How (Not) to Know God's Will.

Introduction:

How do I know the will of God for my life?

Matthew 6:10 - Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Ephesians 5:17 - Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Why "fleeces" aren't the way to know God's Will (Judges 6:36-40):

  1. Gideon already Knew God's will. (Judges 6:36-37).
  2. Gideon wasn't revealing his trust, he was revealing his Doubt . (Judges 6:36-37).
  3. Gideon was Telling God what to do. (Judges 6:37-39).
  4. Gideon still wasn't Convinced after the first round. (Judges 6:39).

What is God's Will for my Life?

  1. Saved

    2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise vas some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

  2. Sirit-filled

    Ephesians 5:17-18 - Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit...

  3. Sanctified

    1 Thessalonians 4:3 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality...

  4. Submit to the government

    1 Peter 2:13-15 - Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

  5. Sometimes suffer

    1 Peter 4:19 - Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

  6. Showing gratitude

    1 Thessalonians 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 6:36-40

  1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?

  2. Why is “fleece-laying”, like Gideon, not the way to learn God’s will? How do we know Gideon didn’t need to do that?

  3. How do you know someone’s advice is from the Lord or from their own ideas?

  4. Tell of a time you struggled to know God’s will for something in your own life? How did you ultimately make the decision? Did you feel it was the right one?

Breakout
Pray for one another.