godswil7
We’re going to continue teaching on the subject of “Knowing the Will of God” for another week or 2.
I. Last week we said that we need to have a thankful heart.
A. (EPH 5:20) Says, “Giving thanks always.”
1. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (KJV)
a. We need to have that thankful heart and give thanks even in the midst of trouble.
b. Murmuring and complaining is going to bring defeat in your life.
i. Jesus said in (MARK 11:23) “He shall have whatsoever he saith.”
ii. If you’re speaking out the negative, that’s what you’re going to reap.
c. And if you’re murmuring and complaining, you’re not in faith.
i. It’s only through faith and patience that you inherit the promises. (HEB 6:12)
2. James tells us to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” (James 1:2) (KJV)
B. We also went in to the area of submission.
1. (Ephesians 5:21-22) Says, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (22) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” (KJV)
a. The word “Submission” is often missed used.
i. It does not mean that we are to be the boss over someone else.
b. In the Greek the Word “Submit” means “To yield to one’s admonition or advice.”
i. If someone gives us some godly advice or godly wisdom it’s good to take that wisdom, but if it’s not what God want for you or if it’s contrary to the Word, then don’t act on it.
ii. But remain teachable.
II. In (MATT 26:36-42) We see the picture of Jesus praying in the garden.
A. Jesus said in (V39), “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.”
1. Jesus was referring to the crucifixion.
a. Jesus didn’t want to go to the cross. It was going to be hard on the flesh.
i. There are times that you and I don’t want to do something that God wants us to do.
b. But Jesus went on to say to the Father, “Not my will, but your will be done.” Jesus endured the cross.
i. God wants us to have that same commitment.
ii. Not my will, but His will be done.
III. 1 of the most important things that we need will ever need in finding God’s direction for our lives is to be led by the Spirit.
A. John 7:38 Says, “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (KJV)
1. 1 translation says, “From within him shall flow rivers of living water.” (ASV)
a. Another translation says, “Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.” (RSV)
b. (JOHN 16:13) Says that the HS will guide you into all truth.
i. Quite often the Bible uses the word “Perceive” to describe the leading of the HS. That inward witness.
2. God will show you His plan for your life by His Spirit.
a. You will hear His voice in your spirit and you’ll have that inward witness to his will.
B. Other than the Word of God, 1 of the greatest ways that God has given to us to find out His will for us is to pray in tongues.
1. 1 Corinthians 14:14 Says, “For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.” (KJV)
a. When you’re praying in an unknown tongue it’s your spirit praying.
i. Your spirit is in direct communication with God.
b. This is so important in us getting God’s direction, As your spirit communicates to God it receives God’s direction.
i. Then as we listen to the voice of the spirit (sometimes that still small voice) we learn God’s will for our lives.
2. Turn with me to 1COR 14:2
a. As you seek the Lord for guidance and direction, the HS will help you pray out the mysteries of God’s plan for your life as you pray in other tongues.
b. You can even be praying for the doors to be open and other door to be shut, and for His will to be done in your life.
IV. There are some things that can hinder you from knowing God plan for your life of being able to walk in it.
A. MARK 11:24-26
1. Unforgiveness is going to hinder your prayer life.
a. It’s going to put an obstacle right in front of you that is going to hinder you from receiving God’s direction, and in praying in His perfect will.
B. Look at 1PET 3:7 Paul uses the phrase “That your prayers be not hindered.”
1. That's in reference to the husbands need to treat their wives as “Heirs together of the Grace of life.” Joint and equal heirs of the kingdom of God.
a. Men, if you don’t, it will hinder your prayers from ever being answered.
b. This same thing goes for everyone.
i. It’s really a matter of walking in love.
2. Another area of hindrance is having things in our lives that weigh us down.
a. (Hebrews 12:1) Says, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us].” (KJV)
i. Sin is going to hinder us from hearing from God and from us walking in what God wants us to do.
V. There are going to be those times when the enemy will try to stop you from fulfilling God’s plan.
A. He might bring obstacles or road blocks in your path to stop you.
1. When Jesus says, “Let’s go to the other side.”
a. Don’t let the storms that come stop you.
b. There are going to be those times that you will have to use your authority that God has given you.
i. Rebuke that storm, that road block, that obstacle, and even Satan, in the Name of Jesus.
2. There’s even going to be spiritual battles to where you have to do battle in the Spirit. {turn to ROM 11:29}
a. Prayer and intercession are needed for those hindrances to be lifted.
B. Turn with me to 1 last V. ROM 11:29
1. The calling that God has on you will not go away.
a. He has called us all to do certain things for the Gospels sake.
i. Maybe you walking in it right now and don’t know it.
ii. Maybe there is something else that God wants you to do.
b. But I’ll add this, If God calls you to do something, He will also equip you.
i. I’m not talking about natural ability. I’m talking about His ability.
c. When God calls you to do something for Him, you have to trust in His ability and in His strength, and not in your own ability and your strength.
i. Sometimes we have to learn how to flow in the spirit or how to flow in that anointing.
ii. If He has called you, His ability is there to get the job done.
WOLCC Sun AM 3/26/95