Discerning God's Will: Clarity Through Faith and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on understanding and discerning God's will for our lives. We began by reflecting on a personal story from 25 years ago when my wife Jennifer and I felt called to plant a church. Through prayer and seeking counsel, we eventually discerned that God was leading us to start a church in Mandeville. This journey highlighted the importance of being open to God's guidance and aligning our desires with His will.
We explored the misconception that God's will is hidden and difficult to find, likening it to a cosmic Easter egg hunt. Instead, God's will is clear and accessible. We examined James 4:13-15, which emphasizes the brevity of life and the importance of seeking God's will in all our plans. We also looked at 1 John 2:17, which assures us that those who do God's will abide forever.
To understand God's will, we need to recognize three dimensions: His sovereign will, His revealed will, and His personal will for us. God's sovereign will is His supreme authority over the universe, which we can understand but not change. His revealed will is found in Scripture, which we are called to obey. Finally, His personal will for us is discovered through a process of aligning our desires, understanding our design, seeking definition from others, and following the Holy Spirit's direction.
We discussed practical methods to discern God's personal will, emphasizing the importance of sanctified desires, recognizing our God-given design, seeking counsel from others, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance. We also warned against unwise methods like the "fleece method" and the "open and point method," which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
In conclusion, discerning God's will involves understanding His sovereign plan, obeying His revealed word, and discovering His personal direction for our lives through a process of prayer, reflection, and community support.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Will is Not Hidden: God's will is not a mysterious, hidden plan that we must search for like a cosmic Easter egg hunt. Instead, it is clear and accessible to those who seek it with an open heart and mind. By aligning our desires with God's will, we can find clarity and direction in our lives. [03:10]
2. Three Dimensions of God's Will: Understanding God's will involves recognizing His sovereign will, His revealed will, and His personal will for us. His sovereign will is His supreme authority over the universe, His revealed will is found in Scripture, and His personal will is discovered through a process of aligning our desires, understanding our design, seeking definition from others, and following the Holy Spirit's direction. [12:08]
3. Sanctified Desires: God often leads us through our sanctified desires, which are desires aligned with His will. By delighting ourselves in the Lord, He implants the very desires in our hearts that align with His purpose for our lives. This process involves a deep, personal relationship with God and a willingness to submit our desires to His will. [22:27]
4. Community and Counsel: Seeking counsel from godly people in our lives is crucial in discerning God's will. Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the importance of a multitude of counselors for safety and guidance. Being part of a community and having trusted mentors can provide valuable insights and confirmation of God's direction for our lives. [30:31]
5. Holy Spirit's Guidance: The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us to understand God's personal will for our lives. Romans 8:14-16 speaks of the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit, providing a divine "yes" that confirms God's direction. This inner witness is a crucial aspect of discerning God's will and requires a sensitive and open heart to the Holy Spirit's leading. [35:10]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Personal Story: Planting a Church
[01:20] - Praying for God's Will
[02:37] - God's Plan for Your Life
[03:10] - Misconceptions About God's Will
[04:21] - The Brevity of Life
[05:27] - Seeking God's Will at Every Age
[06:08] - Aligning Our Will with God's Will
[07:48] - Unwise Methods: The Fleece Method
[10:15] - Unwise Methods: The Open and Point Method
[11:38] - Understanding God's Will: Three Dimensions
[12:53] - God's Sovereign Will
[15:21] - God's Revealed Will
[20:13] - God's Personal Will
[21:41] - Discovering God's Personal Will: Four Ds
[22:27] - Sanctified Desires
[24:52] - Personal Story: Calling to Ministry
[26:33] - Recognizing Your Design
[28:31] - Definition: Insights from Others
[30:31] - Importance of Community and Counsel
[34:38] - Holy Spirit's Direction
[36:34] - Practical Steps and Encouragement
[37:40] - Invitation to Know Christ
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 4:13-15
2. 1 John 2:17
3. Proverbs 11:14
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 4:13-15, what should our attitude be when making plans for the future?
2. How does 1 John 2:17 contrast the temporary nature of the world with the eternal nature of doing God's will?
3. What does Proverbs 11:14 say about the importance of seeking counsel from others?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that God's will is not hidden but clear and accessible? How does this challenge common misconceptions about God's will? [03:10]
2. How do the three dimensions of God's will (sovereign, revealed, and personal) help us understand His guidance in our lives? [12:08]
3. What role do sanctified desires play in discerning God's personal will for us, according to the sermon? [22:27]
4. How does the Holy Spirit's guidance provide a "divine yes" in our decision-making process? [35:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about God's will for your life. How did you seek clarity, and what steps can you take to ensure you are aligning your desires with God's will? [03:10]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of community and counsel in discerning God's will. Who are the godly people in your life that you can turn to for advice and confirmation? How can you involve them more in your decision-making process? [30:31]
3. Think about a current decision you are facing. How can you apply the four Ds (Desire, Design, Definition, Direction) to discern God's personal will for this situation? [21:41]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? What practices or habits might help you become more attuned to His leading? [35:10]
5. The sermon warns against unwise methods like the "fleece method" and the "open and point method." Have you ever relied on such methods? How can you develop a more reliable approach to seeking God's will? [07:48]
6. In what ways can you delight yourself in the Lord to ensure that your desires are sanctified and aligned with His will? What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God? [22:27]
7. How can you use the insights from this sermon to help someone else who is struggling to discern God's will for their life? What practical advice or support can you offer them? [30:31]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Will is Clear and Accessible
God's will is not a hidden mystery that we must search for like a cosmic Easter egg hunt. Instead, it is clear and accessible to those who seek it with an open heart and mind. By aligning our desires with God's will, we can find clarity and direction in our lives. This involves a willingness to submit our plans and desires to God, trusting that He knows what is best for us. When we seek God earnestly, He reveals His will through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of others. Understanding that God's will is not elusive but rather something He desires to share with us can bring great peace and confidence in our journey of faith. [03:10]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel uncertain about God's will? Spend time in prayer today, asking God to reveal His will to you clearly and to help you align your desires with His.
Day 2: Three Dimensions of God's Will
Understanding God's will involves recognizing His sovereign will, His revealed will, and His personal will for us. His sovereign will is His supreme authority over the universe, which we can understand but not change. His revealed will is found in Scripture, which we are called to obey. Finally, His personal will for us is discovered through a process of aligning our desires, understanding our design, seeking definition from others, and following the Holy Spirit's direction. By comprehending these three dimensions, we can better navigate our lives in accordance with God's plan and purpose. [12:08]
Ephesians 1:11 (ESV): "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."
Reflection: Reflect on the three dimensions of God's will. Which dimension do you find most challenging to understand or follow? How can you seek to grow in your understanding and obedience in this area?
Day 3: Sanctified Desires
God often leads us through our sanctified desires, which are desires aligned with His will. By delighting ourselves in the Lord, He implants the very desires in our hearts that align with His purpose for our lives. This process involves a deep, personal relationship with God and a willingness to submit our desires to His will. When our desires are sanctified, they become a powerful tool for discerning God's direction and purpose for our lives. It is through this intimate relationship with God that we can trust our desires to be in harmony with His will. [22:27]
Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Reflection: What are some desires you have that you believe are aligned with God's will? How can you delight yourself more in the Lord to ensure your desires are sanctified and in harmony with His purpose?
Day 4: Community and Counsel
Seeking counsel from godly people in our lives is crucial in discerning God's will. Proverbs 11:14 emphasizes the importance of a multitude of counselors for safety and guidance. Being part of a community and having trusted mentors can provide valuable insights and confirmation of God's direction for our lives. God often uses the wisdom and experiences of others to guide us and help us understand His will more clearly. Engaging with a community of believers and seeking their counsel can be a significant step in discerning and following God's will. [30:31]
Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Reflection: Who are the godly people in your life that you can seek counsel from? Reach out to one of them today and ask for their wisdom and guidance regarding a decision or direction you are considering.
Day 5: Holy Spirit's Guidance
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us to understand God's personal will for our lives. Romans 8:14-16 speaks of the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit, providing a divine "yes" that confirms God's direction. This inner witness is a crucial aspect of discerning God's will and requires a sensitive and open heart to the Holy Spirit's leading. By cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit and being attentive to His promptings, we can navigate our lives with confidence, knowing that we are following God's personal direction for us. [35:10]
Romans 8:14-16 (ESV): "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: How can you become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life? Spend time in prayer today, asking the Holy Spirit to lead you and help you discern God's personal will for you.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God has a plan. God has a purpose for your life. And it's not that mysterious. I know what some people think. Oh, you know what? God's plan. Here's what God's doing. God is in heaven, and it's like a giant Easter egg hunt. And so he's hidden his plan for your life behind a bush. And so it's the hot-cold game. So if you get hotter, you get closer to God. What? Cold. And all the angels are going, hot, hot, cold. Cold, cold, cold. God, hot, hot, hot. Can I hear? God is not playing a cosmic hot-cold game with you." [03:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God has a plan. God has a cosmic macro sovereign plan. We can understand it. We can't adjust it. We can understand his plan. Number two, we can obey his revealed word. That's his plan. Listen, listen, we can obey it or we can disagree. We don't pray if it be thy will, if it's already revealed in his word. But number three, we can discover God's personal. How? Through desire, design. Design, definition, and Holy Spirit direction." [37:09] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God leads us through, watch this, our desires. I would like to add sanctified desires. Whoa, pastor, that's different. My question to you is what's the deepest desire of your heart? If you could do anything in the world and not fail, if money had nothing to do, in other words, what would you do? In other words, God is, is actually can lead you through sanctified desire. Psalms 37, four says, delight yourself also in the Lord. Delight yourself. And he shall give you the desires of your heart." [22:27] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God speaks to us. By the way, world religions attempt to tell human beings that the way to happiness is to eliminate desire. You look up, read about the eightfold path of enlightenment. What? Here's what some religions would say. Buddhism, Hinduism. What would they say? They would say that evil in the world is the evidence of desire, the outworking of human desire. The way to eliminate evil is to eliminate human desire. No, we don't eliminate desire. We focus our desire on God." [23:40] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God will speak to you. And the Bible says you have a witness. There's a witness. It's almost like a divine, yes, yes. God is speaking. That's what Jennifer and I did when we were praying about whether or not we should take this invitation to start Church of the King. We were praying at night. We're like, God, speak to us. Here's the Christian life. It's not this. That's why some of you guys are frustrated. Christian life's not, it's this. Open. Pause if the Lord wills. Pause. Everybody say pause. Okay, it's pause, it's this. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, what are you saying?" [36:03] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The reality is we need to align our will with God's will. We're not asking God to align his will with ours. We need to align our will with God's. And we all face these what I call conundrums where we get into these moments of decision dilemmas. Right? Starts young. Right? What are we going to do with our life? What sport are we? I mean, real basic. What sport are we going to play? You know? And should we do this? Should we join this club?" [06:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's word. Everyone say God's word. Say is. God's will. So many times we pray, thy will, we shouldn't pray if it be thy will, if it's already revealed in the word of God. So here's the thing. God's sovereign will, we understand. God's revealed will, we obey. We obey it and we can disobey it. What God's revealed will. Let me give you an example. First Thessalonians chapter four, verse three, for this is the will of God. By the way, all scripture, it is the revealed will of God." [15:54] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We understand God's sovereign cosmic plan. We understand it, but we cannot adjust it. Jesus is coming again. It doesn't matter if you like it or if you don't like it, if you believe it or if you don't believe it. It is God's sovereign plan. Okay. Number two. Not only do we need to understand God's sovereign plan for the ages, but we also have to understand God's revealed will. His sovereign will, but his revealed will. Pastor Steve, what is God's revealed will? Some theologians call it his will of command. Here it is. It's his word." [15:21] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We understand God's sovereign will. I could talk for days about that. We obey God's revealed will, God's word. Now under the canopy of those umbrellas, we then enter a discovery process through a template of desire, design. Three, definition, definition. What do you mean by that, pastor? What do other people see in your life? What does your mom and dad, godly people, what does your small group leader, people around you, men that you're walking with, ladies that you're walking with, what do they see in your life?" [29:52] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's sovereign will, we understand. God's revealed will, we obey. We obey it and we can disobey it. What God's revealed will. Let me give you an example. First Thessalonians chapter four, verse three, for this is the will of God. By the way, all scripture, it is the revealed will of God. Whether the scripture says this is the will of God, it's all the will of God. It's revealed through God's word. This is the will of God. Paul writes to the church at Thessalonica. Here's what he says. What is the will of God? Your sanctification." [16:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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