What's The Point Of Living?
Preaching
Lions And Cows Dining Together
And 111 Other Sermon Ideas
Object:
Purpose Statement: Why are we here and what should be our goals or purpose for life?
I'm sure you have occasionally encountered someone, often elderly, who will say, "I am still living, so God must have a reason for me still being here, but I haven't figured out what that reason is yet." This concern goes to the heart of what life is all about (note a related sermon idea X-9, "Why In The World Is There A World?"). Ecclesiastes 5:8 to 6:12, concerning goal setting and purpose for life, is a much ignored Bible passage that should be dealt with at some point. The sentiments are very pessimistic, dismal, and morbid. How do we interpret or explain this reading? We could say the author is simply posing a philosophical question and answering it by suggesting the usual pursuits of the common folk -- wealth, comfort, conquests, and such -- are not sufficient. But our point is to find a positive purpose for our life in the light of these melancholy expressions encountered occasionally in others, as well as in ourselves.
The question, "Why are we here?" as mentioned above is approached from a particular, specific, task-oriented position such as: "Am I supposed to find a cure for cancer, write a book, convert a certain person to Christ, or found an institution?" Perhaps our concern should be a larger and more general question, "What is the over-arching purpose for life?" Some answers could be:
a. To enjoy life. Does this sound hedonistic? I'm sorry, but this may very well be one of God's reasons for giving us life. Genesis 1:24-31 tells of God's love in giving us existence and consciousness. We are meant to experience joy, satisfaction, and pleasure in life. That is why the world has so much beauty (flowers, sunsets, great music, and the like) and so much potential love. That is why there are beautiful relationships as we learn to share life with others.
b. To mature. We can avoid the pessimism of Ecclesiastes as we grow beyond the superficial pleasures of life and find the more mature satisfactions. One of our ultimate goals is to know God and God's will. We can grow to appreciate the lasting satisfactions that result from sacrifice and work, in contrast to the more shallow, immediate, and selfish gratifications that are more glitter and sparkle, and less substance.
c. To help others. There is greater joy in serving and loving others than in entertaining selfish ambitions. The great commandment (Luke 10:27) to love God with all we have, and our neighbor as we love our self, is at the heart of the purpose for life. This is what brings joy and pleasure. We must not be afraid to affirm that a significant purpose of our life is our enjoyment and appreciation of this world, as well as sharing that experience with others as we build beautiful relationships.
I'm sure you have occasionally encountered someone, often elderly, who will say, "I am still living, so God must have a reason for me still being here, but I haven't figured out what that reason is yet." This concern goes to the heart of what life is all about (note a related sermon idea X-9, "Why In The World Is There A World?"). Ecclesiastes 5:8 to 6:12, concerning goal setting and purpose for life, is a much ignored Bible passage that should be dealt with at some point. The sentiments are very pessimistic, dismal, and morbid. How do we interpret or explain this reading? We could say the author is simply posing a philosophical question and answering it by suggesting the usual pursuits of the common folk -- wealth, comfort, conquests, and such -- are not sufficient. But our point is to find a positive purpose for our life in the light of these melancholy expressions encountered occasionally in others, as well as in ourselves.
The question, "Why are we here?" as mentioned above is approached from a particular, specific, task-oriented position such as: "Am I supposed to find a cure for cancer, write a book, convert a certain person to Christ, or found an institution?" Perhaps our concern should be a larger and more general question, "What is the over-arching purpose for life?" Some answers could be:
a. To enjoy life. Does this sound hedonistic? I'm sorry, but this may very well be one of God's reasons for giving us life. Genesis 1:24-31 tells of God's love in giving us existence and consciousness. We are meant to experience joy, satisfaction, and pleasure in life. That is why the world has so much beauty (flowers, sunsets, great music, and the like) and so much potential love. That is why there are beautiful relationships as we learn to share life with others.
b. To mature. We can avoid the pessimism of Ecclesiastes as we grow beyond the superficial pleasures of life and find the more mature satisfactions. One of our ultimate goals is to know God and God's will. We can grow to appreciate the lasting satisfactions that result from sacrifice and work, in contrast to the more shallow, immediate, and selfish gratifications that are more glitter and sparkle, and less substance.
c. To help others. There is greater joy in serving and loving others than in entertaining selfish ambitions. The great commandment (Luke 10:27) to love God with all we have, and our neighbor as we love our self, is at the heart of the purpose for life. This is what brings joy and pleasure. We must not be afraid to affirm that a significant purpose of our life is our enjoyment and appreciation of this world, as well as sharing that experience with others as we build beautiful relationships.
