“The Will of God”
Rom. 8:28-31
Intro.
· The idea of knowing the will of God is foreign to many Christians. Far too many Christians simply accept life as it comes, from whomever it comes.
· God has called us to be victors, not victims.
· It’s time that we know what God has called us to do, and then get busy doing it!
· Notice 3 things regarding the will of God:
The Will of God is a….
I. Work With Purpose, 28
A. We Should Purpose to accept ‘all things’
1. Because they can work out for God
2. Because they were allowed by God
3. Because we deserve far worse than what we get
B. We Should Purpose to endure ‘all things’
1. Endurance leads to Salvation, Matt. 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
2. Love endures all things, I Cor. 13:4-7 ‘Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’
C. We Should NOT Purpose to understand ‘all things’
1. The blessing of Revelation comes from reading, hearing and doing what is written therein; NOT understanding
2. None of us can understand the mind of God
3. Who are we to question WHY God is doing something
· The True Purpose of God is to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ!
The Will of God is a….
II. Work In Progress, 29-30
A. It started with ‘foreknowledge’, 29
1. Literally means ‘to know in advance’
2. “In his omniscience God knows what the future holds both for individuals and for nations. He knows and sees everything in advance and his will is carried out in accord with his plans and purposes.” Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary
3. Ps. 139: 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
4. God knew what you’re going to do, say, thing and be before you were born!
B. It continues with ‘predestination’, 29
1. This means ‘to predetermine’ or ‘to limit in advance’
2. God has a predetermined, limited plan for your life. This plan is called, His will!
C. It matures into a ‘calling’, 30
1. A ‘calling’ is a command, given by a superior to a subordinate.
2. Christians have been given their commands in at least two ways.
a. The Word of God
b. The Spirit of God
c. The Influence of God (Paul’s Macedonia vision)
D. It blossoms into justification
1. Justification means to declare a person ‘just’ or righteous’. It does not mean they are ‘not guilty’, but rather they are acquitted for the crimes they have been charge.
2. In a Biblical sense, the work of Christ did not make sinners ‘not guilty’ for their sins. Rather, we are guilty, but instead of paying the price for our sins, Christ Jesus did this for us on Calvary. That is why His wounds from the nails and spear are still in His body, to this very day! We ARE Guilty, but the price of our acquittal has been paid in full. Thus, we are justified!
E. It concludes with ‘glorification’
1. Overcoming Christians will be glorified …
a. For a Job Well Done
b. For Being Faithful To The End
c. For Being Sanctified in an Unsanctified world
d. For Loving God with All their heart, mind and soul
2. Overcoming Christians will be glorified …
a. In this life, by faithful & sacrificially serving God. (God to Satan, ‘have you consider my servant Job’)
b. In the next life, by ruling and reign with Christ in the Millennial Kingdom
The Will of God is a….
III. Work With Protection, 31
A. Questions #1: Who can argue with God? 31a
1. It’s an argument not worth having
2. It’s an argument that you’ll never win
B. Question #2: Who can argue with results? 31b
1. If God is ‘for you’ there will be results
2. If God is ‘for you’ why worry about whose against you?
a. If God is for you, why worry about bills
b. If God is for you, why worry about enemies
c. If God is for you, why worry about tomorrow
d. If God is for you, why worry about politics
e. If God is for you, why worry about anything
f. If God is for you, why worry about poor health
g. If God is for you, why worry about wars and rumors of war
h. If God is for you, why worry about a falling away of believers
i. If God is for you, why worry about the high price of gasoline
j. If God is for you, why worry about the high price of milk
k. If God is for you, why worry about
3. If God is ‘for you’ who or what can be against you?
Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
