Question: Are you thriving or merely surviving?
Application:
Take full advantage of what you have today:
Educational opportunities
Relationships
The life experiences God has given you
Remember Psalm 118:24: "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Living Within Boundaries
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9 - "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth... but know that for all these, God will bring you into judgment."
Living on means living with context, direction, and boundaries.
Boundaries help us measure success, keep us accountable, and guide our decisions.
We all face limits and rules in life:
Without boundaries, life becomes chaotic, and success becomes elusive.
Illustration: Staying up all night eating junk food may feel great in the moment but has consequences for the days that follow.
Application:
Identify the boundaries God has placed in your life.
Boundaries aren’t restrictions but guidelines to help us live a fulfilling life.
Society’s tendency to remove boundaries leads to confusion and chaos.
Staying within God’s guidelines leads to true freedom and fulfillment.
Purpose: Understanding the End Goal
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all."
At the end of our lives, we must be able to look back and see a life lived with purpose.
Life without purpose is meaningless. Solomon reminds us of the ultimate purpose: to fear God and keep His commandments.
The purpose is the "why" behind everything we do. It’s not just about existing but living with intentionality.
Paul’s example in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Application:
Ask yourself: What is my end goal? What am I striving towards?
Evaluate if your actions today are moving you closer to that purpose.
Ensure your purpose aligns with God’s ultimate calling for your life.
Conclusion:
Life is fleeting, and our time is limited.
Be diligent and intentional in living on purpose.
Don’t let hindsight be a reflection of your negligence but a celebration of your diligence.
Final Challenge: Who is the God you will give an account to at the end of your life? Ensure that your purpose aligns with God’s will and that you live in a way that honors Him.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for the opportunity to hear His Word and ask for guidance in living a life full of purpose, wisdom, and abundance.
Pray for those struggling to find clarity and direction, that the Holy Spirit will guide them to live on purpose.
Final Blessing:
“Lord, help us recognize and seize the opportunities before us. May we live each day in Your wisdom and grace. In Jesus' name, amen.”
Biblical References
Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 (Easy-to-Read Version)
"The same thing happens to animals and to people; they die. People and animals have the same breath. Is a dead animal different from a dead person? It is all so senseless. The bodies of people and animals end the same. They came from the earth, and in the end, they will go back to the earth."
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NKJV)
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."
Ecclesiastes 3:22 (NKJV)
"So I perceived that nothing is better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his heritage. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?"
Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
"This is the day that the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."
Ecclesiastes 11:9 (NKJV)
"Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; Walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; But know that for all these God will bring you into judgment."
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV)
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil."
2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV)
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearance."
Reflection Questions
In what areas of your life do you feel you have not been living with purpose and intention? How can you start applying wisdom to these areas today?
Reflect on a piece of wisdom you received that you initially resisted but later realized was beneficial. How can you be more open to receiving wisdom, even when it feels uncomfortable?
Solomon reminds us that life is temporary and that all our achievements end up in the same place. How does this truth impact the way you view your goals and priorities?
Paul speaks about running in a way to receive an imperishable crown. What would it mean for you to live in a way that aligns with an eternal perspective rather than focusing on temporary rewards?
What boundaries or limitations have you struggled to accept in your life? How can you see these boundaries as opportunities for growth and guidance, rather than restrictions?
Daily Activities
Journaling on Wisdom
Activity: Set aside 15 minutes each morning this week to journal about a moment in your life when you received wisdom that you initially resisted but later found beneficial. Reflect on how this wisdom has shaped your decisions.
Application: This exercise helps you recognize the value of wisdom in your life, enabling you to be more receptive to guidance and correction in the future.
Daily Gratitude for the Present
Activity: Each evening, write down three things you appreciated about your day, focusing on how you embraced the present moment. Consider how you experienced joy, peace, or productivity in that day.
Application: This practice will help you cultivate a mindset of being present and grateful, allowing you to live more fully in the moment, as Solomon encourages.
Setting Boundaries for Intentional Living
Activity: Identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed or without direction. Establish at least three clear boundaries or guidelines that will help you navigate this area more purposefully.
Application: By implementing these boundaries, you’ll be creating a structure that allows you to focus your energy and live more intentionally, as emphasized in the sermon.
Creating a "Life Goals" Vision Board
Activity: Create a vision board that visually represents your long-term goals, values, and the legacy you wish to leave. Include images, words, and Bible verses that align with living on purpose.
Application: This vision board will serve as a daily reminder of the direction you want your life to take, helping you make choices that align with your ultimate purpose and calling.
Service Challenge
Activity: Commit to serving someone in your community or church in a way that stretches you outside of your comfort zone. This could be volunteering, mentoring, or simply offering support to someone in need.
Application: By serving others, you apply the message of living on purpose and wisdom. It shifts your focus from self-centered living to a life that reflects the values and love of Christ.
