Discovering God's Will: Finding Peace, Scripture, and Worship
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Power of Jesus in Colossians
- Jesus Holds Everything Together
- Practical Application of Jesus's Preeminence
- Seeking Guidance in God's Will
- The Common Questions about Skip Heitzig
- The Search for God's Will
- Discerning the Will of God
- Superstitious Practices in Seeking God's Will
- The Danger of Fortune Cookie Christianity
- The Need for a Better Way
- The Role of Peace and Scripture
- Letting the Peace of God Rule
- The Word of Christ Dwelling in Us
- Worship and Reinforcing the Word
- The Power of Praise in Corporate Worship
- The Value of Singing Scripture
- Regulating Decisions by Honoring Christ
- Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus
- Making Decisions that Honor Jesus
- Conclusion
The Power of Jesus in Colossians
In Paul's letter to the Colossians, he emphasizes the preeminence of Jesus and the impact He has on every aspect of our lives. From the grandest to the minutest details, Jesus holds everything together. Whether it's our work, family, friendships, or faith, Jesus should be at the center of it all. In this series, Pastor Skip Heitzig delves into the practical application of Jesus's preeminence, empowering us to align our lives with His will.
Seeking Guidance in God's Will
Many people struggle with knowing God's will for their lives. There's a desire to find direction and purpose, but uncertainty often clouds their minds. People resort to various methods, from superstitious practices to seeking signs, all in an attempt to discern God's will. However, the Bible presents a better way—a way that brings peace and wisdom.
The Common Questions about Skip Heitzig
One common question that constantly arises relates to Skip Heitzig's availability to speak at church events. People base their decision to attend church gatherings on whether Skip will be present. But the reality is that God always has something to say to His church, regardless of Skip's physical presence. In an upcoming Wednesday night Bible study, another speaker, Gino Geraci, who has known Skip for a long time, will be providing spiritual insight. Gino will share personal stories about Skip and offer valuable teachings from the Bible.
The Search for God's Will
Many Christians, and people in general, are looking for guidance and direction in their future endeavors. The quest for God's will often leads them to engage in practices that border on superstition. They attempt to predict the future through horoscopes, psychic readings, palm readings, and even Bible prophecies. However, relying on such practices can be misleading and unfruitful.
Discerning the Will of God
Determining God's will can be challenging, but it is crucial for every believer. Some Christians resort to fortune cookie Christianity, randomly selecting Bible verses like one would select a fortune from a cookie. Others look for signs and coincidences, attributing them to divine guidance. However, these methods lack depth and may not truly align with God's intended will.
Superstitious Practices in Seeking God's Will
As a new believer, Skip encountered friends who relied on a plastic box filled with Bible promises to determine God's will. This fortune cookie approach to Christianity was based on randomly selecting a Bible promise and interpreting it as a personal prophecy. Such practices can be dangerously misleading, treating God's guidance and will as a mere game of chance.
The Need for a Better Way
Rather than depending on superstitious practices, believers should seek a better way to discern God's will. One must remember that God's will is not a mysterious or impractical process. It is not a maze or a puzzle to solve. In fact, sometimes the will of God is clearly stated in the Bible, providing guidance and principles to apply in our lives.
The Role of Peace and Scripture
In the pursuit of God's will, two crucial factors come into play—peace and Scripture. These elements serve as guardrails, ensuring that our decisions align with God's heart and purpose for our lives.
Letting the Peace of God Rule
To make sound decisions, it is essential to let the peace of God serve as an umpire in our hearts. The peace of God, both objective and subjective, guides us along the path He has set before us. We find peace knowing that decisions aligned with God's will bring tranquility and assurance.
The Word of Christ Dwelling in Us
Alongside seeking peace, immersing ourselves in Scripture is vital. The Word of Christ must dwell richly within us, becoming a fundamental part of our lives. Reading, studying, and applying Biblical teachings allows us to discern God's voice and gain wisdom. Scripture serves as the ultimate guidepost for navigating life's choices.
Worship and Reinforcing the Word
Praising God through worship reinforces the teachings of Scripture. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs provide powerful expressions of faith and truth. When we gather for corporate worship, these songs serve as a reinforcement of Biblical principles, embedding them deep within our hearts.
The Power of Praise in Corporate Worship
Corporate worship plays a significant role in reinforcing the teachings of Scripture. As believers come together, they teach and admonish one another through songs that echo the truths of the Word. It is essential to value and engage in corporate worship, allowing the lyrics to penetrate our hearts and uplift our spirits.
The Value of Singing Scripture
In worship, we find a beautiful fusion of music and Scripture. Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, whether from the book of Psalms or inspired by Biblical truth, amplify our praise. Through singing, we internalize God's Word, letting it shape our thoughts, emotions, and decisions.
Regulating Decisions by Honoring Christ
In all our choices, we must prioritize honoring Christ. Every word spoken and every action taken should reflect and honor the name of the Lord Jesus. By doing so, we align ourselves with His character and embody His teachings.
Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus
To honor Christ in all we do, we must evaluate our decisions and actions through the lens of His character. Will this decision bring glory to Jesus? Does it align with His teachings and reputation? Ensuring that our choices honor Jesus fosters a deep sense of purpose and righteousness.
Conclusion
The pursuit of God's will involves seeking peace, grounding ourselves in Scripture, reinforcing the Word through worship, and regulating our decisions by honoring Christ. By following these principles, we can navigate life's complexities with confidence, knowing that we are aligning ourselves with God's purposes and desires. May we continually strive to live in the center of God's will, finding peace, fulfillment, and joy in our relationship with Him.
Highlights
- The preeminence of Jesus in every aspect of our lives
- Stepping away from superstitious practices in discerning God's will
- The significance of peace and Scripture in decision-making
- The power of worship in reinforcing Biblical teachings
- The importance of honoring Christ in all our choices
FAQ
Q: How can I discern God's will for my life?
A: Discerning God's will requires seeking peace, grounding yourself in Scripture, reinforcing the Word through worship, and honoring Christ in every decision.
Q: Is there a specific formula for knowing God's will?
A: While there is no formula per se, aligning with God's will involves following the principles outlined in Scripture, seeking His peace, and making choices that honor the character of Christ.
Q: Can I rely on signs or coincidences to discern God's will?
A: It is best to base decisions on biblical principles and seek peace in your heart rather than relying on signs or coincidences. Signs can be misleading, while peace and Scripture provide a solid foundation for discerning God's will.
Q: How can worship reinforce the teachings of Scripture?
A: Worship through songs that draw from Scripture reinforces biblical teachings in the hearts and minds of believers. Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs help internalize God's Word and strengthen faith.
Q: Why is it important to honor Christ in decision-making?
A: Recognizing the significance of honoring Christ in our choices fosters a deep sense of purpose and righteousness. By prioritizing His character and reputation, we align ourselves with His will and experience the blessings that come from following Him.
