RPG Adults
WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 18
James 5:5
Proverbs 4:14-19
“For they eat the bread of wickedness,
and drink the wine of violence.”
WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?
James warns those who live just for earthly pleasure, living a life of indulgence to feed their hearts. Is this the purpose of life? The Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 1 asks, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer given by the Westminster Divines is, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Solomon concludes in Ecclesiastes 12:13- 14, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”
For pleasure: In James 5:5, James describes the self-indulgence of the rich. They live “in pleasure” (in bliss) and “wanton” (or luxuriously) while exploiting their labourers. James condemned the evil rich for such living at the expense of others. The word “wanton” has the connotation of pursuing lustful desires. Those who seek fun and luxury often descend into vices to satisfy their insatiable appetites. These undoubtedly characterise people who have no God. They are blind and cannot see beyond worldly conveniences. Read John 3:3.
For nourishment: They nourish or fatten their hearts. To nourish is “to feed,” which, in a bad sense, points to overindulgence in revelry. The striking picture portrayed is that of oppressive, self-indulgent robbers, who have satiated themselves on the plunder taken from their poor victims. The desire for luxury leads to vice. This action leads the unjust hoarders to selfishly seek and indulge every desire of their hearts. The delights of their senses are their chief pleasures. They intend to gratify their sensual appetites without restraint.
Dear reader, what is the purpose of your life? Is it to glorify God in heaven or to enjoy gold on this earth? Similarly, read Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
THOUGHT: What is the purpose of my life?
PRAYER: Father, may I be obedient to fulfil the purpose of my life according to Thy Word.