Walking the Path of God's Will and Wisdom
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the concept of discerning God's will, using Proverbs 4 as our guide. We often think of God's will as a series of doors, where choosing the right one leads to blessings and the wrong one to ruin. However, Solomon teaches us to view God's will more as a path than a door. This path is laid out for us to walk in wisdom and intimacy with God, rather than focusing on specific decisions. Solomon emphasizes that wisdom and God's will are about consistently walking in a relationship with Him, making wise decisions as we grow closer to Him.
We looked at how the Apostle Paul navigated his ministry, often making plans but remaining open to God's leading. This teaches us that while God may give specific instructions at times, much of our journey involves making wise decisions and staying on the path of righteousness. Solomon also warns us about the constant spiritual battle we face, urging us to guard our hearts diligently. The path we choose determines our destination, and we must be vigilant against influences that lead us away from God.
Finally, we discussed the importance of guarding our hearts. Solomon tells us that our heart is the wellspring of life, and we must fill it with God's truth and wisdom. By doing so, our actions and decisions will naturally align with God's will. As we walk this path, our understanding of God's will becomes clearer, and we experience the blessings of wisdom, such as a long life, stability, and clarity.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Will as a Path, Not a Door: Understanding God's will is more about walking a path of wisdom and intimacy with Him rather than making a single correct choice. This perspective shifts our focus from anxiety over specific decisions to a consistent relationship with God. [26:28]
2. Consistent Walking in Wisdom: Solomon teaches that wisdom involves a continuous process of making wise decisions as we grow closer to God. This ongoing relationship helps us align our desires and actions with God's will, leading to sanctification and spiritual growth. [33:51]
3. Guarding Your Heart: The heart is the wellspring of life, and we must guard it diligently. Filling our hearts with God's truth and wisdom ensures that our actions and decisions reflect His will. This involves a constant process of emptying our hearts of anything not of God and saturating them with His Word. [51:28]
4. Spiritual Vigilance: We live in a world with forces working against us, trying to pull us off God's path. Solomon warns us to be vigilant and aware of these influences. Being a "hard target" means being alert and making wise choices to stay on the path of righteousness. [48:27]
5. Direction Determines Destination: Our intentions alone are not enough; the direction of our actions determines our destination. Solomon urges us to ponder the path of our feet and ensure that our choices lead us toward becoming more like Christ. This involves aligning our daily actions with our spiritual goals. [45:19]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:14] - Introduction: Let's Make a Deal
[25:43] - Understanding God's Will
[27:45] - Proverbs 4: Fatherly Advice
[28:39] - Reading Proverbs 4:10-27
[30:59] - God's Will as a Path
[32:26] - Magic 8 Ball Approach
[35:22] - Apostle Paul's Example
[37:59] - Church Planting Journey
[39:17] - Proverbs 28:1 - Bold as a Lion
[42:17] - Spiritual Battle and Vigilance
[45:19] - Direction Determines Destination
[48:27] - Being a Hard Target
[51:28] - Guarding Your Heart
[55:50] - Reflecting on Jesus and Communion
[57:10] - Invitation to Know Christ
[58:44] - Reflect and Rededicate
[01:01:56] - Communion: Body and Blood of Christ
[01:04:16] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Proverbs 4:10-27
#### Observation Questions
1. What metaphor does Solomon use to describe God's will in Proverbs 4? How does this differ from the "door" metaphor mentioned in the sermon? [30:59]
2. According to Proverbs 4:23, why is it important to guard your heart? What does Solomon say flows from it? [51:28]
3. How does Solomon describe the path of the righteous versus the path of the wicked in Proverbs 4:18-19? [28:39]
4. What specific advice does Solomon give in Proverbs 4:26-27 about the path we choose? [42:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does viewing God's will as a path rather than a door change our approach to making decisions? [30:59]
2. What does it mean to "guard your heart" in a practical sense, and why is this crucial for staying on God's path? [51:28]
3. How can the concept of "direction determines destination" be applied to our spiritual lives? What are some examples of this principle in action? [45:19]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest we can become "hard targets" against spiritual attacks? How does this relate to Solomon's advice in Proverbs 4? [48:27]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you approach it with the mindset of finding the "right door" or walking a path of wisdom? How might your decision-making process change after hearing this sermon? [30:59]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to guard your heart daily? Consider specific actions like prayer, Bible reading, or avoiding certain influences. [51:28]
3. Think about the direction of your current actions. Are they leading you toward your spiritual goals? If not, what changes can you make to align your actions with your intentions? [45:19]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel spiritually attacked or distracted. How can you become a "hard target" in this area? What practical steps can you take to stay vigilant? [48:27]
5. Solomon emphasizes the importance of filling our hearts with God's truth and wisdom. What specific scriptures or spiritual practices can you incorporate into your routine to ensure your heart is aligned with God's will? [51:28]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about God's will for your life. How did you handle that uncertainty? What can you learn from the Apostle Paul's example of making plans while remaining open to God's leading? [35:22]
7. How can you ensure that your daily choices reflect your desire to become more like Christ? Identify one specific area where you can make a change this week to better align with this goal. [43:49]
Devotional
### Day 1: God's Will as a Path, Not a Door
Understanding God's will is more about walking a path of wisdom and intimacy with Him rather than making a single correct choice. This perspective shifts our focus from anxiety over specific decisions to a consistent relationship with God. Solomon teaches us that God's will is not a series of doors where one leads to blessings and another to ruin. Instead, it is a path laid out for us to walk in wisdom and intimacy with God. This path involves making wise decisions as we grow closer to Him, rather than focusing on specific choices.
By viewing God's will as a path, we are encouraged to cultivate a continuous relationship with Him. This ongoing relationship helps us align our desires and actions with God's will, leading to sanctification and spiritual growth. As we walk this path, our understanding of God's will becomes clearer, and we experience the blessings of wisdom, such as a long life, stability, and clarity. [26:28]
Proverbs 4:18-19 (ESV): "But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."
Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. How would viewing it as part of a continuous path with God change your perspective on that decision?
### Day 2: Consistent Walking in Wisdom
Solomon teaches that wisdom involves a continuous process of making wise decisions as we grow closer to God. This ongoing relationship helps us align our desires and actions with God's will, leading to sanctification and spiritual growth. Wisdom is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of learning and applying God's truth in our lives. As we consistently walk in wisdom, we become more attuned to God's will and better equipped to make decisions that honor Him.
The Apostle Paul's ministry exemplifies this principle. He often made plans but remained open to God's leading, showing that while God may give specific instructions at times, much of our journey involves making wise decisions and staying on the path of righteousness. This teaches us that our spiritual growth is a continuous process, and we must remain diligent in seeking God's wisdom daily. [33:51]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's wisdom more consistently? How can you make this a daily practice?
### Day 3: Guarding Your Heart
The heart is the wellspring of life, and we must guard it diligently. Filling our hearts with God's truth and wisdom ensures that our actions and decisions reflect His will. This involves a constant process of emptying our hearts of anything not of God and saturating them with His Word. Solomon emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts because it is from the heart that our actions and decisions flow.
By diligently guarding our hearts, we protect ourselves from influences that can lead us away from God. This requires intentional effort to fill our hearts with God's truth and wisdom, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions. As we do this, our lives will naturally align with God's will, and we will experience the blessings of living in accordance with His truth. [51:28]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What are some influences in your life that you need to guard your heart against? How can you fill your heart with more of God's truth and wisdom?
### Day 4: Spiritual Vigilance
We live in a world with forces working against us, trying to pull us off God's path. Solomon warns us to be vigilant and aware of these influences. Being a "hard target" means being alert and making wise choices to stay on the path of righteousness. Spiritual vigilance involves recognizing the spiritual battle we face and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves from the enemy's schemes.
This requires us to be constantly aware of the influences around us and to make intentional choices that align with God's will. By staying vigilant, we can resist the temptations and distractions that seek to lead us astray. This vigilance is essential for maintaining our spiritual health and staying on the path of righteousness. [48:27]
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can practice spiritual vigilance in your daily life? How can you become a "hard target" for the enemy's schemes?
### Day 5: Direction Determines Destination
Our intentions alone are not enough; the direction of our actions determines our destination. Solomon urges us to ponder the path of our feet and ensure that our choices lead us toward becoming more like Christ. This involves aligning our daily actions with our spiritual goals and being intentional about the direction we are heading.
By carefully considering the path we are on, we can make adjustments to ensure that our actions are leading us closer to God. This requires regular self-reflection and a willingness to change course when necessary. As we align our actions with our spiritual goals, we will experience the blessings of walking in God's will and becoming more like Christ. [45:19]
Proverbs 4:26-27 (ESV): "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the direction of your life. Are your daily actions leading you closer to God? What changes can you make to ensure you are on the right path?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We think one door that we choose, if we get the right one, it will lead us to a peace and prosperity. Right. We've made the right choice, the choice that God wanted us to. The other door, if we choose the wrong one, leads us to doom and gloom. Right. We worry about missing God's will. And we feel like, man, if we choose the wrong one, we might experience some difficulty or miss something that great that God had for us." [26:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Knowing and following God's will is not always about making a specific decision as much as it is consistently walking on a path of intimacy with God. And as you do that, then things begin to form in you, right? We call it sanctification. You become more like Jesus. And so your lifestyle choices and your rhythms and your desires, they will then begin to reflect the things of God. Align with His will for your life." [33:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The key to staying on the right path is guarding your heart. If you remember in Proverbs 3, Solomon talked a lot about the heart, right? He told us to let our hearts keep God's commandments. He said, write steadfast love and faithfulness on the tablet of your heart and to trust in the Lord with all your heart." [51:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Direction not intention determines destination. Now what does that mean? Well, I think in a driving scenario, that's pretty clear, right? My family, we're going to go to Whistler, Canada and Whistler, BC here in a couple weeks. And just imagine we load the whole van up, which is a miserable experience by the way. And we get all the kids in. We get all the stuff in. And we head south for two weeks. Two hours. Okay, we're going to end up where? Portland, right? Instead of Whistler. Why is that? We intended to go to Whistler, BC. But you see, direction not intention determines destination." [43:49] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God doesn't play games with us, okay? He doesn't withhold information just to mess around with you or just to make life difficult for no reason. We can trust Him in this. And in those moments when we don't have a clear answer about something, the next right thing, just do it. And keep moving forward. And trust Him in that. If you're right with Him, don't let the fear of making the wrong decision keep you from a life of faithfulness and bold faith." [42:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So what does this section teach us about how we discern God's will and how we make wise decisions? I think initially what it does for us is it challenges us to do a little bit of a paradigm shift in how we view our choices and to see God's will more as a path than a door. Now, one thing we notice when we read this passage is that God will not disperse from section is that there's six times when Solomon talked about God's will and our decisions as a path or a way." [30:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If living out God's will for our life means we daily walk in wisdom with Him, then we need to make sure what we're doing reflects that. Solomon said, ponder the path of your feet. Make sure the thoughts that you're allowing and the choices that you're making and the relationships you're developing reflect Christ and lead you forward into becoming more like Him." [43:49] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The key to staying on the right path is guarding your heart. And we do that by continually filling our heart with the truth of God and the things of God and then emptying our hearts of anything that's not of him. That's how we stay on the path of wisdom and how we enjoy those benefits that that Solomon talks about in here. Did you notice that? There's some awesome stuff that happens if we stay on this path with God." [54:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He says the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until full day. You know what that means? That means as we seek God's will and we walk in wisdom, we will be able to see the wisdom. Our understanding of God and his will and our decisions and our next steps are going to become clearer and clearer. Don't you long for that? I want that. I want to grow in my understanding. I want these decisions to be easier." [54:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So what Solomon is saying here is we have to be aware of our choices and the direction that they are leading us. Because here's a reality of this. We are not living in a neutral world, okay? There are forces working against us and trying to keep us from finding and following the will of God. Listen to the intense way Solomon describes them in verse 14. He says, do not enter the path of the wicked. It's the opposite way, right? And do not walk on the way of the evil. Avoid it. Do not go on it. Turn away from it and pass on." [45:19] (-980 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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