Discovering God's Will: Practical Steps from Colossians
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Preeminence of Jesus
- The Common Questions About Skip
- Gino Geraci: A Personal Connection
- The Search for God's Will
- Superstitions and Misguided Practices
- The Will of God Made Plain
- The Guardrails to Knowing God's Will
- Be Ruled by Peace
- Be Rooted in Scripture
- Be Reinforced by Praise
- Be Regulated by Honor
- Conclusion
The Preeminence of Jesus and the Search for God's Will
There is a longing within each of us to know God's will for our lives. We seek direction and purpose, wanting to make decisions that align with His plan. In the letter to the Colossians, Paul explores the preeminence of Jesus and the practical application of His authority in our lives. He reminds us that Jesus holds everything together, from the majestic to the microscopic, and that He should be at the center of all aspects of our lives – work, family, friendships, and faith.
The Common Questions About Skip
As part of Pastor Skip Heitzig's ministry at Calvary Church, the front desk regularly receives questions from the congregation. One of the most common inquiries is whether Skip will be speaking at an event. Many people base their decision to attend church on his presence. However, Skip emphasizes that God always has something to say, regardless of whether he is physically present. He believes that God wants to speak to His church, and he encourages everyone to come and listen.
Gino Geraci: A Personal Connection
In an upcoming Wednesday night event, Skip introduces a dear friend, Gino Geraci, to the congregation. Gino and Skip have known each other since their school days, with Gino being the one who first told Skip about Jesus. While their friendship started on rocky ground due to Skip's resistance to the Gospel, they eventually formed a deep bond. Gino's visit to Calvary Church is an occasion for the congregation to hear his Bible study and enjoy his storytelling and firsthand anecdotes about Skip.
The Search for God's Will
People all over the world are searching for direction and guidance in their lives. It is a common desire to know God's will and have a sense of purpose for the future. Some resort to superstitious practices or rely on external signs to discern God's will. However, Paul encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's will and to base their decisions on biblical principles rather than engaging in practices that border on superstition.
Superstitions and Misguided Practices
In his own journey of faith, Skip recalls encountering some Christians who relied on superstitious practices to discern God's will. One example he recounts is the use of a plastic loaf of bread containing Bible promises. People would blindly reach in, grab a promise, and believe that it predicted their future. Skip also mentions a story about a woman who looked for a sign in the brochure of a Holy Land tour and found confirmation in the number 747. He cautions against relying on these practices, emphasizing the need for a more sound and biblical approach.
The Will of God Made Plain
Paul affirms that the will of God is not elusive or mystical. It is practical and straightforward. While some aspects of God's will are explicitly stated in Scripture, such as abstaining from sexual immorality and giving thanks in everything, others require deeper discernment. Paul presents a guide to knowing God's will, which he refers to as guardrails. These guardrails help believers stay within the boundaries of God's will and make wise decisions.
The Guardrails to Knowing God's Will
To navigate the complexities of discerning God's will, Paul offers four guardrails: being ruled by peace, being rooted in Scripture, being reinforced by praise, and being regulated by honor.
Be Ruled by Peace
Paul invites believers to let the peace of God rule their hearts. Peace is both objective and subjective. Objectively, it is a fact that believers have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Subjectively, it is an inner sense of calm that guides their decisions. By seeking God's peace, believers can find direction and confirmation for their choices.
Be Rooted in Scripture
Paul emphasizes the importance of the word of Christ dwelling richly in believers. The Bible acts as a guide by providing wisdom, teaching, and admonishment. By reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture, believers invite the word of God to permeate their lives. It serves as a reference point for discerning God's will and aligning their decisions with biblical principles.
Be Reinforced by Praise
Paul encourages believers to engage in worship and praise. Through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, believers reinforce the truth of Scripture, express their gratitude to God, and strengthen their faith. By immersing themselves in worship, believers foster an atmosphere that supports their journey of knowing and following God's will.
Be Regulated by Honor
Honor plays a vital role in decision-making, as believers are called to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus. It involves aligning their thoughts, words, and actions with the character of Christ. By considering whether a decision honors Jesus and reflects His reputation, believers ensure that their choices are consistent with God's will.
Conclusion
Knowing and understanding God's will is a journey for every believer. By allowing the peace of God to rule their hearts, being rooted in Scripture, reinforcing their faith through worship, and regulating their decisions with honor, believers can navigate the complexities of discerning God's will. As they embrace these guardrails, believers can confidently make choices that align with God's plan and experience the fulfillment that comes from living in obedience to Him.
