RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-06-30	The Will of God
		ISometime soon after I was saved I was around Christians who said they wanted to be in the perfect will of God. Eventually I realized to what extent they meant by this. This included things like who to marry, where to live, and what color socks to put on in the morning. I know. I added that last one on purpose. The way many see the will of God is that it is something mysterious, and needs to be sought after like a treasure hunt. God is not hiding His will for your life. No Christian should be sitting back waiting to know God's will for their lives. I understand there are times when we have to make big choices, but not all the time. Imagine you are walking through some woods. When do you ask, 'where is the path?' Only when you are off the path. Christians be encouraged every day to stay on the path. If you know you are off the path (God's will for your life) then you should ask direction to the path. Is there a dependable method for Christians to find the will of God for their lives? The answer is “yes”. It is kind of complex (pun intended). I call it the “Read your Bible method”! Allow me to give examples of clear things that make up God's will. 1. It is God's will that we pursue holiness (1Th.4:3) 1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; Sanctification means holiness. Sexual purity is God's will. God wants us to live as His children in a dark world. 2. It is God's will that we be filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit (Ep.5:17-18). Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, The picture is the drunkard is controlled by the alcohol, and the spirit-fill believer is controlled by the Spirit. 3. It is God's will that we have an attitude of Gratitude (1Th.5:18). 1Th 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. When we have problems, we often ask God to remove the problem. It seems better to thank God for the problem so we can grow through it. 4. It is God's will that we suffer for God's sake (Ph.1:29) Php 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, When we suffer it draws us closer to God. That's make sure our suffering is not because we have a sinful actions or attitudes. 5. It is God's will that we discern with wisdom (Cl.1:9-10). Col 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Col 1:10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; People with wisdom have the character to make good decisions. If we walk according to God's Word He will lead you. If you are doing these things, you are doing the will of God. As you walk with Him He will guide you. God wants His will to be accomplished in our lives more than we do. Hint. That is one reason why He has given us His Holy Spirit. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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