Lesson 2
DECISION – MAKING WITHIN THE WILL OF GOD
Review:
The proposition that we're building on is that
the revealed will of God is sufficient
for the believer. Documentation for this is 2 Tim 3:16-17
#1.
The origin of Scripture; "All scripture is inspired by God.."
#2.
The use of Scripture.
- First it says its what? Profitable; wvfe,limoj (-imoj says
that it is describing an action or a process) also means useful, beneficial,
advantageous.
- Then it lists 4
categories in which this applies.
a.
teaching (didaskalia) general
word with emphasis on content; today we
might call it curriculum; Scripture must
be the source of all the curriculum, all
doctrine taught.
b.
reproof = evlegmo,j basic to expose (Jn
c.
correction; evpano,rqwsij; used of setting a leg; set something or
someone upright; it assumes an error that is to be set upright or in order;
therefore the idea of correcting, refuting error.
d. for
instruction in righteousness = paidei,a; more
than just training it is a total education, step by step process;in righteousness (dikaiosu,nh) [quality] experiential;
#3.
The Purpose of Scripture.
"That
the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
- a;rtioj =
complete, capable, sufficient; ie to meet all of
God's demands; Not only that but the
word will make the man of God,
evxarti,zw fully/completely
outfitted and furnished; fully supplied
and equipped; i.e. for anything that we
might face in life.
What is this passage telling us??
We can relax over the will of God in that we do
not need to wring our hands, over what is not in the word!
So if we are to be "adequate and fully equipped" in life we must recognize
that this is related to having a knowledge of God's will as revealed in
Scripture.
As we grow, mature in
that revealed word, it
will shape our goals in life, and our attitudes in life and as a result the
actions we take. Remember actions flow
out of thinking!
- The will of God,
through the Word of God will aid us in developing and defining our goals and our attitudes in life.
2. The moral will of God is the expression of the character
of God. Rom
a. Because of this, it
produces that same character in the life of the one who obeys it and leads to
fullness of life. Psa 19:7-11.
Rabbit Trail Psa. 19:7-11
The
Word of God makes a claim for it self that we must not ever loose track of as
believers. The God-breathed Scriptures are sufficient for our lives today.
Peter
in 2 Pet 1:3 a very strong statement
relating to our provision in Christ for life and godliness.
Means
of realizing that provision in our lives is related here to something concrete; "through the true knowledge of Him who called us" [notice the link through is dia = means/instrument]
Question?? Are we attempting to
use cheap substitutes in place of what God has already provided?
What is subtly being said today is that we need
human vpt solutions to augment what the Word teaches. This is where
psychoheresy is infiltrating the church.
Have
6 synonyms for
the Word of God here.
-
the law of
the Lord;
-
the testimony
of the Lord;
-
the precepts of
the Lord;
-
the commandments
of the Lord;
-
"the fear of the Lord"
-
the judgments
of the Lord;
1. 19:7a Scripture is perfect, restoring the
soul.
The
word for law here is torah, hr'AT emphasizes
the teaching and instruction that comes from the Word of God.
"perfect"
is tamiym; ~ymiT' (adj.) basically means to be whole, complete,
sufficient;
Can
man be perfect? Not as long as he
possesses a sin nature.
- But like that animal destined for sacrifice to picture the
perfection of Christ our Savior, we can be blameless, that is all that God
desires of us to
be in our respective niches! (Ps 18:20-24)
Next the effect
(benefit)
of this perfect complete sufficient instruction; "restoring
the soul" (hiphil ptc. causative); bWv
to bring back; to restore;
to refresh; to turn away from and turn toward;
David
then is saying that the Word of God, Scripture, is so powerful and
comprehensive that it can turn one's life, transform the entire person; putting
them precisely in the direction that God desires.
2. 19:7b Scripture
is Trustworthy, Imparting Wisdom
"The testimony of the Lord is sure, making
wise the simple."
- Testimony speaks of Scripture as
being a divine witness; a declaration of the will of God; brings into focus
absolutes;
- sure reminds us that His testimony is
unwavering, immovable, unmistakable,
reliable and worthy to be trusted.
What
is more sure to you, the word of God? His testimony? or the experiences
that you have had.
The
Word then is a more trustworthy and sounder basis of faith.
God's sure word has the effect of making
wise the simple!
- simple = speaks of the naive; one who does
not have the skill to discern that which is false or harmful.
Don't mistake this for facts, to have a
knowledge of facts; the word is chakam (hiph ptc) and it emphasizes what
is practical, it deals with revealed
principles of what is right and wrong that is to be believed and lived out in
ones life.
3. Scripture is right, causing joy. Vs:8a
The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart.
Precepts brings into focus the fact
that God is the definer of duty; the principles, the guidelines for character
and conduct.
These
precepts from the Lord are right; they're straight, upright, correct. Its more than just indicating what is right
as over against what is wrong.
And
what does it say will be the consequence of being on the right path?? What is
the benefit for now? today? tomorrow?
"rejoicing the heart" it brings us great joy when believed and
lived out
- What this says here is to focus on divine truth and there
you will find true and lasting joy.
The
Psalmist writing in Ps 119 tells us that he went to Scripture when he was in
pain (ynI[')
see this in vs:50.
If
we follow the human viewpoint solutions we may find temporary relief but not
the lasting joy that God can and does provide as we are obedient to His Word!