So That

Transcript

Rob McFarlane 0:59

The title of my sermon today is so that. We use the phrase so that and in order that to talk about purpose. So that is far more common in our everyday language than in order that, and in order that is more formal. For example, we say we set up refreshments at our Sunday meetings so that or in order that we can all enjoy a hot drink and fellowship together after the service. We see that so that shows us cause and effect or the purpose of something. Now, recently I was reading through the scriptures and I started to notice this phrase, so that used in various Bible verses. And today I thought I would share three examples of this with you. So, number one, Jesus came so that through faith in him we can have eternal life. Let's look at John chapter 3 and verse 16. It says, For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. And Jesus came for a purpose. He came so that he would lay down his life for us as the greatest act of love the world has ever seen, so that you and I and everyone else on the face of planet earth have the opportunity to put their faith in him and receive eternal life. Jesus came not just to be a great teacher or to live a great life of example of service, but Jesus came to die in our place so that we can receive His life. Now, eternal life is not just life that continues forever. In fact, the Bible teaches us that eternal life is knowing God. As we get to know Him, we receive eternal life. Now there's two words in the original language, Greek, that have been translated life in our Bibles. And the first talks about life that is an existence. And he's not just talking about an eternal existence in these verses. In fact, what he's talking about is the second word, which is the word Zoe, or life as God intended it. Life full of his joy, his peace, and his purpose. Jesus Christ came and paid the price on the cross so that mankind, through faith in him, can be reconciled into a right relationship with God, the source of all life. I want to encourage you, friend, if you haven't already done so, to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, to invite him to be your Lord and your Savior. It's very simple. The Bible says, everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Number two, we see that the Bible was given so that we can be equipped to serve God. Let's look at 2 Timothy chapter 3, verse 16 and verse 17. It says, All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Some versions say all scripture is inspired by God and is useful. And we saw in this verse, verse 16, that scripture is useful to teach, to rebuke, to correct, and to train. 25% of what we hear or read from the scripture should teach us. 25% should rebuke us and show us where we need to make adjustments. And 25% of what we read and are exposed to in our diet of God's word should train us. But all of this is for a greater purpose, not just for our own personal benefit, but so that we may be thoroughly equipped to do every good work. Scripture is there so that we can grow in our relationship with God and so that we can be equipped to serve Him and His purpose in our generation. God intends for us as His believers to continue His work. Remember, the Great Commission is where Jesus took His mission and He made it a co-mission, where He said, You are called and commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations. The Great Commission is a wonderful privilege and purpose for us as the church. This great task that we would go and tell others and make disciples of all nations, teaching them what he has taught us. And we are equipped to do this by spending time in God's word. So remember, when you spend time in God's word, it's there to help you grow in your relationship with God, but also to equip you to be used by him to do good works that he's prepared in advance for you to do. And number three, the third time we see the word so that in Scripture is in 1 Peter chapter 4, verse 10 and 11. And this teaches us we have been entrusted with gifts so that we can bring glory to God. Let's read 1 Peter chapter 4, verse 10 and 11. It says, Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength that God provides. Why? It tells us so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. These verses teach us that every gift that we have has been entrusted to us, and we are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts that God has invested in our lives. If we speak, we should do it as we speak the very words of God. If we serve, we should do it with the strength that He provides, so that in everything we do He may be glorified, that we would draw people to Him. Friends, whatever gift you have, whether it's a musical gift, ability to sing, and an ability to serve, lead, or organize, or to stand up and speak in an engaging and empowering way. Whatever gift you have, whether it's hospitality, behind the scenes, or upfront, each of those gifts have been entrusted to us so that we can bring glory and praise to Jesus Christ. Let's use what God has entrusted to us for his glory. Let's make sure that whatever we do, we give him the praise and that we draw people to him. God wants to use you and I for his glory, and he's given us gifts and abilities so that we can fulfill the great commission that He has entrusted us with to go and tell all people about His wonderful goodness and love. So, in summary, today we've seen three things. First, we've seen that Jesus came so that through faith in him we can have eternal life. Secondly, we saw the Bible was given so that we can be equipped to serve God. And thirdly, we've seen that we have been entrusted with gifts so that we can bring glory to God. As we pray today, let's ask the Holy Spirit to show us what he wants us to do as a result of what we've heard in today's sermon. Let's pray. Father God, thank you that you send your Son so that we, by putting our faith in him, can have a right relationship with you and can inherit eternal life. Life that makes a difference today and into eternity. Thank you, Lord, for your word, the Bible, that was given to correct us, to train us, to equip us, to empower us, to rebuke us, to teach us, so that we can be equipped to do your good works, to follow you, to follow your example, and to make a difference in the world around us. We ask you for opportunities to serve you today. And thank you for the gifts that you have entrusted to each one of us. We want to use those for your glory. That through our service Jesus Christ may be glorified and people may be drawn to Him. Holy Spirit, we ask you now to show us what you want us to do, what adjustments you want us to make. In Jesus' name. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.