Discerning God’s Will

The Four W’s 1. W ays of God 2. W ord of God (written) 3. W isdom of God 4. W ord of God (rhema)

The Four W’s Ways of God Moses said to the Lord, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." Ex 33:12-13

The Four W’s W ays of God 1.My Presence will go with you 2.I will reveal my name to you. Name = Nature = Character Name = Nature = Character

The Four W’s Ways of God Word of God (written) Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Ps. 119:105 The Words of Scripture often flow out of the Ways of God

Ways of God Word of God (written) Wisdom of God Word of God (rhema) Specific communication from God about your identity, destiny, or direction. Can come through a variety of sources

Word of God (rhema) While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." Acts 10:19-20 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:9-10

#1 Key The Role of Faith If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double- minded man, unstable in all he does.

#2 Key The Role of Humility #3 Key - Humility often involves our KILLING OUR WILLS!

Getting Stuck in Conflict What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:1-3

#4 Key God can change our circumstances in ways we can’t factor into the decision. The fruit and favor of OBEDIENCE often comes after we submit. Had we known ahead of time it would have been easier to go with His will. Obedience is the love language we speak to God.

#5 Key – The Peace of God Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-by to them and went on to Macedonia. 2 Cor 2:12-13

#6 Key: Be Watchful for What the Spirit is Doing Jerusalem Council – Acts 15 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us. Acts 15:28

#6 Key: Be Watchful for What the Spirit is Doing Jerusalem Council – Acts 15 1.Peter – Story of Cornelius 2.Paul and Barnabas – signs and wonders among Gentiles 3.James – Witness of Spirit in Scriptures.