Introduction
More than a year has passed since my last sermon. It was also 26 months ago I published Part 1 of this 2 Part Sermon Series. In that, I shared four questions to ask when you feel confused and unable to discern God’s will when making an important decision. Today we will consider the last four questions.
1. God’s will and the Stumbling Test
Romans 14:21
I. The fifth question you must ask: Could this cause another believer (or even an unbeliever) to stumble?
II. Illustration: Famous quote by Robert Lee Sharpe: “Each one is given a bag of tools to make a stepping stone or a stumbling block.”
III. Our actions and decisions should not hinder our brothers and sisters in Christ in their spiritual journey.
2. God’s will and the Serenity Test
Philippians 4:6-7
I. The sixth question you must ask: Is this decision going to bring peace to my life or create chaos?
II. Illustration: Albert Hammond’s “It Never Rains In Southern California” is A song about a man regretting a bad decision.
III. Prayerfully ask God what to do and write down the sense of direction you get from Him over time.
3. God’s will and the Sanctification Test
1 Corinthians 10:23-24
I. The seventh question you must ask: Will this keep me from growing in the character of Christ?
II. Illustration: Christians marrying heathens hoping to convert them later only to embrace the religion of their heathen spouses.
III. Spiritual Growth is not spontaneous. It’s intentional. The slightest barrier to growth indicates that your pending decision of yours is contrary to God’s will.
4. God’s will and the Supreme Test
1 Corinthians 10:31
I. The eighth question you must ask: Will this glorify God or put His precious name to great shame?
II. Illustration: Jessica Hahn, former Church Secretary posed nude for Playboy. She even claimed God gave her “real peace” about her actions!
III. Your unbelieving neighbor is not interested in what you have to say. Only what he sees in your life.
Conclusion
Although discerning God’s will is a crucial part of making sound decisions, many of us feel it’s a special skill limited only to the spiritual superheroes. Others either assume, presume or try to guess only to learn down the road that they were wrong. It’s my prayer and sincere hope this sermon series will take away all those false assumptions, presumptions, and the guesswork out of the picture and help you find His will for your life.
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