Matthew 25:14-30 Where purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable. Dr. Myles Monroe I. Know your purpose. Purpose #1: You Were Planned for God's Pleasure (Worship) Purpose #2: You Were Formed for God's Family (Fellowship) Purpose #3: You Were Created to Become Like Christ (Discipleship) Purpose #4: You Were Shaped for Serving God (Ministry) Purpose #5: You Were Made for a Mission (Mission) Rick Warren Nobility is not defined by how you compare with others. Nobility is defined by how you are becoming better than your former self. II. You have to work with what you have. Because of laziness the building decays. Through idleness of hands the house leaks. Ecclesiastes 10:18 III. Look for wise friends. He who runs with the wise shall be wise but he who makes the companion of fools shall be destroyed. Solomon, Proverbs 13:20 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:1-8