Week 5: Learning to Discern God's Perfect Will

Week 5: Learning to Discern God's Perfect Will

Key Texts:

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”Colossians 1:9-10: “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Historical Context and Background

Proverbs 3:5-6:

Time Period: Around 950 BC.Context: Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, was written during a time of great prosperity and wisdom in Israel. Solomon was known for his wisdom, and Proverbs is a collection of sayings meant to offer practical guidance on how to live a life that honors God. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches the importance of placing total trust in God rather than relying on one’s limited human understanding. The emphasis on wisdom and trusting in God reflects the worldview that human wisdom alone is insufficient for understanding God’s plans and purposes. This passage provides a foundational approach for believers in discerning God’s perfect will: trust and submission.

Colossians 1:9-10:

Time Period: AD 60-62.Context: Paul wrote this letter while in prison, addressing the church in Colossae, a city influenced by Greek philosophy and pagan practices. Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-10 is for the believers to grow in their understanding of God’s will so they can live lives worthy of their calling. At the time, the Colossians were facing confusion from false teachers, and Paul wanted to ground them in true spiritual wisdom. This knowledge of God’s will (epignosis) is not merely intellectual but deeply transformative, meant to guide the believers in their daily walk with Christ.

Passage Analysis

Proverbs 3:5-6:

Key Theme: The passage calls for complete trust in God. The Hebrew word for "trust" (batach) means a firm, unshakable confidence. It highlights the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding, which is limited and often flawed. By acknowledging God in all areas of life, we invite His guidance, which leads us into His perfect will. The promise is that when we fully trust and submit, God will "make straight" or "direct" our paths, which means He will guide us according to His perfect plan.

Colossians 1:9-10:

Key Theme: Paul’s prayer for the Colossians emphasizes the need for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in "all spiritual wisdom and understanding." The word epignosis suggests a deep, experiential knowledge of God’s will, not just intellectual awareness. This kind of knowledge transforms how we live, helping us to walk in a manner that is "worthy of the Lord" and "fully pleasing" to Him. The goal of discerning God’s will is not only personal growth but also bearing fruit in good works and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Text and Analysis

Proverbs 3:5-6:

"Trust in the Lord" (Hebrew: batach): The word batach conveys an image of full reliance and confidence in God, much like a person trusting in the strength of a firm foundation. The phrase "with all your heart" suggests that this trust is total and complete, leaving no room for doubt or partial reliance on human wisdom.

Practical Example: Imagine a person who is at a crossroads in life, perhaps considering a major career move or relationship decision. Instead of relying solely on logic or external advice, they are called to trust fully in God, asking Him for guidance in prayer and through His Word. By doing so, they acknowledge God in their decisions and allow Him to direct their paths according to His perfect will.Application: In your prayer life, surrender your own plans and desires to God. Actively trust Him, even when you don’t fully understand the path ahead. Seek guidance in Scripture and through godly counsel, trusting that He will direct you. For example, if you're facing a difficult decision about moving to a new city or changing jobs, pray for God’s guidance and trust His leading, even if it takes you in an unexpected direction.

Colossians 1:9-10:

"Filled with the knowledge of His will" (Greek: epignosis): The word epignosis suggests a full, accurate, and experiential knowledge of God’s will. This is not mere intellectual understanding but spiritual wisdom that transforms our lives. Paul prays that the Colossians would be filled with this kind of knowledge so that they can live lives that reflect Christ, bearing fruit in good works and growing in their relationship with God.

Practical Example: Consider someone praying for clarity in their personal ministry or calling. Instead of simply asking for answers, they begin to seek God’s will through Scripture and prayer, asking for spiritual wisdom to understand how to live out their calling in a way that pleases God. Their focus shifts from simply knowing what to do to understanding how to live out their faith in a way that reflects God’s character.Application: Ask God to fill you with a clear understanding of His will through daily study of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Pray for discernment in both big and small decisions. For instance, in your workplace, instead of only praying for success or promotion, pray for wisdom in how to reflect God’s character through your actions and relationships.

Preaching and Teaching Points

1. Trust in God’s Wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6):

Main Idea: Trusting God leads us to His perfect will, even when we don't fully understand His ways. Our human understanding is limited and can be flawed, but God’s wisdom is infinite and perfect. When we acknowledge God in all our decisions, He promises to direct our paths according to His perfect plan.Application: Encourage believers to submit their decision-making process to God and trust in His guidance. Lead them to consider areas where they are relying too much on their own understanding and not enough on God’s wisdom. For example, in making decisions about career moves, financial investments, or relationships, believers should pray for God’s guidance, seek Scripture, and trust that God will direct them even if His leading goes against their initial logic or desires.

2. The Importance of Surrender (Proverbs 3:5-6):

Main Idea: Surrendering our understanding is crucial to walking in God’s perfect will. Often, we try to figure things out on our own, relying on human logic or emotions. But true wisdom comes when we let go of our control and allow God to guide us, trusting that He knows the best path for us.Application: Lead the congregation in praying for hearts that are willing to surrender control to God. Encourage them to release any areas of life where they are holding on too tightly, such as career goals, family plans, or personal ambitions. Remind them that surrendering to God’s wisdom may involve taking a path that seems counterintuitive, but it leads to peace and fulfillment in His perfect will.

3. Living Out God’s Will (Colossians 1:9-10):

Main Idea: Discerning God’s will is not just about gaining knowledge, but about living in a way that reflects God's character. When we are filled with the knowledge of God’s will, it transforms how we live, causing us to walk in a manner that is worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, and bearing fruit in every good work.Application: Challenge believers to consider how knowing God’s will impacts their daily lives, including relationships, work, and service. Encourage them to reflect on how their actions, speech, and decisions reflect the character of Christ. For example, if someone knows that God has called them to serve others, they should reflect on how they can bear fruit in their workplace, church, or community through acts of service, love, and compassion.

4. Praying for Discernment (Colossians 1:9-10):

Main Idea: Prayer for understanding God’s will should be a regular practice in a believer’s life. We are called to pray for spiritual wisdom and discernment in all areas of life so that we can live in alignment with God’s purposes. James 1:5 reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.Application: Encourage a habit of asking God for wisdom and discernment in daily prayers. Lead the group in a prayer asking for God’s wisdom in both major decisions (such as career paths, marriage, or ministry) and daily choices (how to interact with colleagues, spend free time, or manage resources). Invite them to pray regularly for the Holy Spirit to guide their thoughts and actions in ways that align with God’s will.

Practical Examples for Teaching

Career Path Example: A young professional might be weighing two job offers—one with a higher salary and another with greater opportunities for personal growth and service. Rather than making a decision based on human understanding (choosing the higher salary), they spend time in prayer, seeking God’s guidance. By trusting in God and acknowledging Him in this decision, they are led to choose the job that aligns more closely with God’s purpose for their life.

Relationship Example: Someone might be praying about a potential marriage partner but feels uncertain. Instead of relying on emotions alone, they seek counsel from Scripture, pray for wisdom, and trust that God will guide their decision. By placing their trust in God’s wisdom and timing, they avoid rushing into a decision and wait for clear confirmation that this relationship is part of God’s perfect will.

Ministry Calling Example: A believer feels called to serve in their church but is unsure in what capacity. Rather than relying on personal preferences or convenience, they pray for discernment and seek counsel from spiritual leaders. Through prayer and meditation on Scripture, they begin to sense God’s leading toward a particular ministry (such as teaching or hospitality) that aligns with their spiritual gifts and God’s purposes for their life.

Reflection and Action for Students

Main Takeaways:

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trusting God with all your heart means surrendering your understanding and allowing Him to guide your paths. When we fully rely on God, He leads us into His perfect will.Colossians 1:9-10: Discerning God’s will is not just about gaining knowledge but about living in a way that is worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work. God’s will is meant to transform our daily lives.

Personal Reflection:

What areas of your life are you holding onto, relying on your own understanding instead of trusting God? How can you surrender those areas to Him today?How often do you pray for discernment when making decisions? Do you trust God’s guidance, even when it goes against your initial desires or understanding?In what ways can you begin to live out the knowledge of God’s will in your everyday actions, relationships, and work?

Challenge for the Week:

Daily Discernment Practice: Spend time each morning this week asking God to guide your decisions throughout the day. Whether big or small, ask for wisdom to align each choice with God’s will. Journal the decisions you made that day and reflect on how God guided you through prayer and trust.

Memory Verse:

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

By the end of this week, you will have a deeper understanding of how to discern God’s perfect will through trusting in His wisdom and seeking His guidance. Let this study challenge you to surrender your plans and live out God’s will in your daily life, trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own.