GOD’S ANSWERS TO LIFE’S GREATEST QUESTIONS

                                          Matthew 5:37                   

Adapted from Matthew Henry by Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Catechism question, “What is the chief end of man?” “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

 

1. Is man a reasonable creature? Yes-Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

2. Has he greater capacities than the animals? Yes- Job 35:10-11 But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven?

3. Is man his own maker? No-Ps. 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4. Is man then his own master? No-Ps. 12:3-4 The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?

5. Should it be according to what each man thinks? No-Job 34:33 Should it be according to thy mind? he will recompense it, whether thou refuse, or whether thou choose; and not I: therefore speak what thou knowest.

6. Is man his own end and only his? No-Rm. 14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

7. Is it your business in the world to serve the flesh? No-Rm. 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

8. Is it your business to pursue the world? No-Jesus said in John 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

9. Is your happiness bound up in the things of this life? No- Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

10. Will the riches of this world make you happy? No-Lk. 12:15 Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

11. Should you seek then the praise, applause and recognition of men to make you happy? No- Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

12. Will the gain of the world make you happy? No- Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

13. Should God then be your chief end? Yes- Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

14. Were you made for Him? Yes- Isaiah 43:21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.

15. Were you redeemed for Him? Yes- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

16. Is it your chief business to glorify God? Yes- 1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

17. Must this be ultimately designed in all our actions? Yes- 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

18. Is God glorified by our praises? Yes- Psalm 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.

19. Is God glorified by our works? Yes-Jn. 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

20. Is God your chief good? Yes-Ps. 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.

21. Does all good come from Him? Yes- James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

22. Is all good enjoyed in Him? Yes-Ps. 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

23. Is your chief happiness then to have God’s favor? Yes- Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

24. Is His favor the most desirable good? Yes- Psalm 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

25. Should you desire it above any good? Yes- Psalm 4:6-7 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

26. Should you give all diligence to make it sure? Yes-2 Cor. 5:9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

27. Is communion with God in grace the best pleasure? Yes-Ps. 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.