Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
#WordofGod
#Baptism
#Commandment
#Attitude
#Purpose
#KingdomofGod
#Ministry
#Prophecy
#Encouragement
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - Finding Your "One Thing" In Life (Part 2) | June 30, 2025
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.528
- [narrator] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
- 00:00:06.629 --> 00:00:08.765
- Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
- 00:00:08.765 --> 00:00:11.801
- With dr. robert jeffress.
- 00:00:11.801 --> 00:00:13.903
- Hi, i'm robert jeffress and welcome again
- 00:00:14.771 --> 00:00:17.006
- To "pathway to victory."
- 00:00:17.006 --> 00:00:18.775
- Of all the images that the bible uses
- 00:00:18.775 --> 00:00:21.211
- To describe the church,
- 00:00:21.211 --> 00:00:22.812
- The most frequently used image is that of the human body.
- 00:00:22.812 --> 00:00:26.649
- Christ is the head and we're the parts of his body.
- 00:00:26.649 --> 00:00:30.120
- But very few christians truly understand
- 00:00:30.120 --> 00:00:32.388
- Where they fit into this intricate system.
- 00:00:32.388 --> 00:00:35.492
- Well today, i'm going to show you
- 00:00:35.492 --> 00:00:37.193
- Why finding your unique purpose in life
- 00:00:37.193 --> 00:00:40.263
- Is not only key to your own fulfillment,
- 00:00:40.263 --> 00:00:42.866
- But it's also key to the local church
- 00:00:42.866 --> 00:00:45.101
- Reaching its potential.
- 00:00:45.101 --> 00:00:47.137
- My message is titled "finding your 'one thing' in life,"
- 00:00:47.137 --> 00:00:51.407
- On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
- 00:00:51.407 --> 00:00:55.678
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:00:55.678 --> 00:00:57.881
- ♪ there is a day coming ♪
- 00:00:57.881 --> 00:01:03.653
- ♪ when the old will pass away ♪
- 00:01:04.320 --> 00:01:10.160
- ♪ and every wrong will be made right ♪
- 00:01:11.027 --> 00:01:14.464
- ♪ no darkness no night ♪
- 00:01:14.464 --> 00:01:18.067
- ♪ the son will light the way ♪
- 00:01:18.067 --> 00:01:23.573
- ♪ there is a king coming ♪
- 00:01:24.174 --> 00:01:29.746
- ♪ the one who conquered death and grave ♪
- 00:01:30.613 --> 00:01:36.386
- ♪ no more pain and no more sorrow ♪
- 00:01:37.187 --> 00:01:40.557
- ♪ this hope for tomorrow is our hope for today ♪
- 00:01:40.557 --> 00:01:48.932
- (people clapping)
- 00:01:49.365 --> 00:01:51.367
- ♪ he who was, he who is ♪
- 00:01:51.367 --> 00:01:57.407
- ♪ he who was, he who is ♪
- 00:01:58.007 --> 00:02:03.613
- ♪ he who is to come ♪
- 00:02:04.147 --> 00:02:08.785
- ♪ is christ the son of man ♪
- 00:02:08.785 --> 00:02:12.188
- ♪ is riding on the clouds ♪
- 00:02:12.188 --> 00:02:15.158
- ♪ with a crown upon his head ♪
- 00:02:15.158 --> 00:02:18.828
- ♪ and every eye will see him ♪
- 00:02:18.828 --> 00:02:21.764
- ♪ with the nail scars in his hand ♪
- 00:02:21.764 --> 00:02:26.035
- ♪ will sing hallelujah ♪
- 00:02:26.035 --> 00:02:29.239
- ♪ he who is to come ♪
- 00:02:29.239 --> 00:02:34.344
- ♪ is christ the son of man ♪
- 00:02:34.978 --> 00:02:38.381
- ♪ is riding on the clouds ♪
- 00:02:38.381 --> 00:02:41.517
- ♪ with a crown upon his head ♪
- 00:02:41.517 --> 00:02:45.054
- ♪ and every eye will see him ♪
- 00:02:45.054 --> 00:02:48.057
- ♪ with the nail scars in his hand ♪
- 00:02:48.057 --> 00:02:52.161
- ♪ sing hallelujah ♪
- 00:02:52.161 --> 00:02:55.632
- ♪ just hallelujah ♪
- 00:02:55.632 --> 00:02:58.501
- ♪ is coming back again ♪
- 00:02:58.501 --> 00:03:02.138
- ♪ hallelujah ♪
- 00:03:02.138 --> 00:03:05.441
- ♪ yeah hallelujah ♪
- 00:03:05.441 --> 00:03:15.418
- (congregation applauding)
- 00:03:15.985 --> 00:03:20.923
- -jesus declared,
- 00:03:21.291 --> 00:03:22.859
- "you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world."
- 00:03:22.859 --> 00:03:25.495
- -(dramatic music) -with so much darkness creeping
- 00:03:25.495 --> 00:03:26.763
- Into our schools and communities,
- 00:03:26.763 --> 00:03:28.765
- Now is the time to answer that calling.
- 00:03:28.765 --> 00:03:31.167
- Become the salt and light the world desperately needs
- 00:03:31.167 --> 00:03:34.137
- Through the "pathway to victory"
- 00:03:34.137 --> 00:03:35.505
- Salt & light matching challenge.
- 00:03:35.505 --> 00:03:37.607
- Your gift today, doubled in ministry impact,
- 00:03:37.607 --> 00:03:40.176
- Will empower "pathway to victory" to proclaim the gospel
- 00:03:40.176 --> 00:03:43.313
- And stand for biblical truth.
- 00:03:43.313 --> 00:03:45.148
- Push back and hold strong against moral decline
- 00:03:45.148 --> 00:03:48.051
- By joining the salt & light matching challenge.
- 00:03:48.051 --> 00:03:51.888
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:03:52.221 --> 00:03:56.459
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:03:56.793 --> 00:03:58.294
- God has always chosen mercifully to allow us
- 00:03:58.294 --> 00:04:01.831
- To be partners with him in work.
- 00:04:01.831 --> 00:04:04.934
- Do you do those read through the bible programs?
- 00:04:05.935 --> 00:04:07.704
- I started mine again this week, and of course,
- 00:04:07.704 --> 00:04:09.739
- Landed back in genesis,
- 00:04:09.739 --> 00:04:11.474
- Just waiting to get to the begats.
- 00:04:11.474 --> 00:04:14.243
- But i was back in genesis.
- 00:04:14.243 --> 00:04:16.079
- Remember reading about creation.
- 00:04:16.079 --> 00:04:18.781
- Remember, god created the garden of eden absolutely perfect.
- 00:04:18.781 --> 00:04:22.618
- He needed no help from adam and eve to do that.
- 00:04:22.618 --> 00:04:25.621
- But after he created the perfect garden,
- 00:04:25.621 --> 00:04:27.657
- Remember what he said to adam and eve?
- 00:04:27.657 --> 00:04:28.991
- He said, "i've created it,
- 00:04:28.991 --> 00:04:30.927
- But your job is to cultivate it and to keep it.
- 00:04:30.927 --> 00:04:34.664
- I've done my part.
- 00:04:34.664 --> 00:04:35.998
- Here's your part."
- 00:04:35.998 --> 00:04:37.233
- Or remember god said to noah, he said,
- 00:04:37.233 --> 00:04:38.768
- "noah, i'm going to send a flood and destroy the world.
- 00:04:38.768 --> 00:04:41.204
- I'm going to save you and a select few.
- 00:04:41.204 --> 00:04:43.272
- That's what i'm going to do,
- 00:04:43.272 --> 00:04:44.640
- But it's your responsibility to build the ark."
- 00:04:44.640 --> 00:04:47.643
- God said to nehemiah,
- 00:04:47.643 --> 00:04:49.278
- "nehemiah, i'm going to miraculously change the king's heart
- 00:04:49.278 --> 00:04:52.448
- And allow your people to go back to israel.
- 00:04:52.448 --> 00:04:55.151
- That's what i'm doing, but i want you to build a wall
- 00:04:55.151 --> 00:04:58.087
- Around the city."
- 00:04:58.087 --> 00:04:59.389
- And god has said to you and to me,
- 00:04:59.389 --> 00:05:01.090
- "i have sent my son, jesus christ,
- 00:05:01.090 --> 00:05:04.360
- To offer the greatest gift of all-time,
- 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:06.462
- The gift of salvation.
- 00:05:06.462 --> 00:05:07.864
- That's what i'm doing, but i've commissioned you
- 00:05:07.864 --> 00:05:10.299
- To go and share that gospel
- 00:05:10.299 --> 00:05:12.101
- With as many people as possible."
- 00:05:12.101 --> 00:05:14.637
- And in case anybody misses what that mission is
- 00:05:14.637 --> 00:05:18.741
- That we need to connect to,
- 00:05:18.741 --> 00:05:20.376
- Listen to jesus' final words to his disciples
- 00:05:20.376 --> 00:05:23.246
- Before he ascended into heaven.
- 00:05:23.246 --> 00:05:24.981
- Matthew 28: 19 and 20,
- 00:05:24.981 --> 00:05:27.283
- "go therefore and make disciples of all nations,
- 00:05:27.283 --> 00:05:31.988
- Baptizing them in the name of the father, the son,
- 00:05:31.988 --> 00:05:34.690
- And the holy spirit,
- 00:05:34.690 --> 00:05:36.058
- Teaching them to observe all that i commanded you;
- 00:05:36.058 --> 00:05:39.328
- And lo, i am with you always,
- 00:05:39.328 --> 00:05:41.831
- Even to the end of the age."
- 00:05:41.831 --> 00:05:44.734
- You know, you read through the new testament,
- 00:05:44.734 --> 00:05:47.036
- And you'll find one of the metaphors used extensively
- 00:05:47.036 --> 00:05:51.808
- Throughout the new testament
- 00:05:51.808 --> 00:05:53.075
- Is that of christians being a soldier,
- 00:05:53.075 --> 00:05:57.113
- Being a soldier.
- 00:05:57.113 --> 00:05:58.047
- For example, 2 timothy 2:4 says,
- 00:05:58.047 --> 00:06:00.716
- "no soldier in active service entangles himself
- 00:06:00.716 --> 00:06:05.021
- In the affairs of everyday life,
- 00:06:05.021 --> 00:06:07.223
- So that he may please the one who enlisted him
- 00:06:07.223 --> 00:06:10.693
- As a soldier."
- 00:06:10.693 --> 00:06:12.261
- How many people in the military,
- 00:06:12.261 --> 00:06:14.497
- Since we're reaching a military audience now,
- 00:06:14.497 --> 00:06:17.166
- How many people in the military do you know
- 00:06:17.166 --> 00:06:19.569
- Who wake up in the morning and say,
- 00:06:19.569 --> 00:06:21.304
- "gee, i wonder what i ought to do today?"
- 00:06:21.304 --> 00:06:23.940
- (congregation laughing)
- 00:06:23.940 --> 00:06:25.208
- "i wonder how i can fill my hours today.
- 00:06:25.208 --> 00:06:28.511
- I wonder what i would like to do."
- 00:06:28.511 --> 00:06:31.013
- Nobody's going to survive in the military
- 00:06:31.013 --> 00:06:32.949
- With that kind of attitude.
- 00:06:32.949 --> 00:06:34.317
- The military, people in the military have one job,
- 00:06:34.317 --> 00:06:37.420
- And that is to obey their commanding officer,
- 00:06:37.420 --> 00:06:40.356
- To make his commanding officer's agenda his agenda.
- 00:06:40.356 --> 00:06:44.460
- And it's the same way with us.
- 00:06:44.460 --> 00:06:47.230
- You know, in paul's day,
- 00:06:47.230 --> 00:06:48.664
- A roman soldier had one goal, and that was
- 00:06:48.664 --> 00:06:51.767
- To fulfill the emperor's command.
- 00:06:51.767 --> 00:06:54.237
- And that is to go and expand the territory of the kingdom,
- 00:06:54.237 --> 00:06:57.874
- To expand the roman empire.
- 00:06:57.874 --> 00:06:59.976
- And it's the same way with you and me.
- 00:06:59.976 --> 00:07:01.544
- We've been enlisted by god to expand the king's empire.
- 00:07:01.544 --> 00:07:06.849
- That is the job for which we've been called.
- 00:07:07.750 --> 00:07:09.418
- God didn't leave us here in this world
- 00:07:09.418 --> 00:07:11.354
- To accumulate a lot of money.
- 00:07:11.354 --> 00:07:13.456
- He didn't leave us here to have a successful career.
- 00:07:13.456 --> 00:07:16.359
- He didn't even leave us here to have a happy family life.
- 00:07:16.359 --> 00:07:19.695
- God left us here to expand the kingdom.
- 00:07:19.695 --> 00:07:23.833
- Now, what have we seen?
- 00:07:23.833 --> 00:07:25.368
- First of all, god has created you for a unique purpose.
- 00:07:25.368 --> 00:07:28.371
- Secondly, your purpose should be connected
- 00:07:28.371 --> 00:07:31.541
- To god's kingdom purpose.
- 00:07:31.541 --> 00:07:33.776
- And that leads to a third truth.
- 00:07:33.776 --> 00:07:36.345
- Now, hang onto your pews here,
- 00:07:36.345 --> 00:07:38.080
- 'cause it's going to get a little bumpy for a moment,
- 00:07:38.080 --> 00:07:40.082
- But i want you to hear me out.
- 00:07:40.082 --> 00:07:42.018
- Your purpose is to be centered within the local church.
- 00:07:42.018 --> 00:07:50.760
- Now, that statement is made with two assumptions.
- 00:07:46.889 --> 00:07:55.197
- Assumption number one: every christian is
- 00:07:56.065 --> 00:07:59.502
- To be involved in ministry.
- 00:07:59.502 --> 00:08:02.338
- Every christian is to be involved in ministry.
- 00:08:02.338 --> 00:08:04.540
- Do you know, most christians don't understand that?
- 00:08:04.540 --> 00:08:07.610
- They think, "well, my job is what i do 60 hours a week,
- 00:08:07.610 --> 00:08:12.048
- But then i come to church to kind of relax
- 00:08:12.048 --> 00:08:14.850
- And soak in some spiritual truth."
- 00:08:14.850 --> 00:08:16.586
- No.
- 00:08:16.586 --> 00:08:17.520
- Listen to ephesians 4:11-12.
- 00:08:17.520 --> 00:08:20.389
- "and christ gave some to the church as apostles,
- 00:08:20.389 --> 00:08:24.093
- And some as prophets, and some as evangelists,
- 00:08:24.093 --> 00:08:26.896
- And some as pastor teachers,
- 00:08:26.896 --> 00:08:29.131
- For the equipping of the saints for the work of service,
- 00:08:30.232 --> 00:08:33.769
- To the building up of the body of christ."
- 00:08:33.769 --> 00:08:37.039
- You know what my job is as pastor teacher here?
- 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:40.676
- It's not just to do the work of the ministry.
- 00:08:40.676 --> 00:08:43.679
- It is to equip you to do the work of ministry.
- 00:08:43.679 --> 00:08:48.951
- That's what that word equip means.
- 00:08:49.719 --> 00:08:51.187
- (speaking in a foreign language), it literally refers
- 00:08:51.187 --> 00:08:52.455
- To the loading up of a ship with supplies
- 00:08:52.455 --> 00:08:55.625
- Before it sets out on a long journey.
- 00:08:55.625 --> 00:08:58.628
- Now, a lot of people think,
- 00:08:58.628 --> 00:09:00.229
- You know, the goal of our church service
- 00:09:00.229 --> 00:09:01.797
- Is to see how many people can be saved.
- 00:09:01.797 --> 00:09:04.800
- That's not the goal of the church service.
- 00:09:04.800 --> 00:09:07.169
- You know why i say that?
- 00:09:07.169 --> 00:09:08.871
- Lost people very rarely come to church to begin with.
- 00:09:08.871 --> 00:09:12.141
- -(congregation laughing) -you may have a few sprinkled
- 00:09:12.141 --> 00:09:13.709
- Out there, but lost people, by definition,
- 00:09:13.709 --> 00:09:15.945
- Don't come to church.
- 00:09:15.945 --> 00:09:17.246
- I always present the gospel in a service,
- 00:09:17.246 --> 00:09:19.315
- 'cause i know there's some unbelievers who stumble in
- 00:09:19.315 --> 00:09:22.151
- For one reason or another.
- 00:09:22.151 --> 00:09:24.053
- But the purpose of the church service is to equip you,
- 00:09:24.053 --> 00:09:28.157
- To give you the tools that are needed to go out
- 00:09:28.157 --> 00:09:31.560
- And reach the people at your work,
- 00:09:31.560 --> 00:09:33.696
- The people in your community with the gospel
- 00:09:33.696 --> 00:09:36.298
- Of jesus christ.
- 00:09:36.298 --> 00:09:37.700
- "equipping the saints for the work of service."
- 00:09:37.700 --> 00:09:39.735
- You see, god's plan was never
- 00:09:39.735 --> 00:09:41.504
- For just a few paid professionals
- 00:09:41.504 --> 00:09:44.407
- To do the work of ministry.
- 00:09:44.407 --> 00:09:46.709
- We're to be equipping you to do the work of ministry.
- 00:09:46.709 --> 00:09:50.212
- You know, (laughing) i think about the late bud wilkinson,
- 00:09:50.212 --> 00:09:55.551
- Professional football player who, after he left the nfl,
- 00:09:56.686 --> 00:09:59.155
- Became the chairman of the president's council
- 00:09:59.155 --> 00:10:02.158
- On physical fitness under lyndon johnson.
- 00:10:02.158 --> 00:10:05.561
- And at a press conference one time,
- 00:10:05.561 --> 00:10:07.229
- A reporter asked wilkinson,
- 00:10:07.229 --> 00:10:09.131
- "mr. wilkinson, what contribution
- 00:10:09.131 --> 00:10:12.601
- Has professional football made to the health
- 00:10:12.601 --> 00:10:15.571
- Of the american people?"
- 00:10:15.571 --> 00:10:17.473
- (laughing) wilkinson said, "absolutely none."
- 00:10:17.473 --> 00:10:21.977
- He said, "think about it.
- 00:10:21.977 --> 00:10:23.312
- In football, you have 22 men on the field
- 00:10:23.312 --> 00:10:26.649
- Desperately in need of rest
- 00:10:26.649 --> 00:10:29.251
- Being cheered on by 80,000 spectators in the stands
- 00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:33.022
- Desperately in need for exercise."
- 00:10:33.022 --> 00:10:36.092
- (congregation laughing)
- 00:10:36.092 --> 00:10:37.526
- And you know that's the picture of the average church.
- 00:10:37.526 --> 00:10:40.296
- You've got a few people out there on the playing field,
- 00:10:40.296 --> 00:10:43.165
- The pastor, the staff, a few deacons.
- 00:10:43.165 --> 00:10:46.902
- But the members are in the stands.
- 00:10:46.902 --> 00:10:49.205
- Now, if the church is doing well,
- 00:10:49.205 --> 00:10:51.607
- (laughing) they cheer them on, "go, pastor.
- 00:10:51.607 --> 00:10:54.276
- Go, staff.
- 00:10:54.276 --> 00:10:55.611
- Go, deacons."
- 00:10:55.611 --> 00:10:58.013
- But if the church starts to go south,
- 00:10:58.013 --> 00:11:00.516
- No longer cheers, but jeers, boos, hisses,
- 00:11:00.516 --> 00:11:03.886
- "call in the second string."
- 00:11:03.886 --> 00:11:06.122
- Now, that may make for exciting football,
- 00:11:06.122 --> 00:11:09.759
- But that is a lousy way to run a church.
- 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:12.995
- God never meant for just a few people to be on the field
- 00:11:12.995 --> 00:11:16.632
- Playing the game.
- 00:11:16.632 --> 00:11:18.234
- God's purpose is to equip all of us, you, the saints,
- 00:11:18.234 --> 00:11:21.771
- For the work of service to the building up
- 00:11:21.771 --> 00:11:24.573
- Of the body of christ.
- 00:11:24.573 --> 00:11:26.041
- That's why i say every christian is to be involved
- 00:11:26.041 --> 00:11:28.711
- In ministry, and secondly,
- 00:11:28.711 --> 00:11:30.713
- Our ministry is to be centered in the local church.
- 00:11:30.713 --> 00:11:35.951
- You know, people have a funny idea
- 00:11:36.719 --> 00:11:37.820
- About the local church today.
- 00:11:37.820 --> 00:11:39.488
- They kind of think of it
- 00:11:39.488 --> 00:11:40.723
- As a second-class christian organization,
- 00:11:40.723 --> 00:11:42.992
- A necessary evil.
- 00:11:42.992 --> 00:11:44.393
- "oh yeah, i guess we ought to support the church.
- 00:11:44.393 --> 00:11:46.562
- But there's this group over here
- 00:11:46.562 --> 00:11:47.930
- That's doing such an exciting work for god,
- 00:11:47.930 --> 00:11:49.999
- And this group over here that's doing this great.
- 00:11:49.999 --> 00:11:52.067
- This is where the action is, but you know,
- 00:11:52.067 --> 00:11:53.869
- I'll give a little pittance of my time and money
- 00:11:53.869 --> 00:11:55.905
- To the church, but this is where the excitement is."
- 00:11:55.905 --> 00:11:59.008
- No.
- 00:11:59.008 --> 00:12:00.476
- The bible says the church is the one organization
- 00:12:00.476 --> 00:12:04.180
- That god himself created
- 00:12:04.180 --> 00:12:06.982
- To fulfill his great commission.
- 00:12:06.982 --> 00:12:09.618
- You know, there are many fine christian organizations
- 00:12:09.618 --> 00:12:12.588
- Outside of the church,
- 00:12:12.588 --> 00:12:14.323
- But they all have one thing in common.
- 00:12:14.323 --> 00:12:16.625
- They were all created by a man or woman,
- 00:12:16.625 --> 00:12:19.562
- And they all will end one day.
- 00:12:19.562 --> 00:12:22.331
- Only the church of jesus christ was actually created by god.
- 00:12:22.331 --> 00:12:27.703
- In fact, in ephesians 3:21,
- 00:12:28.304 --> 00:12:30.439
- Paul says, "to him, god, be the glory in the church
- 00:12:30.439 --> 00:12:34.577
- And in christ jesus to all generations forever and ever."
- 00:12:34.577 --> 00:12:39.248
- It was god who thought up the idea of the church.
- 00:12:39.248 --> 00:12:41.784
- It was god who thought up the idea of a pastor and deacons.
- 00:12:41.784 --> 00:12:44.486
- It was god that gave to the church the commission
- 00:12:44.486 --> 00:12:47.323
- To go into all the world and preach the gospel.
- 00:12:47.323 --> 00:12:49.525
- In fact, when you read the new testament,
- 00:12:49.525 --> 00:12:51.460
- You can't find one person in one ministry
- 00:12:51.460 --> 00:12:54.129
- Or one missionary who was not under the authority
- 00:12:54.129 --> 00:12:57.399
- Of a local church.
- 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:59.368
- God's plan to fulfill his mission
- 00:12:59.368 --> 00:13:02.271
- Is through the local church.
- 00:13:02.271 --> 00:13:05.474
- That's why our church ought to receive the bulk of our giving,
- 00:13:05.474 --> 00:13:09.111
- But it also ought to receive the bulk
- 00:13:09.111 --> 00:13:11.680
- Of our time in ministry.
- 00:13:11.680 --> 00:13:14.383
- God's purpose is to be lived out in the local church.
- 00:13:14.383 --> 00:13:19.355
- You say, "well, then, how do i find my ministry
- 00:13:19.355 --> 00:13:21.590
- In the local church?
- 00:13:21.590 --> 00:13:22.892
- How do i know what my ministry should be?"
- 00:13:22.892 --> 00:13:25.327
- Let me share with you this simple formula
- 00:13:25.327 --> 00:13:27.529
- That i think will help you find the unique place
- 00:13:27.529 --> 00:13:30.466
- Of ministry god has for you through his church.
- 00:13:30.466 --> 00:13:34.670
- Simple equation: my gifts plus my passion
- 00:13:34.670 --> 00:13:39.375
- Plus the church's need equals my ministry.
- 00:13:39.375 --> 00:13:44.613
- My gifts plus my passion
- 00:13:45.114 --> 00:13:47.483
- Plus the church's need equal my ministry.
- 00:13:47.483 --> 00:13:51.086
- Let's break that down.
- 00:13:51.086 --> 00:13:51.987
- First of all, your gifts.
- 00:13:51.987 --> 00:13:54.256
- What do i mean by your gifts?
- 00:13:54.256 --> 00:13:57.459
- You know, when you were saved,
- 00:13:57.459 --> 00:13:59.795
- You not only received the gift of forgiveness,
- 00:13:59.795 --> 00:14:02.298
- The bible says god gave you a unique spiritual gift,
- 00:14:02.298 --> 00:14:07.636
- A divine empowerment to be used to spread his message
- 00:14:08.704 --> 00:14:12.074
- To other people.
- 00:14:12.074 --> 00:14:13.375
- In fact, in romans 12, the bible lists
- 00:14:13.375 --> 00:14:16.912
- The seven gifts and says
- 00:14:16.912 --> 00:14:18.781
- That we have one of those motivational gifts
- 00:14:18.781 --> 00:14:22.584
- That is our basic motivation
- 00:14:22.584 --> 00:14:24.286
- To want to share christ's message with others.
- 00:14:24.286 --> 00:14:27.389
- In fact, look at romans 12:6-8.
- 00:14:27.389 --> 00:14:29.725
- "since we have gifts that differ according
- 00:14:29.725 --> 00:14:32.161
- To the grace given to us,
- 00:14:32.161 --> 00:14:33.729
- Let each exercise them accordingly."
- 00:14:33.729 --> 00:14:36.231
- If your gift is prophecy, that's the first one,
- 00:14:36.231 --> 00:14:38.834
- "according to the proportion of his faith;
- 00:14:38.834 --> 00:14:41.036
- If service," that's the second one,
- 00:14:41.036 --> 00:14:43.072
- "in his serving," if in teaching,
- 00:14:43.072 --> 00:14:45.407
- According to his teaching, that's number three,
- 00:14:45.407 --> 00:14:47.910
- "he who exhorts, in his exhortation," that's number four,
- 00:14:47.910 --> 00:14:51.747
- "he who gives, with liberality," that's number five,
- 00:14:51.747 --> 00:14:55.017
- "he who leads," leadership, that's number six,
- 00:14:55.017 --> 00:14:58.187
- "with diligence; and he who shows mercy,"
- 00:14:58.187 --> 00:15:00.689
- That's the final gift, "with cheerfulness."
- 00:15:00.689 --> 00:15:03.559
- In the past, i have preached a three-part series
- 00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:06.295
- On discovering your spiritual gift
- 00:15:06.295 --> 00:15:08.564
- Where i explain this in-depth.
- 00:15:08.564 --> 00:15:09.999
- So first of all, your place in ministry begins
- 00:15:09.999 --> 00:15:12.701
- With your gifts.
- 00:15:12.701 --> 00:15:13.502
- Secondly, your passion.
- 00:15:13.502 --> 00:15:15.604
- My gifts plus my passion.
- 00:15:15.604 --> 00:15:19.375
- You know, this is one of the greatest discoveries
- 00:15:19.375 --> 00:15:21.343
- I ever made about finding god's will.
- 00:15:21.343 --> 00:15:23.946
- One of the best ways to know what god wants you to do
- 00:15:23.946 --> 00:15:27.249
- Is ask yourself, "what do i want to do?"
- 00:15:27.249 --> 00:15:30.452
- The fact is, one of the ways god leads us
- 00:15:31.353 --> 00:15:33.489
- Is through the desires he places in our hearts.
- 00:15:33.489 --> 00:15:37.593
- And it's true in ministry as well.
- 00:15:37.593 --> 00:15:40.262
- You know, you may see that there's a need
- 00:15:40.262 --> 00:15:42.064
- For workers in the seventh grade,
- 00:15:42.064 --> 00:15:44.967
- And that may be a legitimate need.
- 00:15:44.967 --> 00:15:47.469
- And you may say to yourself,
- 00:15:47.469 --> 00:15:48.871
- "well, you know, i'd rather have my left arm cut off
- 00:15:48.871 --> 00:15:51.206
- Than go worth for seventh graders.
- 00:15:51.206 --> 00:15:53.142
- -(congregation laughing) -but if the church needs that,
- 00:15:53.142 --> 00:15:54.643
- I guess that's what i'll do."
- 00:15:54.643 --> 00:15:57.112
- (laughing) let me encourage you, you know,
- 00:15:57.112 --> 00:16:01.450
- (laughing) be kind to yourself.
- 00:16:01.450 --> 00:16:03.986
- Be kind to those seventh graders
- 00:16:03.986 --> 00:16:05.621
- And don't go teach there, please.
- 00:16:05.621 --> 00:16:07.856
- -(congregation laughing) -if you don't want to be there,
- 00:16:07.856 --> 00:16:09.525
- They'll be the first to know it.
- 00:16:09.525 --> 00:16:10.993
- And you'll be the first to know it.
- 00:16:10.993 --> 00:16:12.294
- No, if god is calling you to do something,
- 00:16:12.294 --> 00:16:15.097
- He's going to give you a passion for it.
- 00:16:15.097 --> 00:16:17.299
- You know why these wonderful men and women sing in the choir
- 00:16:17.299 --> 00:16:20.736
- And play in our orchestra,
- 00:16:20.736 --> 00:16:21.904
- Devote countless hours to doing it?
- 00:16:21.904 --> 00:16:24.473
- It's not because they feel like martyrs
- 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:26.642
- And they have to do it.
- 00:16:26.642 --> 00:16:27.876
- They love doing it.
- 00:16:27.876 --> 00:16:30.279
- They get fulfilled by doing it.
- 00:16:30.913 --> 00:16:33.382
- (laughing) and that's the way it ought to be.
- 00:16:33.382 --> 00:16:35.717
- You know why missionaries leave here
- 00:16:35.717 --> 00:16:38.220
- And go serve in a third-world country?
- 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:41.457
- It's not because they're miserable doing it
- 00:16:41.457 --> 00:16:43.792
- Or they want to be martyrs.
- 00:16:43.792 --> 00:16:45.327
- It's because they love doing that.
- 00:16:45.327 --> 00:16:48.497
- They wouldn't be happy anywhere else
- 00:16:48.497 --> 00:16:50.232
- And doing anything else.
- 00:16:50.232 --> 00:16:52.301
- There's nothing wrong with that.
- 00:16:52.301 --> 00:16:53.569
- God leads us through the desires
- 00:16:53.569 --> 00:16:55.637
- That he places in our heart.
- 00:16:55.637 --> 00:16:56.939
- "pastor, where do you get that in the bible?"
- 00:16:56.939 --> 00:16:58.640
- Philippians 2:13, paul says,
- 00:16:58.640 --> 00:17:00.976
- "for it is god who is at work in you,
- 00:17:00.976 --> 00:17:04.113
- Both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
- 00:17:04.113 --> 00:17:07.049
- One paraphrase says, "for it is god who is working in you,
- 00:17:07.049 --> 00:17:09.985
- Giving you both the desire and the power to do his work."
- 00:17:09.985 --> 00:17:15.257
- Ask yourself the question,
- 00:17:15.824 --> 00:17:17.359
- "if i could do any one thing in the church,
- 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:21.230
- I would," and fill in the blank.
- 00:17:21.230 --> 00:17:23.332
- 'cause you look around here.
- 00:17:23.332 --> 00:17:24.833
- Just ask yourself, if you could do any one thing
- 00:17:24.833 --> 00:17:27.102
- In the church, what would you do?
- 00:17:27.102 --> 00:17:29.705
- Your gifts plus your passions,
- 00:17:29.705 --> 00:17:32.107
- Thirdly, plus the church's need.
- 00:17:32.107 --> 00:17:34.643
- Yes, you ought to look at where the needs are in the church
- 00:17:34.643 --> 00:17:37.913
- To see where your gifts and passion meet a need.
- 00:17:37.913 --> 00:17:41.583
- Now, we've seen that every christian has a purpose.
- 00:17:41.583 --> 00:17:45.220
- Our purpose is connected to god's purpose.
- 00:17:45.220 --> 00:17:47.789
- Our purpose is to be centered in the local church.
- 00:17:47.789 --> 00:17:50.993
- Finally, living your purpose is the key
- 00:17:50.993 --> 00:17:55.063
- To fulfillment in life.
- 00:17:55.063 --> 00:17:57.432
- Living your purpose is the key to fulfillment in life.
- 00:17:57.432 --> 00:18:00.135
- It's the key to present enjoyment in your life.
- 00:18:00.135 --> 00:18:04.006
- Psychologist carl jung,
- 00:18:04.006 --> 00:18:05.841
- In his book "modern man in search of a soul" wrote,
- 00:18:05.841 --> 00:18:08.911
- "about 1/3 of my cases are suffering
- 00:18:08.911 --> 00:18:11.947
- From no clinically definable neurosis,
- 00:18:11.947 --> 00:18:15.517
- But from the senselessness and emptiness of their lives.
- 00:18:15.517 --> 00:18:20.022
- This can be described as the general neurosis of our time."
- 00:18:20.022 --> 00:18:25.460
- Even though jung wrote those words more than 100 years ago,
- 00:18:26.628 --> 00:18:30.299
- They're just as true today as they were then,
- 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:32.534
- That sense of purposelessness and meaninglessness.
- 00:18:32.534 --> 00:18:37.539
- I mean, think about it.
- 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.840
- People are searching everywhere for meaning
- 00:18:38.840 --> 00:18:40.676
- And purpose in life.
- 00:18:40.676 --> 00:18:41.843
- Some people try their jobs.
- 00:18:41.843 --> 00:18:43.845
- They spend 60% of their waking hours at their job,
- 00:18:43.845 --> 00:18:47.182
- And yet, they're not happy and fulfilled there.
- 00:18:47.182 --> 00:18:50.586
- If you don't believe that, listen to these statistics.
- 00:18:50.586 --> 00:18:52.888
- 1/3 of americans say, "i hate my job."
- 00:18:52.888 --> 00:18:56.825
- 2/3 of workers say that they have chosen the wrong career.
- 00:18:56.825 --> 00:19:01.330
- Most suicides occur on sunday nights.
- 00:19:01.330 --> 00:19:05.167
- Most heart attacks occur on monday mornings.
- 00:19:05.167 --> 00:19:09.137
- Not finding fulfillment in their work, people think,
- 00:19:09.137 --> 00:19:11.106
- "well, i'll try pleasure.
- 00:19:11.106 --> 00:19:13.242
- I'll try addictions.
- 00:19:13.242 --> 00:19:15.177
- Or maybe i'll try accumulating money
- 00:19:15.177 --> 00:19:17.613
- And having a luxurious life," but that's empty as well.
- 00:19:17.613 --> 00:19:21.250
- Solomon, the richest man who ever lived,
- 00:19:21.250 --> 00:19:24.119
- Tried every pleasure under the sun,
- 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:26.521
- And he came away saying in ecclesiastes 2:10 and 11,
- 00:19:26.521 --> 00:19:29.658
- "all was vanity and striving after wind
- 00:19:29.658 --> 00:19:33.095
- And there is no profit under the sun."
- 00:19:33.095 --> 00:19:36.632
- Why is that people keep searching for some new pleasure,
- 00:19:37.699 --> 00:19:41.536
- Some new achievement,
- 00:19:41.536 --> 00:19:44.172
- A new mate, but they never find that satisfaction?
- 00:19:44.172 --> 00:19:49.444
- Here's the simple reason.
- 00:19:50.012 --> 00:19:52.080
- Eternal beings can only be filled with the eternal.
- 00:19:53.081 --> 00:19:59.054
- Eternal beings can only be satisfied
- 00:19:59.855 --> 00:20:02.557
- By that which is eternal.
- 00:20:02.557 --> 00:20:04.893
- Think about it, you couldn't fill the pacific ocean
- 00:20:04.893 --> 00:20:07.929
- With a bucket of water, can you?
- 00:20:07.929 --> 00:20:10.165
- It takes more than that.
- 00:20:10.165 --> 00:20:12.134
- And it's the same with us.
- 00:20:12.134 --> 00:20:14.636
- Solomon said, "god has placed eternity in our hearts."
- 00:20:14.636 --> 00:20:19.007
- Whether you're a christian or non-christian,
- 00:20:19.007 --> 00:20:20.842
- You have a sense of eternal, the eternal.
- 00:20:20.842 --> 00:20:23.945
- And only that which is eternal can fill that eternal void.
- 00:20:23.945 --> 00:20:29.284
- That means we need an eternal companion,
- 00:20:30.152 --> 00:20:32.254
- One who transcends this life.
- 00:20:32.254 --> 00:20:35.057
- And secondly, we need an eternal purpose
- 00:20:35.057 --> 00:20:37.993
- To give our lives to.
- 00:20:37.993 --> 00:20:40.195
- Living out our purpose is the key to fulfillment
- 00:20:41.163 --> 00:20:44.266
- In this present life, but secondly,
- 00:20:44.266 --> 00:20:46.668
- It's also the key to future reward.
- 00:20:46.668 --> 00:20:50.405
- 2 corinthians 5:9-10, "therefore," paul said,
- 00:20:50.405 --> 00:20:54.142
- "we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent,
- 00:20:54.142 --> 00:20:57.379
- To be pleasing to god."
- 00:20:57.379 --> 00:20:58.814
- Why?
- 00:20:58.814 --> 00:21:00.382
- "for we must all appear before the judgment seat of christ,
- 00:21:00.382 --> 00:21:03.685
- So that each one of us may be recompensed,"
- 00:21:03.685 --> 00:21:06.154
- Rewarded for what we've done in the body,
- 00:21:06.154 --> 00:21:08.690
- "according to what he has done,
- 00:21:08.690 --> 00:21:12.828
- Whether it is good or worthless."
- 00:21:12.828 --> 00:21:16.898
- We're all going to stand
- 00:21:16.898 --> 00:21:18.133
- Before that judgment seat of christ,
- 00:21:18.133 --> 00:21:20.268
- And we're going to be evaluated on whether we invested
- 00:21:20.268 --> 00:21:23.071
- Our life in fulfilling god's purpose or our own.
- 00:21:23.071 --> 00:21:27.409
- I love the way randy alcorn has put it.
- 00:21:28.243 --> 00:21:31.079
- He says, "because this life is so brief,
- 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:34.583
- We might easily conclude it's also inconsequential.
- 00:21:34.583 --> 00:21:39.221
- Our brief stay here may, indeed, seem unimportant,
- 00:21:39.221 --> 00:21:43.592
- But nothing could be further from the truth.
- 00:21:43.592 --> 00:21:46.261
- For the bible tells us that while men may not remember
- 00:21:46.261 --> 00:21:49.598
- Or care what our lives have been,
- 00:21:49.598 --> 00:21:52.100
- God remembers perfectly and cares very much,
- 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:56.705
- So much that the door of eternity swings
- 00:21:56.705 --> 00:22:00.742
- On the hinges of our present life on earth.
- 00:22:00.742 --> 00:22:04.413
- Eternity will hold for us
- 00:22:04.413 --> 00:22:07.682
- What this life has invested in it."
- 00:22:07.682 --> 00:22:12.788
- Let me ask you this morning,
- 00:22:13.388 --> 00:22:15.323
- What are you investing your life in?
- 00:22:16.124 --> 00:22:19.728
- Really, what are you investing it in?
- 00:22:20.495 --> 00:22:23.665
- Where are you putting your money?
- 00:22:24.433 --> 00:22:27.102
- Where are you spending your time?
- 00:22:27.869 --> 00:22:30.972
- Where are you dreaming your dreams?
- 00:22:31.773 --> 00:22:34.109
- Are those things invested in that which is temporal
- 00:22:35.177 --> 00:22:39.714
- Or that which is eternal?
- 00:22:39.714 --> 00:22:41.483
- Is your life about fulfilling your dreams or god's dreams?
- 00:22:42.651 --> 00:22:47.856
- Is your life self-focused or god-focused?
- 00:22:48.723 --> 00:22:53.995
- It's one or the other.
- 00:22:54.496 --> 00:22:56.665
- It can't be both.
- 00:22:56.665 --> 00:23:00.402
- On the wall in my study,
- 00:23:00.902 --> 00:23:02.804
- -for many years, -(bright music)
- 00:23:02.804 --> 00:23:05.874
- Was a little plaque, ben, your grandparents gave me
- 00:23:05.874 --> 00:23:09.077
- When i went to my first church.
- 00:23:09.077 --> 00:23:11.179
- And i looked at it every day.
- 00:23:11.179 --> 00:23:13.515
- "only one life will soon be past.
- 00:23:14.249 --> 00:23:18.520
- Only what's done for christ will last."
- 00:23:18.520 --> 00:23:22.791
- That's the secret to fulfillment in life.
- 00:23:23.658 --> 00:23:27.662
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:23:27.662 --> 00:23:31.933
- -god doesn't want
- 00:23:32.367 --> 00:23:33.668
- Your purpose to remain a mystery,
- 00:23:33.668 --> 00:23:36.238
- And i truly hope today's message helps you determine
- 00:23:36.238 --> 00:23:39.007
- God's calling for your life.
- 00:23:39.007 --> 00:23:41.510
- Well, the deadline is nearly upon us
- 00:23:41.510 --> 00:23:43.745
- For the salt & light matching challenge.
- 00:23:43.745 --> 00:23:46.114
- For just a short while longer,
- 00:23:46.114 --> 00:23:48.350
- Your gift will be matched and therefore doubled
- 00:23:48.350 --> 00:23:50.919
- In ministry impact.
- 00:23:50.919 --> 00:23:52.487
- But the countdown ends july 6th at midnight.
- 00:23:52.487 --> 00:23:56.591
- So please, don't delay any longer
- 00:23:56.591 --> 00:23:59.160
- In sending your gift to "pathway to victory."
- 00:23:59.160 --> 00:24:02.063
- In today's world where god's design for marriage,
- 00:24:02.063 --> 00:24:05.166
- Family, and life itself is being recklessly abandoned,
- 00:24:05.166 --> 00:24:09.371
- We need to take action.
- 00:24:09.371 --> 00:24:11.239
- Your support right now will help us
- 00:24:11.239 --> 00:24:13.608
- Boldly proclaim the gospel and defend biblical truth
- 00:24:13.608 --> 00:24:17.178
- When our nation needs it the most.
- 00:24:17.178 --> 00:24:19.614
- Thank you in advance for your generosity,
- 00:24:19.614 --> 00:24:22.350
- As together, we push back against the moral
- 00:24:22.350 --> 00:24:25.587
- And spiritual darkness of our day.
- 00:24:25.587 --> 00:24:28.156
- Now, stay right there, i'll be back
- 00:24:28.156 --> 00:24:29.658
- With more "pathway to victory" in just a moment.
- 00:24:29.658 --> 00:24:33.261
- [narrator] is fear holding you back
- 00:24:33.995 --> 00:24:35.463
- From sharing your faith?
- 00:24:35.463 --> 00:24:36.865
- Millions of christians have the desire
- 00:24:36.865 --> 00:24:38.800
- But lack the courage to speak up.
- 00:24:38.800 --> 00:24:40.936
- With god's holy spirit, you can become unstoppable.
- 00:24:40.936 --> 00:24:44.506
- Our enemy hates for the church to grow,
- 00:24:44.506 --> 00:24:47.042
- Not just in numbers, but in its influence for the gospel.
- 00:24:47.042 --> 00:24:51.012
- And he will do everything he can to stop it.
- 00:24:51.012 --> 00:24:54.349
- So we must do everything we can to stop him.
- 00:24:54.349 --> 00:24:57.852
- In my faith-building book, "unstoppable power,"
- 00:24:57.852 --> 00:25:01.122
- You'll discover how to call upon the holy spirit
- 00:25:01.122 --> 00:25:03.992
- To be your confidence in any situation.
- 00:25:03.992 --> 00:25:07.462
- [narrator] in his bestselling book, "unstoppable power,"
- 00:25:07.462 --> 00:25:10.265
- Dr. robert jeffress reveals how you can boldly proclaim
- 00:25:10.265 --> 00:25:13.468
- The gospel with the same confidence the apostles had.
- 00:25:13.468 --> 00:25:16.871
- You're invited to request the book "unstoppable power"
- 00:25:16.871 --> 00:25:19.908
- When you give a generous gift to the "pathway to victory"
- 00:25:19.908 --> 00:25:22.711
- Salt & light matching challenge.
- 00:25:22.711 --> 00:25:24.813
- And when your gift is $75 or more,
- 00:25:24.813 --> 00:25:27.782
- You'll also receive the companion study guide,
- 00:25:27.782 --> 00:25:30.318
- Along with the complete "unstoppable "power" teaching series
- 00:25:30.318 --> 00:25:33.622
- On dvd video and audio disc.
- 00:25:33.622 --> 00:25:36.124
- We face the same kind of growing opposition
- 00:25:36.124 --> 00:25:40.795
- In the 21st century
- 00:25:40.795 --> 00:25:42.664
- As those first-century christians experienced.
- 00:25:42.664 --> 00:25:45.533
- That opposition was no match for the power of jesus christ.
- 00:25:45.533 --> 00:25:50.038
- [narrator] remember, your gift today
- 00:25:50.038 --> 00:25:51.406
- Will have twice the impact thanks
- 00:25:51.406 --> 00:25:53.208
- To the "pathway to victory" salt & light matching challenge.
- 00:25:53.208 --> 00:25:56.478
- Thank you for partnering with "pathway to victory"
- 00:25:56.478 --> 00:25:59.147
- As we boldly proclaim the gospel in a world
- 00:25:59.147 --> 00:26:01.950
- That has lost its way.
- 00:26:01.950 --> 00:26:04.152
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:26:04.152 --> 00:26:05.253
- I first delivered today's message
- 00:26:05.253 --> 00:26:07.122
- To our congregation at first baptist church in dallas,
- 00:26:07.122 --> 00:26:10.592
- But the growth that i long to see in my own church
- 00:26:10.592 --> 00:26:13.395
- Is the same growth i want to see in yours as well.
- 00:26:13.395 --> 00:26:16.965
- And before any church can reach its full potential,
- 00:26:16.965 --> 00:26:20.402
- Every member has to be functioning at their full potential.
- 00:26:20.402 --> 00:26:25.306
- Well, in his famous sermon on the mount,
- 00:26:25.306 --> 00:26:27.842
- Jesus said, "blessed are those who hunger and thirst
- 00:26:27.842 --> 00:26:30.612
- For righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
- 00:26:30.612 --> 00:26:34.849
- What does it really mean to truly hunger for god?
- 00:26:34.849 --> 00:26:38.153
- And how can we experience the satisfaction jesus promises?
- 00:26:38.153 --> 00:26:42.490
- Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
- 00:26:42.490 --> 00:26:45.326
- On "pathway to victory."
- 00:26:45.326 --> 00:26:47.762
- One reason we don't get our prayers answered sometime is
- 00:26:48.897 --> 00:26:51.666
- We're not acting righteously.
- 00:26:51.666 --> 00:26:53.902
- We may be in a right relationship with god.
- 00:26:53.902 --> 00:26:56.371
- We may be forgiven of our sins.
- 00:26:56.371 --> 00:26:58.606
- But if we don't act righteously,
- 00:26:58.606 --> 00:27:00.909
- God doesn't hear our prayers.
- 00:27:00.909 --> 00:27:04.312
- Judicial righteousness, ethical righteousness,
- 00:27:05.213 --> 00:27:09.084
- But jesus said the prerequisite for both of them,
- 00:27:09.084 --> 00:27:12.387
- Both a right standing with god
- 00:27:12.387 --> 00:27:14.355
- And a right acting before god, is to want it.
- 00:27:14.355 --> 00:27:18.927
- [narrator] set your dvr and join us next time
- 00:27:18.927 --> 00:27:21.296
- For the message "the one prayer god always answers,"
- 00:27:21.296 --> 00:27:24.933
- Here on "pathway to victory."
- 00:27:24.933 --> 00:27:26.901
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:27:26.901 --> 00:27:26.901
