Experiencing God Pt.2

May 21, 2025

FBC Baxley

Experiencing God Pt 2

John 5:19-24

19 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.

22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,

23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

-Pray

Jesus: Our Example/Model in Knowing and Doing God’s Will

Introduction:

Years ago, there was a man driving through a dense fog late at night.

The road was unfamiliar, the headlights barely cut through the mist, and every turn felt like a guess.

Suddenly, he saw taillights up ahead. Relieved, he said to himself, “If I just follow that car, I’ll be fine.”

Sure enough, the car seemed to know the way—turning smoothly, slowing when needed, picking up speed on the straightaways.

Then, without warning, the car pulled off the road and came to a stop.

The man followed it right into a driveway... and crashed straight into a garage door.

What happened?

He had followed someone who wasn’t leading him to his destination.

They weren’t guiding—they were just going home.

Here’s the point: If we let the wrong guide lead us—even when it feels right—we’ll end up somewhere we were never meant to be.

And too many Christians are trying to navigate life in the fog, following the wrong lights—culture, emotions, experiences, or advice.

But Jesus is our model, and the Word of God is our roadmap.

If we’re going to follow anyone, we better make sure it’s the One who knows the way.

Henry Blackaby said,

“You never find God asking persons to dream up what they want to do for Him. He reveals what He is doing so you can join Him.”

1. The Word, Not the World

So often, we try to live by experience, emotion, or logic.

But Scripture must always have the final word.

🔹 “The reality is that the truth of your experience must be tested by the truth of Scripture.” – Blackaby

We don’t shape our understanding of God by what we feel.

We shape it by what God has said.

Experiences can inspire us—but they must always be evaluated by the Word.

Malachi 3:6 – “I the Lord do not change.”

2. Don’t Isolate a Verse—Learn God’s Ways

God’s truth is not found in isolation but in repetition and pattern.

If God acted a certain way in Scripture over time, you can trust He’ll act that way in your life too.

🔹 “Watch to see where God is working and join Him.” – Henry Blackaby

When we base major life decisions on one verse taken out of context, we risk missing God’s larger work.

We need to ask: How does God generally act in Scripture?

What is His nature?

3. God Doesn’t Give the Full Map—Just the First Step

When Jesus called His disciples, He didn’t explain everything. He simply said, “Follow Me.”

Peter and Andrew left their nets.

James and John left their father.

Matthew left the tax booth.

Paul was blinded and told to wait.

🔹 “You can’t stay where you are and go with God.” – Blackaby

God doesn’t promise clarity—He promises companionship.

And that’s better.

Obedience always comes before understanding.

4. Ask the Right Question

Too often we ask, “What is God’s will for my life?”

That sounds spiritual—but it’s self-centered.

The better question is: “What is God’s will?”

And then: “How can I join Him in what He’s doing?”

“Find out what God is doing where you are and join Him. Don’t ask God to bless your plans. Find His plans—they are already blessed.” – Henry Blackaby

God is not a consultant for your dreams—He’s the Author of His own story, and He invites you into it.

5. Jesus Shows Us the Pattern

In John 5:17, 19-20, Jesus reveals how He lived in perfect unity with the Father:

“The Son can do nothing by Himself; He only does what He sees the Father doing…”

Here’s Jesus’ rhythm:

The Father is always working.

2. The Son watches and joins.

3. The Son does nothing on His own.

4. The Father shows Him everything because of love.

🔹 “Jesus did not have to guess what the Father wanted Him to do. The Father loved the Son and showed Him everything He was doing.” – Blackaby

This is our model too.

We must stay close to the Father so we don’t miss where He’s moving.

6. God Is Working Around You Right Now

God is not passive.

He’s active.

He’s speaking.

He’s leading.

“God is always at work around you. But if you are not watching, you’ll miss Him.” – Blackaby

The problem isn’t that God is silent.

The problem is that we’re distracted.

But if we’ll tune our hearts through the Word and prayer, we’ll see where He’s inviting us to join Him.

7. Your Next Step

What is God saying to you right now?

What stood out in this message?

Maybe it’s time to stop asking God to bless your plans.

Maybe you’ve been paralyzed waiting for details, when God is simply saying, “Follow Me.”

Maybe you’ve based your walk on feelings—and today, God is calling you to base it on truth.

🔹 “You come to know God by experience as you obey Him, and He accomplishes His work through you.” – Henry Blackaby

Life Applications:

1. Let God’s Word Be the Filter for Your Feelings

Don’t let emotions or experiences drive your faith—measure them by the truth of Scripture.

Ask yourself: “What does God’s Word say about this?” before you decide or respond.

Start a daily habit of Scripture reading—not for information, but for transformation.

James 1:22 – “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

2. Ask, “What is God doing?”—Not “What do I want?”

Make it your daily prayer: “Father, what are You doing today, and how can I join You?”

Look at your job, family, and neighborhood as mission fields.

Watch for opportunities God is opening—not ones you're trying to force.

“You never find God asking people to dream up what they want to do for Him.” – Henry Blackaby

3. Obey Immediately—Even Without All the Details

Jesus’ call is still “Follow Me.” Take the next step, even if you don’t see the whole path.

Is God prompting you to forgive someone? Serve? Speak up? Move forward in faith.

Trust that obedience brings clarity, not the other way around.

“You can’t stay where you are and go with God.” – Henry Blackaby

-Pray