Lets start with the Big picture

1. God invites us into understanding and joining Him in His Will –joining Him in it –surrendering
2. Genesis to Revelation – General revelation and special revelation then personal revelation

• The visual –cords
• Matthew 4:19–A Disciple has been invited into following Jesus, changed by Him, and become committed/surrendered to His mission
• Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
• God never approves what He has already condemned in His Word
• Sanctify – to make Holy – ethically and set apart for His purposes

John 17:13–19 (NIV) — 13 “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

Romans 12:1–2 (NLT) — 1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

2 Peter 3:8–13 (NIV) — 8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

3. Living as strangers and aliens –the process of sanctification

1 Peter 2:11–13 (NIV) — 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) — 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Lets get more specific –how do I know specifically Gods Will?

1. Study the Word – it eliminates poor choices and reminds us what is right

• What the Word does for us …
• Abstain from sin –as Gods Word defines it
• Live a good lives –– good works
• More than words

1. The motive -Remember we are pointing to God – the Hero

• The Motive — To bring glory to God –the true hero of the story

1. Go to the Holy Spirit in prayer and more mature believers for counsel

1. Look for opportunities and connect the dots –living leads to opportunity

Ephesians 5:15–20 (NIV) — 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 3:17–18 (NIV) — 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

1. Answer with gentleness and respect

1 Peter 3:13–16 (NIV) — 13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

For Small Group Discussion

Opening Question: If you could have a conversation with one person from the Bible about discerning God’s will, who would it be, and why?

Main Point: God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, the Church, and circumstances to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His will.

Main Scripture: Micah 6:8 & Romans 12:1-2

Questions:

Head 

• According to these Scriptures, what is God’s general will for you as a believer?
• According to the sermon, what are the different ways that God communicates His specific will? What is the most reliable way to discover God’s will?

Heart 

• What is a time in the past where you had difficulty knowing God’s will? OR, what is a time in the past where you knew God’s will, but had a difficult time obeying?
• Who in your life helps you understand God’s will? OR, describe a time in your life when scripture helped make God’s will clear.

Hands 

• Where do you need clarity in God’s will in this season?
• Where do you currently need to grow in submission and obedience to God’s will?

Additional Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18, Colossians 4:12, 1 Peter 2:15, 1 John 2:17, Colossians 3:17

Tips and Resources: Seven Realities of Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

For resources, podcasts and more, go to https://realliferesources.org/current-series/