Purpose – Planter, Pastor, Preacher

He Has Done It

In the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, Solomon begins with an introductory statement followed by a poem of 28 topics, 14 pairs, comprised of multiples of seven, the biblical number of perfection or completeness, which Solomon uses to describe the seasons and times of this life we live “under heaven.” Each of the fourteen pairs is presented, line by line, using a poetic technique called a merismus, in which two opposites are coupled expressing both and everything in between.[2] For example, to say “a time to be born, and a time to die” is to say there is a time for beginning, a time for ending, and a time for everything in between birth and death. The poem is not Solomon’s attempt at a comprehensive listing of everything we encounter in this life but a poetic elaboration on his introductory statement: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (3:1).

The Powerful Provision of God

It is not because of what we can do for Him that He saves us, “but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— “(Eph. 2:4–5).

Walk by the Spirit

God’s goodness to you includes his empowering presence to make you more like Jesus. That is indeed the good that every Christian wants, walking by the Spirit.

Ordinary Providence

When considering the pain and suffering of this life, many people make one of two assumptions about God. He is either good but not all powerful, or he is powerful but not all good.

Lawless Deeds, Definite Plan

Sometimes, do the circumstances of life make you wonder: Is God really in control? Perhaps doctrinally you know better, but do your thoughts and actions tell differently? Do you wonder sometimes: If God is good, and if “for those who love God all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28), then do bad things mean that God has lost control? Is he merely a spectator, watching as events unfold? Or, does he wait to respond or react as necessary?

Evidence of Purpose

We abide in Christ through faith. We abide in Christ with prayer. And through faith with prayer we evidence our purpose, bearing the fruit of the kingdom of God for his glory.