Christian Growth IV Eph. 5 :17 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Paul said in Eph 5:17 that he wanted us to understand what the will of the Lord is.  Well, you will never understand the will of God apart from the word of God.

In the word of God you find the STATED the will of God.

Salvation – 2 Pet 3:9 – the Lord is not willing that any should perish; he gave himself a ransom for all.

Sanctification – 1 Thes 4:3 – the Lord’s will is for you to abstain from fornication and lusts and to be separated to him to be used by him for his purposes.

Thanksgiving – 1 Thes 5:18 – you are to be thankful in all things because God is in charge of all things in your life.

Submission – 1 Pet 2:13-16 – this is submission to the appropriate and proper authorities in your life.

Surrender – Rom 12:1-2 – as Bro. Hoffmeister said, “You control your body by controlling your mind and you control your mind by surrendering your will.”

God’s will leads to SERVICE and the characteristics of a good servant are: faithfulness, obedience, willingness, and involvement.

The SPECIFIC will of God for your life is found in:

Scriptures – the Lord speaks to you through his words.

Spirit – Rom 8:14 you are led by the Spirit of God.

Saints – Prov 11:14, 15:22 – mature, wise and godly Christians can give you counsel.

Situations – 1 Cor 16:9 – watch the circumstances in your life to see which doors the Lord is opening or closing.

To be SURE about the will of God, will take:

Prayer – Col 1:9

Patience – don’t be in a hurry.

Providence – Gideon used a fleece and then heard the interpretation of a dream; Eleazar cautiously selected Rebekah even after she watered the camels.