Finding God’s Will

Finding God’s Will

Acts 13.36David served God’s purpose in his own generation [NIV]

David served his generation according to God’s will [AV]

• Our generation

• God’s purposes

What are God’s purposes for my generation?

Finding God’s Will

God wants us to know

his will for our lives!

Finding God’s Will

God wants us to learn

about our generation

‘loveless in strength and comfortless in pain’ [Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided]

Finding God’s Will

1 Thessalonians 4.3God’s will for us - holiness [from NIV]

God’s will for us, our sanctification [AV]

• Not “Where?”• But “What?” and “How?”

How will God work out his purposes in my life?

Finding God’s Will

Five Ways God uses to guide us• Through the Word

• Through Prayer

• Through the Church

• Through Family

• Through Circumstance

Finding God’s Will

Hebrews 4:12-13The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged

sword …it judges the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Nothing in all creation is hidden in God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

But: Minimum to affect moral and spiritual change is 4 times a week

Finding God’s Will

Matthew 7.7-8Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and

the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; everyone who seeks finds; and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 6.33Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these

things will be given to you as well

Needs time, effort and faith

Finding God’s Will

Acts 13.2-3While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit

said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

Challenge to the local church:

Do we commission all our members, whether to “secular” or “spiritual” ministry?

Finding God’s Will

2 Timothy 1.5

I remember your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice …

Family – believing and not-yet-believing –

are worth listening to, but do not override God’s Word or his call.

Finding God’s Will

Acts 16.6-10 Doors close, until one opens:During the night, Paul had a vision of someone from

Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

After Paul had seen the vision, we began looking for a way to go to Macedonia. We were sure that God had called us to preach the good news there.

When the Word, Prayer, the Church and Family line up, let circumstance guide.

Finding God’s Will

God wants us to enjoy

his will for our lives!