My pastor is taking us through a series he has titled, "Asking for a Friend." He is answering common questions in the realm of Christian living. Today, he is answering the question, "How can you know God's will?"
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| How can you know God's will? |
The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.
You are invited to watch, Listen, and worship with us here.
We are God's masterpieces. God had a plan for you and me when he made us.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. - Ephesians 2:10
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, we have all been placed in a time out. What if this season is the start of new beginnings? God uses all things for good.
So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. - Ephesians 5:17
Let us begin by understanding what is not God's will.
1. God's will is not a feeling. Our feelings can lead us down wrong paths.
2. God's will is not a formula.
3. God's will is not weird. It is beautiful.
What is God's will?
God's will is a relationship. Read Ephesians 2:10 again. God has created us anew.
To know God's will is to know God. The will of God is more "being" than "doing." To know God's will is to know Jesus and to be like Him - to behave, respond, and desire like Jesus.
To know God's will is to know God so well that we desire the things God desires. Let's not look at God's will as a roadmap, but instead a relationship. Do you have a relationship with the Lord?
The will of God comes from God. God is not reluctant to reveal His will. We just need to go to God and ask Him.
Make me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day. - Psalm 25:4-5
The will of God is not about our happiness. It has everything to do with our holiness.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
God's will is pleasing and perfect. His will is not absent from problems but is in the presence and guidance of the Lord. God will use our trials to grow and sanctify us. If you are in the middle of a difficult time, it doesn't mean you are out of the will of God. God will sometimes allow us to be in a dark place, but He will never waste a hurt.
The will of God is revealed when we are willing to do it. We like details but God wants our devotion, our trust, and our surrender.
The devil wants us to believe that God is not always good. That is a lie. We can trust God.
In the garden of Eden, Jesus surrendered to the will of God. Are you surrendered to God? Do you trust Him?
Surrender is not a one time event but a daily choice.
The will of God is clearer than you think.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. - Matthew 7:7
Ask, seek, and knock, but ask with the right motive.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. - James 4:3
Sometimes we don't ask because we are stubborn. We don't want to change.
Seek the Scriptures.
God's will and His Word never conflict with one another.
Pray for the Holy Spirit's leading.
Listen to wise counsel. Who in your life shoots straight with you? Talk to that person.
Knock: Pursue what God has placed on your heart. He is our provider. He will open doors.
The will of God is bigger than our mistakes and regrets. Failures are not final with God. Jesus redeems and restores. He wants the prodigals to come home.
Come to God in the middle of your mess. Pray, "Not my will, but Your will be done, Lord."
God's will is for you to follow Jesus Christ and be totally surrendered to Him.
Read all posts in this series here.
Read all posts in this series here.
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| How Can You Know God's Will? (Asking for a Friend Series) |
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