Sermon Central
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It’s Not Hard
Contributed by Jerry Flury on Apr 11, 2010 (message contributor)
Summary: Often, people say, “If God would only speak audibly telling me what He wants me to do life would be so much easier.” God wants us to do His will, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. But realize that knowing and doing God’s isn’t that hard.
It’s Not Hard
Introduction: As the golfer approached the first tee, a hazardous hole with a green surrounded by water, he debated if he should use his new golf ball. Deciding that the hole was too treacherous, he pulled out an old ball and placed it on the tee. Just then he heard a voice from above say loudly: "Use the new ball!" Frightened, he replaced the old ball with the new one and approached the tee. Now the voice from above shouted: "Take a practice swing!" With this, the golfer stepped backward and took a swing. Feeling more confident, he approached the tee when the voice again rang out: "Use the old ball!" (Copied)
So often, I hear people say, “If God would only speak audibly and tell me what it is that He wants me to do, life would be so much easier.” God wants us to do His will, nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. But realize that knowing what God wants and doing what He wants really isn’t that Hard.
I. It is Not that Hard to Know God’s Will
A. Deuteronomy 30:11- 14 “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ’Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ’Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.
B. Vs 11 – What I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach”
C. Moses is telling the nation of Israel that they have a life and death choice to make. They are given the choice of following God and His will or of doing their own thing. Moses makes it abundantly clear that God has revealed Himself and His will to Israel. He demonstrated His person, His power and His majesty time and time again throughout their history. He revealed His will through the commandments given through Moses.
D. You don’t have to climb to some mountain peak in the Himalayas seeking some mystical wisdom from a “holy man”. You don’t need a doctor’s degree in Theology. It’s not rocket science to know God and to know His will.
E. God has revealed Himself and His will in nature and in the heart of man
F. Romans 1:20 “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”
G. God has revealed Who He is and what His will is through the Word of God.
H. John 20:31 “...these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
I. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
J. “The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life is either expressly set down in Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture, unto which nothing at anytime is to be added whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of man.” – From the Westminster Confession of Faith
K. “I will seek the will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.” – George Mueller
L. Romans 15:4 “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning (instructon, guidance, to teach us), that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
M. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
II. It is Not that Hard to do God’s Will
A. Deuteronomy 30:14 “But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may DO IT.
B. Romans 2:13 “for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the DOERS of the law will be justified”
