I want to KNOW THE WILL OF GOD

TEXT: Acts 16:6-10

INTRODUCTION: What I really want to know is what is God’s will

A. If there is one subject that constantly concerns us it is knowing the will of God

1. are we in, doing the will of God?

2. how can we make right decisions? is this what God wants from us?

B. It is true! We want to know the will of God

1. I find that the vast majority of Christians, the kind that attend our church want to really know the will of God.

2. Spent more time praying, thinking about God's will than most would imagine. Even non-Christians often wants God’s will in a matter

C. Good news is that God has promised to lead us and to be our true guide!

1. God's word is clear that God will lead us.

2. He will make known His plan, will for us.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

3. God’s promise is that in a confused and misled world we, the people of God, can be assured of knowing God’s

D. Then why do we struggle, worry and get uptight about finding the will of God

1. We worry and get uptight about the will of God ecause we fear the cojnsequences of not getting the will of God

2. In short, you pay when you miss God’s will

I. GOD LEADS US FIRST THRU THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD. THE BIBLE.

A. The first Question you must ask when seeking God’s will is what does the Bible say?

1. God's Word is God's will.

2. if God has written on it then you do not have to pray about it. He has not changed His mind, He is the same yesterday, today and forever, He changeth not!

B. You don’t have to pray about it if it is written

1. Oh God should I marry this girl? If she is a unbeliever! NO! not unequally yoked

2. Should I be involved in this buisiness venture?

a) Is the business honest, do you have to partner with unrighteous principles goals etc.

C. When we go against what God has spoken, we will suffer the consequences

1. Consequences! Sowing and reaping! Cause and effects

II. THE SPIRIT'S WITNESS. PEACE.

A. If there is no clear or specific scriptural teaching, then we look to the witness ofhte Holy Spirit

1. It is the ministry to the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth to show us the specific will of God in every area of our life

2. He will lead us into all truth.

Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

B. One of the ways that God leads us in daily life is thru the peace of God, inner witness.

1. God knows the truth, the future and if He says NO. DON'T DO IT. AND IF HE SAYS YES! THEN GO AHEAD. HE WILL WORK IT OUT.

C. Learn to respond the the traffic light of the Holy

1. Learn to be aware of and how to interpret the "witness" of the Holy Spirit.

2. Red Light "NO"; Yellow Light "SLOW, BE ALERT"; Green Light "GO"

D. God will often speack toyou in the heart with word or impression

1. Example listen to the Macadonian call

E. Not as easy as it sounds

1. Clutter in our heart makes it hard to

III. GOD LEADS THRU OUR DESIRES!

A. This is hard for some of us! To think and act upon what we want, desire, enjoy

1. Serious Christians only want what God wants

2. We have focused solely on God's will and God's desire, we have crucified our desires and the flesh.

3. We have devoted and dedeicated our lives to Christ will “Thy will be done”

B. If our hearts is right before God! We love Him and are dedicated to Him , He will often lead us thru the desires, dreams of our heart.

1. God works His will by creating the vision, desire, hunger for his will.

IV. CIRCUMSTANCES AND ABILITIES

A. What are the circumstances telling you

1. GODLY COINCIDENCES, putting people together

2. OPPORTUNITIES! open doors, events that are orchestrated by God for his will to be accomplished.

3. SHUT DOORS! all are God's will being done.

B. He challenges us at times to rise above circumstances.

1. Often He is there in the circumstances

2. If it is God's will, He will open the door

3. If He opens the door, then no man can shut.

4. If He shuts the door, then no man can open.

C. God gives talents, abilities, gifts that confirm His

1. If we are not at all gifted at drawing, it is a good possibility that God does not want us to be a artist for a living, etc.

I Want to Know the Will of God 1