God’s Will

Posted by on November 22, 1998 under Sermons

Paul urged Christians to commit themselves to understanding God’s will for the way they lived their personal lives. He gave this statement to the Christians in Ephesus.

Ephesians 5:15-17 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (The New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, La Habra, California: The Lockman Foundation, 1996.)

  1. In our Family Meeting this evening we all will be concerned about accomplishing God’s will.
    1. It is certain that 100% of us will not agree on what God’s will is regarding the Family Life Center.
      1. Christians of devout faith may come to different conclusions.
      2. Christians of deep commitment may come to different conclusions.
      3. Christians with specific spiritual priorities may come to different conclusions.
      4. Christians who have been very prayerful may come to different conclusions.
    2. How can that happen if one of the basic things each of us holds in common is the desire to do God’s will?
      1. Each time a Christian makes specific application of God’s will to a specific situation, it is common for that application to be composed of “one part God” and “one or more parts me.”
      2. My perception of God’s will is partly determined by my knowledge and understanding of God and scripture.
      3. But my perception is also partly determined by:
        1. My personal religious history.
        2. My emotions.
        3. My priorities.
        4. My values.
        5. My concepts.
        6. My definitions.
      4. When specifically applying God’s will to a specific decision or situation, commonly our personal, sincere judgments become a part of God’s will.

This evening, collectively, we will use our judgment as, collectively, we pursue God’s will.

It is essential that 100% of us respect 100% of us even if we hold differing judgments.

I think it is appropriate for us to meditate on a statement Jesus made in the prayer that he used to teach his disciples how to pray.

Matthew 6:10 Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. (The New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, La Habra, California: The Lockman Foundation, 1996.)

May it be our sincere goal for God’s will to be done in this congregation as God’s will is done in heaven.