Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "A Man for My Purpose" is not a direct quotation from the Bible but can be understood as a thematic concept reflecting God's sovereign choice and use of individuals to fulfill His divine plans. Throughout the biblical narrative, God selects and appoints individuals to carry out specific tasks and missions that align with His purposes. This entry explores the biblical instances and principles where God identifies and uses individuals for His divine purposes.Biblical Examples: 1. Abraham: Known as the father of faith, Abraham was chosen by God to be the progenitor of a great nation. In Genesis 12:1-3 , God calls Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. Abraham's faith and obedience exemplify a man chosen for God's purpose to establish a covenant people. 2. Moses: Moses is another prominent figure chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 3:10 , God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, saying, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' leadership and prophetic role were central to God's plan of deliverance and the giving of the Law. 3. David: David, the shepherd boy who became king, was selected by God to lead Israel and establish a royal lineage. In 1 Samuel 16:12-13 , God instructs Samuel to anoint David, saying, "Rise and anoint him, for he is the one." David's kingship and heart for God made him a pivotal figure in the establishment of the Davidic covenant. 4. Jeremiah: The prophet Jeremiah was chosen by God before his birth to be a prophet to the nations. In Jeremiah 1:5 , God declares, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah's prophetic ministry was crucial during a time of impending judgment and exile. 5. Paul: Formerly known as Saul, Paul was dramatically converted and called by Christ to be an apostle to the Gentiles. In Acts 9:15 , the Lord tells Ananias, "Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel." Paul's missionary journeys and epistles were instrumental in the spread of the Gospel. Theological Insights: · Divine Sovereignty: The concept of "A Man for My Purpose" underscores God's sovereignty in choosing individuals according to His will. God's selection is not based on human merit but on His divine plan and purpose. · Human Response: While God chooses individuals for His purposes, their response in faith and obedience is crucial. The willingness to submit to God's call is a recurring theme in the lives of those chosen by God. · Purpose and Mission: Each individual chosen by God is given a specific mission that contributes to the overarching narrative of redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises. These missions often involve leadership, prophecy, teaching, or service. · Empowerment by the Spirit: Those chosen for God's purposes are often empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish their tasks. This divine empowerment is evident in the lives of biblical figures who perform acts beyond their natural abilities. Conclusion: The theme of "A Man for My Purpose" reflects the biblical truth that God actively engages with humanity, selecting and equipping individuals to fulfill His divine purposes throughout history. This concept invites believers to consider their own calling and role in God's ongoing redemptive work. Subtopics Man of Every Nation, Made of One Blood Man: Able to Sustain Bodily Affliction Man: All the Ways of, Clean in his own Eyes Man: Allowed to Eat Flesh After the Flood Man: Called: The Potsherd of the Earth Man: Cannot Retain his Spirit from Death Man: Christ is the Head of Every Man: Christ was Found in Fashion As Man: Christ: A Refuge As, to Sinners Man: Christ: Approved of God As Man: Christ: As Such, is the Cause of the Resurrection Man: Christ: Called the Second, As Covenant Head of the Church Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Man: Christ: Took on Him Nature of Man: Clothed by God With Skins Man: Compared to a Wild Donkey's Colt Man: Compared to Clay in the Potter's Hand Man: Covered Himself With Fig Leaves Man: Created by the Holy Spirit Man: Created in Knowledge (Inferred) Man: Created in the Image of God Man: Created: A Type of Christ Man: Created: After Consultation, by the Trinity Man: Created: After the Likeness of God Man: Created: On the Sixth Day Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Man: Days of, As the Days of a Hireling Man: Days of, Compared to a Shadow Man: Design of the Creation of Man: Disobeyed God by Eating Part of the Forbidden Fruit Man: Every Herb and Tree Given To, for Food Man: Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Man: Filled With Shame After the Fall Man: Gave Names to Other Creatures Man: God: Destroys the Hopes of Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him Man: God: Orders the Goings of Man: God: Prepares the Heart of Man: God: Turns to Destruction Man: God's Purpose in Creation Completed by Making Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions Man: Ignorant of What is Good for Him Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him Man: Intellect of, Matured by Age Man: Involved Posterity in his Ruin Man: Little Lower than the Angels Man: Made by God in his Successive Generations Man: Made Wise by the Inspiration of the Almighty Man: More Valuable than Other Creatures Man: Nature and Constitution of, Different from Other Creatures Man: Not Good For, to be Alone Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail Man: Ordinary Limit of his Life Man: Originally Naked and not Ashamed Man: Placed in the Garden of Eden Man: Possessed of Understanding Man: Punished for Disobedience Man: Quickened by the Breath of God Man: Received Dominion Over Other Creatures Man: Shall be Recompensed According to his Works Man: Sinks Under Trouble of Mind Man: Wiser than Other Creatures Man: Woman Formed to be a Help For Man: Would Give all his Possessions for the Preservation of Life Related Terms |