We learned that the first way to know that God is speaking
to us is to compare what we hear to Scripture. This is the primary way that we
know God’s will. But there are other ways that we can see God’s will for our
lives. Generally, if something is counter to our sin/human nature, or it is
opposite of what society tells us is acceptable, we can begin to believe that
it’s God giving us an answer. A few examples:
When the Bible speaks, it shows us a path that is clearly
different from the world. We know we hear God’s voice when we are told to turn
from the moral depravity in the world. In fact, we’re specifically cautioned
against three different types of worldly love.
Do not love the world or the things
in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. 1 John 2:15-16 (ESV)
Once again, we see God speaking to us through His Word and
telling us to do something that is completely opposite from what we see in
advertisements every day.
Can you see that the way to hear God is to study Scripture?
How much quality time do you put into your Bible every day? If you don’t give
God quality time, how can you expect to hear what He has to say?
Once we hear God’s message, we are challenged to grow in our
faith and take courageous steps to turn from the ways of the world to the ways
of the Lord. God expects our faith to grow.
For truly, I
say to you, if you have faith like a grain of
mustard seed, you will say to this mountain,
‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. Matt
17:20 (ESV)
God expects us to have little faith at first – the size of a
mustard seed. But He promises that with even a tiny bit of faith, nothing is
impossible! But how does that square with our lives in 2012? Are you without a
job? Lost your home? Don’t have transportation? Can you “will” these things
into being with that mustard seed faith? There are preachers – called prosperity Gospel – who tell you that
God promises to give you physical stuff
if you give to their particular ministries. God never promised to give us the
good life, or to even give us what we want. Following Christ means that we will
have trials and temptations and problems. I don’t know why you don’t have a
job, or a house, or a car. It doesn’t seem fair, but isn’t this exactly why we
need to learn to listen to God? Have you asked Him what He wants you to learn
or have you simply bombarded Him with your demands for that new car, or the new
job? Can you look at your problems (we all have them) as a way to become closer
to God and to clearly hear His voice?
God calls you to become courageous – especially in times of
stress and adversity. For that, let’s consider Joshua for a moment. He was a
great warrior and a great leader, but can you imagine how he must have felt to
be called to lead Israel after Moses died? Who wants to try to follow in Moses’
shoes? Obviously God did – and He gave Joshua words of comfort that we can use
today.
Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit
the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong
and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that
Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the
left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do
according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way
prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be
dismayed, for the Lord your God is
with you wherever you go. Josh 1:6-9
(ESV)
Joshua is told to be strong and courageous three times. The first
time, God reminded Joshua of the blessing – the Promised Land. The second time,
God reminded Joshua to stay on track by staying in the Word and remembering God’s
commands. Finally, God told Joshua to remain encouraged because God was with
him in the journey.
Can you claim these promises? God has an ultimate blessing
for each believer: a mansion in heaven. We know this because we stay on track
and focus on His Word, especially in times of trouble. And finally, we are
reminded that God will be with us in all of our journey.
His promises to the Israelites are His promises to us. We
need to stand courageously in the face of opposition. We need to stand in the
Word so we know God’s will. We have to be willing to go against the flow of
society to remain in His will. And finally, we need to act in love.
Be watchful, stand firm in the
faith, act like men, be strong. 14
Let all that you do be done in love. 1
Cor 16:13-14 (ESV)
Act like MEN? I
hear the women screaming… that’s what it says, ladies. We are to exhibit the
masculine qualities of standing firmly and courageously. And men, you need to
exhibit the feminine qualities of loving actions. Isn’t the Bible wonderful? It
clearly shows that women and men have different roles in society, but shows
that each of us is to exhibit some of the other’s qualities as well.
Next week we’ll talk about advice. We’ll discuss hearing
from God versus hearing from Satan, and receiving good and bad advice from our
Christian friends. Until then, stand firm. Love your enemies. Be strong!
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