How did you get your way as a kid?
Without a clear purpose, desire sets direction.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
Identity establishes purpose.
Design points to destiny.
Fish — swim
Birds — fly
Cows — steak
Humans — ?
26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion…” – Genesis 1:26 (ESV)
Humans — Image
Sinners — Sin
New Creation — Priests
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)
What are we becoming? Temple
What are we to be? Priests
Identity establishes purpose.
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
Priests represent God before people and bring people nearer to God.
31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. – 1 Corinthians 12:31 (ESV)
1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts… – 1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
To love is to will and act for the good of another.
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37–40 (ESV)
4Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4 (ESV)
5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)
Is how I am living accurately reflecting the love of God?
Is how I am living drawing people nearer to God’s love?
Pursue love, trust God to fulfill your desires.