Monday Memo 1244: Purpose Lessons from the Life of Paul

It’s time for a new series that I believe will enhance our ability to find and fulfill our creative purpose. While seeking the Lord recently, it occurred to me that in my 30-year writing career I've often referenced and mentioned my hero, my mentor, and my source for much of my purpose material—but I've never focused an entire book on his life and work.

I've written about David, Moses, Nehemiah, Gideon, Esther, and Mary the mother of Jesus, but I've never put the spotlight on this remarkable example of purpose, creativity, and goal-driven living. Therefore, I'm devoting the next six months to studying the man who did more to shape the early church than anyone except Jesus Himself: the Apostle Paul.

Half of a large bookcase in my office contains books about Paul—his travels, theology, development, and impact. I've also visited several of the places connected to his ministry: Ephesus, Philippi, Rome, Thessalonica, Athens, and Berea. Now it's time to take what I've learned over the years and synthesize it into practical purpose lessons that you and I can learn from and emulate.

The challenge won't be finding material. The challenge will be sorting through so much material in order to distill clear lessons that will help us become people of purpose like Paul was.

In some ways, I feel a kinship with Paul because I'm also a writer. He traveled quite a bit in ministry and so do I. I can only wish that I might have a fraction of the impact he had when he wrote and did. Today I have access to technology that allows me to disseminate what I create instantly around the world. Paul used the technology of his day—pen, ink, parchment, Roman roads, and shipping routes—to reach the churches he founded and others who needed his wisdom and encouragement.

Like David, Paul often wrote under duress, sometimes from prison and often while carrying the heavy burden of concern for the churches he loved. He wrote thirteen letters that still speak to God’s people two thousand years later. In those letters, he recorded some of the passages that have strengthened and guided my own pursuit of purpose, such as:

• Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:10 – “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”
• Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
• Philippians 2:19-23 – “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.”

There are many more passages like these, and in the coming weeks we will explore them in their proper context.

The life of the Apostle Paul is not only a story to admire—it's a life from which we can learn. Throughout this series we'll examine the events that shaped Paul’s journey and the purpose lessons that emerge from those moments. To help you apply these lessons personally, each chapter will conclude with three short sections designed to move the ideas from Paul’s life into your own.

• Your Turn invites you to reflect on how the principle from Paul’s life might apply to your situation. Paul’s story is powerful, but its greatest value comes when it challenges us to examine our own calling and direction.
• A Question Paul Might Ask You places you face to face with the kind of challenge Paul often gave the people he taught. In his letters and conversations, Paul asked probing questions that forced believers to examine their faith and their purpose. These questions are meant to help you do the same.
• Purpose Moment provides a brief pause for reflection. Before moving on, take a moment to think, pray, and consider what God may be saying to you through Paul’s example.

Taken together, these three elements will help you move from simply learning about Paul to allowing his life to sharpen your own sense of purpose.

I'm excited about this new series—more excited than I've been about a project in quite some time. To write about Paul is an honor. To emulate his life is a necessity. And to make an impact on the church like he did—and still does—is a privilege. Next week we begin a new journey together: Purpose Lessons from the Life of Paul.