How to be a Huge Success in Life

Success according to the Bible

Success . . .
How would you define success? _________________________ How is success usually defined? _________________________

Bumper Sticker Definition

Three Important Steps

I. The Right Perspective on Our PURPOSE

Our Purpose in Life . . . What is the meaning of life?

Its a good question!

Dr. Hugh Moorhead, philosophy professor at Northeastern Illinois University once wrote to 250 of the best-known philosophers, scientists, writers, and intellectuals in the world. He asked this singular question: What is the meaning of life?

Dr. Moorhead published their responses in a book. Some offered their best guesses, some admitted that they just made up a purpose for life, and others were honest enough to say they were clueless. In fact, a number of famous intellectuals asked Professor Moorhead to write back and tell them if he discovered the purpose of life!

First Baptist Church: September 25th through November 7th

So What is our Purpose?

Westminster Shorter Catechism (1640s): Q: What is the chief end of man? A: Mans chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31, . . . Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Words of Jesus . . .
What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly (John 10:10)

Isaiah 55:8-9
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Power

Three businessmen were comparing ideas on what they thought it meant to be successful.

The first said, Id say I had arrived if I were summoned to the White House for a private, personal meeting with the president of the United States.

The second said, To me success would mean meeting with the president in the oval office, having the hot line ring during our talk, and watching the president ignore it.

The third said, I think youre a success if youre privately consulting with the president, the hot line rings, he picks it up, and says, Its for you.

Words of Paul . . .
Do not be conformed to this world . . . (Romans 12:2) Dont let the world squeeze you into its mold.

Action Questions
1. What steps have I taken to ensure that I

am fulfilling my ultimate purpose in life? 2. What else do I need to do in this area?

Three Important Steps

I. The Right Perspective on Our PURPOSE

Next Step

II. The Right Perspective on Our POSSESSIONS

George Bernard Shaw

There are two sources of unhappiness in life . . . One is not getting what you want; The other is getting it.

Money is Not the Key to Happiness

Words of Solomon . . .
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

Words of Paul . . .
We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these things we shall be content (1 Timothy 6:7-8)

Crown Financial Ministries

Debt counseling . . . What do you think the answer to your problem is? We need to make more money.

Words of Jesus . . .
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for ones life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses (Luke 12:15).

Words of Paul . . .
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

Action Questions
1. Am I too focused on the accumulation of

things? 2. What steps do I need to take to ensure that I have the right perspective here?

Three Steps

I. II. III.

The Right Perspective on Our PURPOSE The Right Perspective on Our POSSESSIONS The Right Perspective on Our PRIORITIES

Words of Paul . . .
Pay careful attention to how you walknot as unwise people but as wisemaking the most of the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Patrick Morley
How are you doing? Im busy and balanced.

Right Priorities in Two Areas

1. Family 2. Future

Scott Davis . . .
Do you want to go with me? Where? I didnt ask you that. I said, Do you want to go with me?

If youre not a success at home, youre not a success

Take time to be with family. Schedule it on your calendar.

Billy Graham
If I could live my life over again, one of the things I would try to do is spend more time with my family . . .

Right Priorities in Two Areas

1. Family 2. Future

Words of James . . .
What is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14)

Words of Jesus . . .
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

Action Questions
1. Am I making time to be with family?

2. What preparations have I made for the

future?

How to Be a Huge Success in Life

1. Have the Right Perspective on your PURPOSE. 2. Have the Right Perspective on your POSSESSIONS. 3. Have the Right Perspective on your PRIORITIES.