Faithful Instructions – This is God’s Will for You in Christ Jesus
Icebreaker: What is your approach to making important decisions?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Note: This passage presents a dynamic tension to follow God’s will in all circumstances whether easy or difficult. God wants his people to be SEEKERS in all our circumstances. Here are 5 steps to seek God’s will.
1. Seekers get WISE counsel.
Proverbs 24:6 “Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.” NIV
- What are the best times to get counsel in knowing God’s will in a situation?
- Why are we naturally reluctant to get counsel?
- Why is getting wise counsel or guidance a mark of strength, not weakness?
- What are different sources to find wise counsel?
2. Seekers THINK wisely.
Proverbs 15:28a, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer” NASV
- What does pondering over matters entail? What does thinking with the heart (spirit) look like?
- How do you balance thinking with the mind, intuition and the heart (spirit)? What is the right balance?
- How have you learned to think wisely?
3. Seekers LISTEN wisely.
“God doesn’t give us the “destination”; He wants to be our daily guide. Therefore, God’s guidance is revealed in small increments on a daily basis. Listen and respond when God CLOSES or OPENS doors.” Dave Flaig
THREE TESTS OF LISTENING WISELY:
- The test of TIME, Proverbs 8:33–35 (NIV84) 33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. 34 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.
- Why would paying attention be important to listening? Describe what it means to really pay attention?
- Why is waiting an important approach in listening wisely?
- How has waiting been helpful in your experience? Give an example.
- The test of SCRIPTURE, 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NIV84) 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- How do you include God’s Word in your circumstances?
- What is the promise when we obey scriptural principles?
- What resistance have you encountered when trying to obey God’s Word?
- The test of INTERNAL PEACE, Isaiah 26:3 (NIV84) You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Note: Perfect peace does not always mean complete understanding of the facts from my perspective; however, it does provide a complete trust in God’s activities and workings.
- How does a steadfast mind that trusts in the Lord lead to perfect peace?
- What does perfect peace mean in knowing God’s will?
- What are some uncomfortable circumstances you have peace in or still looking for peace?
4. Seekers ACT(Live) wisely.
Ephesians 5:15-17 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
- What three wise actions are given in this passage?
- What “opportunity” do you currently have to act wisely? (Ex. New job, marriage)
5. Seekers REFLECT to know themselves well.
- What sin are you prone to? Would this option negatively affect your weakness?
- What have you also learned about your personality type, spiritual gift?
- What do you do well? What do you like to do? Do you work better with people or alone?
- Do you need challenge and change, or a consistent routine?