Lesson 15 - May 2, 2001

Ø Continuation: Specifics of will of God relative to the Believer.

(Things we know that are important for the Believer.)

Ø #3 1 Ths 5:18

Need to notice once again, the will of God is not ambiguous.

in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

- We have here an appeal to our will, to make a choice.

It says IN everything give thanks not for everything give thanks.

* What Paul says is "in everything give thanks."

What this is saying is that in the middle of whatever circumstances of life that we may be facing, that it doesn't kill our mental attitude, our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Ø #4 1 Pet 4:12-16, 19

What's the message in verse 12 of "Don't be surprised"?

Notice that the mental attitude expressed in vs:13 "keep on rejoicing" is separate from the external circumstances.

Verse 19 draws a conclusion based on the section we just read! [vs:12-16]

Ø Subject: Certainty with respect to God's Will.

Ø #1 Col. 4:12

always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

"laboring earnestly" avgwni,zomai Eng = agony; means to struggle; athletic term; to enter a contest; when you do, you normally put forth great effort; you struggle to win

He prays intensely for them that they would "stand perfect."

- Word "perfect" = te,leioj; means complete, having reached a goal, an objective!

Observations from 4:12

1. When he says that he prayed earnestly that (i[na - purpose) he does so with the purpose in mind that you, any believer, may stand complete and fully assured in all the will of God.

2. Need to note the word for "will" qelhma which is an active noun.

3. The word fully convinced is a perfect ptc which emphasizes a lasting stable condition that exists.

4. Therefore Paul is saying here that God desires that we be absolutely assured in every willed thing of God, that comes along in your life.

5. What's this all saying; If your mature you are keenly aware that God is at work in your life.

Ø #2 Rom 12:1-2

"I urge you"

"to present your bodies"

12:1 The emphasis is on the body.

12:2 The emphasis is on the mind.

what

body + mind = will of

vs:1 kài vs:2 "prove" God is

Ø Basic Truths relative to the Exercise of our Will

1. Never seek the will of God about an act or thought forbidden by the Word of God!

2. Never seek God's will relative to what is commanded!

3. God leaves the majority of choices in life up to us, using sound judgment!