How many times have you asked the Lord or heard others ask, “God, what is your will for my life?” Have you ever asked God to show you His pleasant, pleasing, and perfect will for your life? Perhaps other than asking the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and come into your life as Lord and Savior, the decision to know and do God’s will is of utmost importance in your life.
Truths Concerning the Will of God
Salvation is His will for your life. God has made that very clear in His Word that none should perish, but that all should come to the Lord Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. You never have to ask the Lord, “God is it your will that I am saved?” The Lord Jesus Christ has already done EVERYTHING necessary for you to become a child of God. Jesus lived a sinless life, died a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, shedding His life’s blood for you and me. He was buried and on the third day, Jesus rose from the grave – victorious over Satan, sin, death, hell, and the grave. You must be willing to receive salvation as a free gift by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8-9).
Sanctification is His will for your life. Once you become a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, He begins a LIFETIME process of making your more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29). Being sanctified means you are “set apart” from the world and into His service.
Scripture Centered It is essential for a baby to feed on milk in order to grow up. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must feed on the Word of God, the Scriptures are essential to your spiritual walk and vitality in the Lord (Matthew 4:4, 1 Peter 2:2, Psalm 119:9-10). How long can you go without physical food and expect to stay strong? The Word of God is food for your soul!
Strong in the Lord Dr. Frank Page reminded us that God’s plan for your life is to be saved and strong. The devil’s desire is to keep your lost or at the very best, an extremely weak Christian (Eph. 6:10-18).
Serving the Lord and others The definition of joy is Jesus – Others – You! There is so much work to be done in our church and into this community. We are actively working on our Across GA 2010 – Every Christian caring – Every believer sharing – Every Georgian hearing. Are you involved in the harvest…or content to let others take your place?
Secure in God’s grip of grace. We do what we do for the Lord BECAUSE He has chosen us to work through (John 15). No amount of works or service gives us eternal security – rather, out of that secure relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we do the good works He’s planned in advance for us to walk in (Eph. 2:10).
Lies from the Evil One Concerning God’s Will
There is really no need to turn from sin to the Savior
God made you this way, so you can’t help but sin
You deserve anything you want RIGHT NOW – don’t delay
God will simply wink at your sin – it’s no big deal
You are better than most people, you pray, give, attend church, etc.
The only sins that matter are the Big ones…sexual immorality, murder, hatred, pride, etc. Other sins such as gossip, un-forgiveness, jealousy, bitterness are simply not that big of a deal.
You are sufficient within yourself to defeat sin – no need for Bible study, prayer, accountability, etc.
Pleasing yourself is the highest priority of life – family, neighbors, church, etc. can take the back seat
God is not our for your good, but is really out to steal your joy
How to know and do the will of God
Dedication to the Lord – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 - I’ve got have a heart that is more set upon following Jesus Christ as Lord instead of following my own wisdom, plans, etc. The Lord Jesus Christ must be my ultimate authority in life!
Desire to grow As parents and grandparents, think of the sheer joy it brings to your heart as that child begins to develop new ways, habits, activities, etc. that are positive. Can you remember the first time your child brushed their teeth? Put on their own clothes? Made their bed, meal, etc. Ephesians 4:12-16, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Discipline yourself 1 Thessalonians 4:3 – There is a part God plays and a part you play in doing His will. God does not wave a magic wand over you so you always choose right – He doesn’t take away the wonderful taste of cake – there’s a part we must play.
Different character 1 Thessalonians 4:4-8 – We live in a sex saturated society. In Germany, everywhere you turn there is nudity, billboards, stores, etc. How long before it comes to America? There are some websites to be avoided, places you simply cannot go anymore, movies, books, DVD’s that must go, improper relationships with others that must be cut off – You don’t do these things to BECOME holy…but because JESUS CHRIST made you holy through the cross!
How many homes, churches, ministries, servants of the Lord have ruined their lives because their character was no different than unbelievers? No one can play with fire without getting burned! Proverbs 6:27-29, “Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent.”
God is the One who pours out His Spirit upon you, indwells you, has given you new life. We are commanded to offer ourselves to the Savior, rather than sin…if you have problems with this, your problem is not with me, rather God! 1 Thess. 4:8
What if I’ve failed? Who hasn’t? Think of Peter – Jesus knew Peter would fail – In spite of Peter’s failures, Jesus believed in Peter and knew fruitful service was awaiting. Jesus sees us in our sin and shame – yet with eyes of mercy. He does not want us to wallow in past sin, guilt, and will not use us mightily if we choose to focus more on our guilt than His grace. Jesus forgives failures – Mark 16:7, “…and Peter.” – Lk. 22:31-32, 61-62 – God is more willing to forgive than we are to receive it ourselves!
Devotion in life ambition 1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The more you grow in the love walk, the more you are walking in the will of God!
Decide your companions 1 Thessalonians 4:10-11 – People you don’t need to be hanging around continually would include busybodies, apathetic believers, people who tear you down, etc. Find people who are going to call you to go higher in integrity, work, devotion to God’s will. The people you hang around with most are going to determine much about the direction of your life! 1 Cor. 15:33, “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
Discipleship orientation 1 Thessalonians 4:12 – People are watching you – By the way you live, work, do your daily business, would it cause others to want to follow Jesus? Are you late for work, downing employees, giving half-hearted effort?
Delight Yourself in the Lord Share brief testimony of Glen Mann, Scotty and C.O.P.I.N Ministries, etc.
Day of the Lord - What kind of an account of your life, lifestyle, do you want to give to the Lord? In light of that day (Bema Seat), all should desire to live faithful to the will of God.
Our Response:
1. This morning, are you walking in the will of God? Do you understand that Jesus perfectly did the will of God? He is the only One who never failed, thus we need His forgiveness. Remember ABC. Admit to God you are a sinner. Believe Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Confess Jesus is Lord and trust His work on the cross.
2. Today, would you like to become a member of this church family? Perhaps you’ve received Jesus, but have never been baptized. If you are a member of another church and have been baptized, yet sense God is calling you here, then join us this morning.
3. Are you willing to walk in God’s will beginning today? Is there a sin that is keeping you from following Jesus? Are you willing to bring it to the Lord today? Turn away from sin and turn your eyes upon Jesus who will empower you to walk in new life today!
4. Is there a friend you need to ask to keep you accountable in the area of purity, pleasing God in areas such as home life, marriage, work, friendships, etc?
5. If you have failed, there is freedom from failure – Ask God to forgive you, choose now to live in purity, receive His forgiveness, take the next step forward in Christ.
6. Dwell much this week on how much better it is to be actively doing Gods’ will, rather than progressively sinking in sin.
