Determining the Will of God

God has a plan for our lives (see Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:15-17 & 1 Thessalonians 4:1-3). In this message I will share how it is possible to determine the will of God for your life.

1. Through the use of Scriptures. A lot of things are covered in the Bible that are part of God's revealed and general will for his people. You do not have to think about things that are specifically covered in the Scriptures. The Bible makes it clear what things we should not do and other things that we ought to do. In addition to these matters, God frequently speaks to us through his Word. An example is the Apostle Peter seeing in two passages from the Psalms that another individual should be selected to replace Judas (Acts 1:20-21). Many times God will make something clear to you through a passage or verse of Scripture--even if the original context is not related. So be sure to spend time in the Word.

2. The casting of lots was a method used to discern the will of God in Old Testament times. The early Church cast lots and the lot fell to Mathias and he was added to the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26). This could be a bit chancy--I would suggest that we use our God-given intelligence to research all of the possibilities and then seek wise advice or counsel before making a decision. Have faith God will guide you.

3. The leading of the Spirit. Since Pentecost the Holy Spirit indwells all believers (Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus indicated to his disciples that one of the things that the Spirit would do for them is to "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). Christians should look for the leading of the Spirit which can be ascertained through the presence of peace in our lives or the absence thereof. The Spirit will give you an inner sense or conviction of what you should do.

4. Through Prayer. Speak to God, your heavenly Father, using prayer and ask him to show you what it is that he wants for your life. If you are faced with difficult decisions, speak to him as you would a parent and talk it out with him. When you pray things should crystallize or become clearer. Be sure not to do all the talking--allow time to listen for his voice. This is what I refer to as "two-way prayer." Asking others to pray for you or to pray with you is also beneficial.

5. Open and closed doors. When you are faced with several possibilities, after prayer and counsel, select one that seems best and move forward. If God closes the door, look for another one that is open and attempt to go through it. Frequently when God closes one door he will open another but you have to take initiative and move (see Acts 16:6-10; Colossians 4:3).

Doing these things will help you discover God's will for your life--including big or small matters.

God and the Authorities

As we approach the fourth of July, we will use the occasion for a message about God and Country. In Apostle Paul's letter to the Christians at Rome, he writes: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor" (Romans 13:1-7)

Paul begins by stating that "everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities." He allowed for no exceptions. Perhaps some Christians were advocating the position that they should only answer to God. Paul gives three reasons why people are to be in submission to the authorities. Reason number one is that "no authority exists except that which God has established." He adds, "the authorities that exist have been established by God." So the theological reason for submitting is that everyone who is in a position of authority is permitted or allowed to be there because of God's will. This may be difficult to understand since some terrible dictators have existed in this century and in history. The prophet Habakkuk wrestled with how God could use a ruthless people to punish the Hebrews until the Lord explained that he would use the Babylonians for his purposes and then use others to punish them.

The second reason Paul gives for people to obey authority is so they need not fear punishment. He reminds them that the authorities are "God's servants who act as agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoers." That is the reason that they "bear the sword" or carry a gun. Can you imagine living in a society where there was no one to keep the criminals and terrorists in check? If you do not do anything wrong, and you show respect then you have nothing to fear. If an officer stops you for some reason, try and be cooperative and help them do their job. If you do this you will have a clear conscience.

The third reason for submitting to authorities is that those individuals who hold those positions do so as their full-time jobs. They need to be remunerated for their work. About eighty percent of every government budget I have ever seen involves salaries and benefits. Someone has to pay the soldiers, the police, the firemen, the teachers, etc. That is why Paul says that we "owe them our taxes, revenue, respect, and honor."