Fulfilling Life's Purpose

FULFILLING LIFE’S PURPOSE
Colossians 1:24 - 2:1

Who would be included on your list of the most successful people you know? What is the mark of true success?

Paul presents three attitudes that drove him to success.

1. To Succeed In Life Be Willing To Suffer

When most see successful people they don't see the heartaches, pain, and loneliness that came with it.

Success comes to those willing to suffer, to work longer hours, to endure criticism not deserved, and to give more.

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of the body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24 NIV

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 1 Peter 4:1 NIV

“We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we've already done.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2. To Succeed In Life Be Willing To Serve

“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:28 NIV

The student is not above the teacher." Luke 6:40 NIV

The servant identifies with and is willing to serve those he leads.

Paul said about the church... I have become its servant by the commission God gave me. Colossians 1:25 NIV

Paul committed his life to teaching the Word of God, and showing them how to grow as Christians.

The leader who loves people will serve them. The leader who doesn't love people spends his life using them.

3. To Succeed In Life Be Willing To Struggle

To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. I want you to know how much I am struggling for you for those at Laodicea , and for all those who have not met me personally. Colossians 1:29 – 2:1 NIV

"A man can be as great as he wants to be…If you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done." Vince Lombardi

Paul speaking figuratively said, "I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified from the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:27 NIV

What would you do if you knew you had only one week to live? How would you spend those final hours?

Steve Camp song "Run to the Battle" begins with:
Some people want to live within the sound of a chapel bell
But I want to run a mission a mile from the gates of hell.