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UNDERSTANDING AND DOING THE WILL OF GOD

PART 2--WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

INTRODUCTION

Last week we said that each of us has the responsibility to know and do the will of God.

We shared with you three basic fundamentals about the will of God.

            1.         We Must First Acknowledge The Fact Of God’s Will.

            2.         We Must Give Attention To The Example Of Christ, Who Came To Do The Father’s Will.

            3.         We Must Accept The Work Of The Holy Spirit, Who Enables Us To Perceive And Do God’ Will.

We also shared with you five facts about God’s will.

            1.         We have a part in reaching the goal of God’s will being done on earth.

            2.         Christians are left in this world to “do the will of God.”

            3.         God’s will should take the place of priority in our earthly journey. It is not just an option, it is a necessity!

            4.         Because Christ said, “Thy will be done, “ we know there is the definite possibility of its fulfillment.

            5.         We must strive to merge our wills with God’s will. We must submit, not resist.

Then we shared some hindrances in our thought on the will of God.

            1.         Our Wills Dominate Our Actions.

            2.         Our Goals Are Often Temporal And Shortsighted.

            3.         Many Have A Mistaken View Of The Will Of God.

            4.         Many Have Taken The Road Of Going With The Flow.

Tonight I believe God would have us look at some things in his Word that are specified as the will of God for our lives:

I.         THE WILL OF GOD IS FOR US TO BE SAVED.

            The Bible teaches that being born again involves the working of the Father’s will.

James 1:18–“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”

2 Peter 3:9–“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

In establishing a relationship with us, and in reconciling us to Himself, the Father expressed His will in our salvation.

II.       THE WILL OF GOD IS FOR US TO BE SANCTIFIED. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

We must not be guilty of asking the Lord for further directions until our lives are free and clear from all known sin.

            God’s will is that all who are saved to be holy.

            Jesus said that sanctification comes from the Word of God.

            John 17:17–“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

            The Bible gives us direction.

            (2 Timothy 3:16–doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness.)

            The Bible warns us of danger.

            Only through the Word of God will we ever bring our life into alignment with God’s will.

III.      THE WILL OF GOD IS FOR US TO BE SUBMISSIVE. (1 Peter 2:13-15)

The Bible indicates that God wants all of us to have a submissive spirit toward those in authority over us.

The thought in this passage is that holiness of conduct has a strong impact upon the ungodly.

            We are to submit to, to honor, to fear, and to serve those in authority. (Hebrews 13:17)

IV.      THE WILL OF GOD IS FOR US TO BE WILLING TO SUFFER GRACEFULLY.

            (1 Peter 4:19)

As we seek answers and make choices in various areas and at different stages of life, we will likely come to a time when it is God’s will for us to exhibit His grace in a ministry of suffering.

We may have difficulty seeing our personal adversity as a ministry, but the Word of God clearly indicates that it relates to God’s will.

The thought of this verse is that our good works will flow outward to others through our personal suffering.

We may not have a chronic or lifelong illness or handicap, but we may endure suffering caused by our presence among ungodly people in varying situations of life–in the home or at work, school, or other places.

It may be inward pressures we must bear because of rejection, abuse, or lack of fulfillment.

            Whatever the case, in the context of the Scripture, suffering is for the glory of the Lord.

It should be stamped “received graciously” by the sojourner who is seeking to fulfill God’s will in life.

Hermann Lange, facing execution, wrote from his prison cell in Hamburg on July 11, 1943: "Personally, I am perfectly calm, facing steadfastly what is to come. When one has really achieved complete surrender to the will of God, there is a marvelous feeling of peace and sense of absolute security. The gift we receive is so unimaginably great that all human joys pale beside it."

V.        THE WILL OF GOD IS FOR US TO BE THANKFUL IN EVERYTHING.

            (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

Cicero, the great Roman orator and philosopher, said, "A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue but the parent of all other virtues." Perhaps that explains the large part gratitude plays in Paul's letters. He begins with thanksgiving when he writes to the Romans, the Corinthians, the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, and the Thessalonians!

God expects our attitude to be one of true thanksgiving in every relationship and circumstance of life.

            Every Christian must see the need for having a spirit of gratitude.

            A spirit of gratitude brings blessings with it.

            If you want to lighten your load be thankful.

            We should be grateful every day for each new blessing.

            We should even thank the Lord for the hardships and trials.

            Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies.

            Remember, God is at work in this world. He is at work in our lives.

            He is fulfilling His promises and working out His purposes for His beloved child.

In the providence of God, this spirit of praise and thanksgiving will enable us to take everything in stride.

Thanksgiving should be ever springing out from the evidences of God’s goodness and grace to us all–because He is always for us.

Helen Keller said, “So much has been given to me, I have no time to ponder over that which has been denied.”

CONCLUSION

How are you doing with the will of God that the Word of God specifically dictates?

            Are you saved?

            Are you being sanctified?

            Are you being submissive?

            When the need arises, are you suffering graciously?

            Are you being thankful in all things?

Are you in the place of God’s choosing or your own?

Are you seeking by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring your life into line with the truth that you know?

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NOTICE:   THESE SERMONS ARE FREE TO BE USED BUT ARE NOT TO BE SOLD!