Sermon Archives

“Now may the God of peace ... equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in you that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ ...” – Hebrews 13: 20-21

2. The “Will of God” is more about what God does IN YOU than what you do for God.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification. – 1 Thessalonians 4: 3

“... for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”– Philippians 2: 13

3. The “Will of God” is more about HEART condition (relationship) than head choices (religion).

Example: Choose a Door or Choose a Heart?

In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5: 18

4. The “Will of God” involves mastering the certainties (‘revelation’) while pursuing the uncertainties (the Journey).

Epaphras [is] always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God. – Colossians 4: 12

5. The “Will of God” can be clouded and distorted by the LIES we believe.

“... so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”

– 1 Peter 4: 2

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

– 1 John 4: 1

What You Can Do: Spend some time looking into the topic of God’s will. Listen for God’s voice. Talk the matter over with a friend (s) or your small group. Prayerfully read Matthew 15: 21-28 and Mark 7: 24-30 and look for God’s will being revealed.

How to Discover the Will of God

Part 2 – An Open Mind October 4, 2009

Matthew 15: 21-28

Last Week: To discover the “Will of God” we must realize that …

the issue must be framed correctly.
it is more about the work God does in you than the work you do for God
it is more about having the right heart than making the right choice.
the process can be hindered by things we believe.
we must master the certainties while pursuing the uncertainties.

Today

The “Will of God” is an Open Mind

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus Philippians 2: 5

An open mind helps us …

1. GO PLACES not easy to go.

“Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon …”

Matthew 15: 21

2. BELIEVE THINGS not easy to believe.

Jesus answered her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.”

Matthew 15: 24

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1: 18

3. LOVE PEOPLE not easy to love.

A Canaanite woman came to him, crying out … Matthew 15: 22

Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others … and he healed them. Matthew 15: 30

4. DO THINGS not easy to do.

“Lord, send her away, for she keeps bothering us.” Matthew 15: 23

“I have compassion for these people; for they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance … how many loaves do you have?” Mark 8: 2-5

5. GIVE UP things not easy to give up.

“It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes, Lord,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Matthew 15: 27

Then Jesus left them … Mark 8: 13

When I was a child, I thought as a child … 1 Corinthians 13: 11

6. SEE THINGS not easy to see.

Then Jesus answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.”

Matthew 15: 28

The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. “A wicked generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.”

Mark 8: 13 & Matthew 16: 4

What You Can Do: Continue your prayer, reflection, reading, and discussion. Include time to reflect on the following Scripture:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12: 2

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Timothy 2: 7

How to Discover the Will of God

Part 5 – An Outward Focus

October 25, 2009

Review

The “Will of God is more about heart condition than head choices. It includes having …

an open mind,

a thankful spirit,

a compassionate heart, and

an outward focus.

An Outward Focus means seeking out “Missing People.”

An Outward Focus is God’s Will for …

ISRAEL

Abraham -- All nations on earth blessed through you. Genesis 12:3

Jonah -- The "sign of Jonah" Matthew 16:4

Isaiah -- A light to the Gentiles Isaiah 42:6

Acts 13:47

INDIVIDUALS

The Geresene -- The Demoniac becomes The Evangelist! Mark 5: 19-20

THE CHURCH

Jesus' Feedings:

The Jews: 12 baskets = 12 Jewish Tribes Matthew 14: 13-21

The Gentiles: 7 baskets = 7 Gentile Nations Matthew 15:29-39

Joshua 3:10 Acts 13:19

Jesus' Parables of the Lost Luke 15

Jesus' Great Commission Matthew 28

Paul's Commission -- to the Gentiles and their kings Acts 9:15

An outward focus is a challenge because …

People may not FEEL MISSING

People may not RESPOND

* See the Parable of the Sower. (Matthew 13)

People may not see anything ATTRACTIVE.

* Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth ... the light of the world." Matthew 5: 13-16

People may not realize THE STAKES!

* Eternity! Matthew 11 & 12

Revelation 20: 22-25

It is very HARD WORK!

What You Can Do: Take this bulletin, which contains the Prayer of St. Francis, and pray this prayer daily this coming week. Be mindful of the words, and the work that God must in you so that the prayer will be answered.

Remember 1 John 5: 14-15!

How to Discover the Will of God

Part 4 – A Compassionate Heart

October 18, 2009

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a right spirit within me …

Psalm 51: 10

A Compassionate Heart …

1. Breaks down BARRIERS

* The “Good” Samaritan!

2. Connects us to GOD'S HEART

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

And if we know that he hears us --- whatever we ask --- we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5: 14-15

3. Takes us beyond mere feelings to ACTION.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1: 22

4. Creates a healthy and CONTAGEOUS ENVIRONMENT.

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 25

We ought always to thank God for you … because your faith is growing … and your love is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches, we boast …

1 Thessalonians 1: 3-4

5. Is the best form of EVANGELISM!

How to Discover the Will of God

Part 3 – A Thankful Spirit

October 11, 2009

Give thanks to the Lord ….

Psalm 136: 1

A Thankful Spirit …

1. IMITATES Jesus

Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks …

Matthew 15: 36

“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me,

but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe …” John 11: 41-42

2. Connects us to the HEART OF JESUS.

* Luke 17: 15-16 – “Where are the other nine?”

3. Builds the CHARACTER OF JESUS.

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know

that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.… Romans 5: 2-5

4. Stirs up ENCOURAGEMENT.

At the sight of these men, Paul thanked God and was encouraged.

Acts 28: 15

5. Stirs up the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Be filled with the Spirit … always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5: 18,20

6. Builds our PRAYER LIFE.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4: 6

7. Is a STATEMENT OF FAITH.

Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7: 24-25

8. Can be VERY CONTAGIOUS.

We ought always to thank God for you … because your faith is growing … and your love is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches, we boast …

1 Thessalonians 1: 3-4

This service you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9: 12-15

9. Unleashes the life-changing power of God’s GRACE!

* See 1 Timothy 1: 12-16 and compare Paul’s attitude with that of the Pharisee in Luke 18: 11

10. Is simply and clearly GOD’S WILL

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5: 18

What You Can Do: When you pray, be sure to include thanks. It is good to begin every prayer by thanking God for blessings and opportunities. Make a list of things for which you are thankful. Discuss with a friend or small group. Continue to pray for God’s will to be done in you.

Read Psalm 136, and remember James 1: 22, which says, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says