24 Aug Finding Meaning In Our Lives
Pastor Vincent - 26 March 2015
Let God Be True, And Every Man A Liar
We may have heard the gospel often enough. Sometimes, listening to the gospel gives us some practical contradiction as we detect what we feel, think and do right now may not be in agreement with what God says of us. Sometimes, when we are being driven by our emotions, make decisions according to our own desires, pride and gains, we unconsciously defend ourselves by justifying for them without even verifying them through the truth of God. But in the midst of justifying for our disbelief and unfaithfulness, God's faithfulness remains unchanged. Paul said - Let God be true and every human being a liar - including your emotions, your thoughts, the things that draw much of your attention. Nothing in this world, seen and unseen, is more real than God Himself. And this has to be the starting point of faith, ie acknowledging the unchanging God and thus yield to Him first. This is like putting God's will and truth on the other side of the weighing scale, and let it be accentuated in all aspects of our lives more than our own emotions, will and thoughts. Next, knowing the disparity between what we feel and what God says of us, God asks us to test the trueness of His word, so that we will come to know Him better, and see how He's still leading us in His covenant today. As we seek reconciliation with God through what the truth says, our thoughts, emotions and living will be directed to the truth. As we submit to His will, God will prove Himself to be true. Through the message today, may it expose the hidden dilemmas we have been sweeping under the carpet. God says, "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6 NIV)" . Indeed, God wants us to know Him, follow Him and be convinced by the truthfulness of God in everyday of our lives so that we can enjoy the happiness this precious reality brings us!
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* The quest for significance (meaning) is built into our humanness.
* Man is created with lasting and higher meaning as image bearers of God.
* Meaninglessness actually leads to boredom, alcoholism, juvenile delinquency and even suicide.
* Sociologist Durkheim – Greatest number of suicides are caused by anomie, something rendered by meaninglessness. (Anomic suicide takes place when somebody has no goal or purpose in life, or if he has an unattainable goal in his life)
* Quality of church teaching has to increase to truly give meaning to the inner soul.
Verses to Read: <Ecclesiastes 2:1-11>
- Sigmund Freud – Man has the will to pleasure
- Alfred Adler – Man has the will to power
- Word of God – Man has the will to meaning
Solomon couldn’t find meaning through his heart
* Our fallen hearts can only tell us there is no meaning.
* Only God’s truth points us to where true meaning lies.
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
<Ecclesiastes 12:13-14>.
God’s Commandments and Judgment
* Commandments – What we are created for?
* Judgment – What we are ultimately destined for?
① Commandment of Reigning <Gen 1:28>
② Commandment of Obedience <Gen 2:16-17>
The Fall
* Continue to reign, yet in disobedience
* Mankind will destroy each other eventually
Restoration of “true meaning” through Christ
1) Dignity and worth as God’s image bearer – Do His will
2) Eternity
3) Morality
4) Call to excellence
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