24 Aug Finding Meaning In Our Lives
Deacon Hui Zhen - 5 December 2013
Grace And Transformation
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:1-5 NIV) It is by grace we have been saved. More than pardoning of the sins, the greatest grace and favor of God is a contrite spirit giveth us each time we hear the gospel. Grace does not allow one to wallow in their weaknesses, grace propels one to come before God each time she falls, and continuously be transformed by the renewing of mind. Genuine transformation of the inner being come from you deeply knowing the depth of God's grace.
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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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