Acts 18: Understanding God's Will

Finding God's Will: How to Know and Follow His Direction

Have you ever had to make a decision where you weren't 100% sure it was the right one? Perhaps a job change, a relationship commitment, or relocating your family? These pivotal moments leave us wondering: How can we know God's will for our lives? How can we be confident we're following His direction and not just our own desires?

When Even Biblical Heroes Struggled with God's Will

Moses, before becoming God's chosen deliverer, tried to take matters into his own hands. He killed an Egyptian who was abusing an Israelite, thinking this was how God would use him to deliver His people. But when his actions were discovered, Moses fled into the wilderness for 40 years.

Even after God clearly spoke to him through the burning bush, Moses made excuses: "Who am I that I should go? What if the Israelites won't listen? I don't speak well." Despite hearing God's direct call, Moses struggled to accept God's will for his life.

Paul's Journey and Discerning God's Direction

In Acts 18, we find Paul completing his second missionary journey. In Corinth, amazing things were happening—Paul had met Aquila and Priscilla, worked as a tentmaker, and preached in the synagogue. When opposition arose, he moved his ministry elsewhere, and many Corinthians came to Christ.

The text mentions something curious: "Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken." Why would Luke include this detail? Paul had taken a Nazarite vow, which involved refraining from wine, not cutting his hair, and avoiding uncleanness. This vow, rooted in Old Testament tradition, would have opened doors for Paul to reach his Jewish brothers and sisters.

Paul explained his approach in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible... I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

How Did Paul Know What Was God's Will?

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, the people asked him to stay longer, but he declined, saying, "I will come back if it is God's will." How did he know it wasn't God's will to remain in Ephesus when the people were receptive to his message?

The Chess Game Analogy

Think of God's will like a chess game. A beginner might focus on taking as many pieces as possible, but the true point of the game is the king. Similarly, what God orchestrates in our lives is bigger than our individual situations

By the time each player in chess has moved just five pieces, there are 69.3 trillion (TRILLION!) unique move sequences possible. Now imagine what God is orchestrating with billions of people, each with countless possible actions!

When We Miss God's Will

There are times when we wonder if we've missed God's calling, when we question if we recognized His will correctly. There are also times when we leap ahead of God, taking matters into our own hands like Moses did.

But we can find comfort in Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Even when we miss God's will, He can work our missteps into something beautiful that glorifies Him and furthers His kingdom.

How Does God Reveal His Will to Us?

Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us: "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son."

Many of us pray things like, "Lord, stop me if I'm wrong and bless me if I'm right" or "Close the door if it isn't your will." But that's not the biblical example.

If we want to know God's will, we must cultivate a loving relationship with Him. God wants to be known. He wants us to know:

1. Him

2. His purposes

3. His ways

God Reveals Himself

When God speaks to us, He often reveals something about Himself that's exactly what we need in that moment:

1. To Abraham at 99 years old, still childless despite God's promise: "I am God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1)

2. To Jesus' followers facing persecution: "I am the living bread... whoever eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:51)

God Reveals His Purposes

God wants us to know what He plans to do. When God came to Noah, He didn't ask, "What do you want me to do?" He revealed what He was about to do—destroy the world in a flood—and invited Noah to join Him.

As Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

God Reveals His Ways

God's ways are different from our ways (Isaiah 55:8). His ways will always draw people into a loving relationship with Him. They are redemptive.

When Jesus told His disciples to feed 5,000 people, their solution was to send everyone home. Jesus' way was to have the people sit down, bless what little food they had, and perform a miracle.

How God Invites Us to Join Him

God invites us to join Him in four primary ways:

1. Through the Holy Spirit

Many struggle with aligning with God's will because they haven't received the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit. As Peter said in Acts 2:38, "Repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

We can't live according to God's will on our own strength. We must first die to ourselves by joining Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection.

2. Through God's Word

The Bible is "God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If we want to know God's will, we should start by studying His Word.

You cannot live consistently according to God's will if you are not consistently in His Word.

3. Through Prayer

When we seek God for wisdom, He opens the floodgates. As Paul wrote in Colossians 1:9, "We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives."

4. Through Circumstances

Rather than choosing a direction and asking God to close doors if it's wrong, God opens doors and invites us through them. Sometimes He gives us just one step at a time, opening one door after another as we follow Him.

5. Through Fellow Believers

Though God's Word prepares our hearts, it's often the call from a brother or sister in Christ that gets us off the bench and into the game.

This is why it's important not just to attend church but to participate actively with fellow believers who know us well enough to speak God's will into our lives.

Jesus: The Embodiment of God's Will

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's will for us. As John 14:6-7 says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

If you want to know the will of God, come to Jesus. If you want to align yourself with that will, make Him your focus.

Hebrews 12:1-3 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith," who endured the cross and now sits at God's right hand.

Life Application

This week, consider these questions to help align yourself with God's will:

1. Am I actively cultivating a relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers?

2. Where might I be trying to figure out God's will on my own terms rather than seeking Him first?

3. Is there an area where I've been asking God to "close the door if it's not Your will" instead of waiting for Him to open a door?

4. How can I better fix my eyes on Jesus this week, making Him my focus rather than my circumstances?

5. Is there a door God has opened that I've been hesitant to walk through?

Remember, God's will isn't complicated—He wants you to know Him, His purposes, and His ways. Like a chess game, it's not about your individual moves but about the King and His ultimate plan. Trust that even when you feel uncertain, God is orchestrating something beautiful through your life as you seek to follow Him.

2nd Thessalonians 3: Pray For Your Leaders

Praying for Church Leadership: Why It's Essential for Gospel Advancement

When was the last time you prayed specifically for your church leaders? Not just a quick "bless the pastor" prayer, but intentional, strategic prayer for those on the front lines of gospel work? The truth is, many of us don't realize how crucial our prayers are for those in spiritual leadership positions.

Why Church Leaders Need Your Prayers

Church leaders stand on the front lines of spiritual warfare every day. They're not just planning services and delivering sermons - they're actively engaged in a spiritual battle for the advancement of the gospel.

The Apostle Paul understood this reality clearly. Throughout his letters, he doesn't merely ask for prayer - he commands it. In 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3, Paul writes:

"As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people. For not everyone has faith, but the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."

This wasn't a casual request. Paul understood something vital about ministry that we often miss.

What Drives the Urgency for Prayer?

A Life Transformed by Jesus

Paul lived with tremendous urgency about the gospel because his own life had been completely transformed by Jesus. Once a Pharisee who would have considered Gentiles unclean, Paul's entire worldview shifted when he encountered Christ. His life goals, definition of success, and understanding of his purpose were all radically changed.

The Imminent Return of Christ

Paul also lived with the tension of believing Jesus could return at any moment. This created a laser-focused urgency to ensure everyone had the opportunity to hear about Jesus before His return.

The Spiritual Battle Behind Gospel Work

In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reveals what church leaders are truly up against:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

When we pray for our church leaders, we're joining them in this spiritual battle. Paul makes this clear in Romans 15:30:

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me."

Notice how Paul invokes the name of Jesus - the same way the apostles would when casting out demons or calling for healing. This isn't casual "Christianese" - it's a recognition of the spiritual power needed for gospel advancement.

What Happens When We Pray for Church Leaders?

When we pray for those leading our churches, several things happen:

1. Doors open for the gospel - "Pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message" (Colossians 4:3)

2. Words are given - "Pray also for me that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19)

3. Spiritual forces are overcome - Our prayers join the struggle against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12)

4. The gospel advances with power - "Pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored" (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

As commentator David Guzik notes: "It makes us wonder how often the work of God's word is hindered by our prayerlessness."

How to Pray for Your Church Leaders

Church leaders - pastors, elders, ministry directors, and staff - often walk into enemy territory. They deal with sin, relational issues, and spiritual strongholds that need to be broken by Jesus. They need your prayer support. If you didn’t get the insert from this week’s bulletin, please reach out so we can get it to you. It includes a list of church staff and elders and how you can be praying for them

Here are specific ways to pray for them:

1. Pray for open doors - Ask God to create opportunities for the gospel to be shared (Colossians 4:3)

2. Pray for boldness - Ask that they would speak fearlessly and clearly (Ephesians 6:19-20)

3. Pray for protection - Ask that they would be delivered from wicked and evil people (2 Thessalonians 3:2)

4. Pray for effective ministry - Ask that their message would spread rapidly and be honored (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

5. Pray for joy in their work - "Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden" (Hebrews 13:17)

Life Application

The spiritual battle for gospel advancement requires all of us to participate through prayer. This week, I challenge you to:

1. Set a specific time to pray for your church leaders. Perhaps set an alarm on your phone as a weekly reminder.

2. Pray with purpose using Scripture as your guide. Use passages like Ephesians 6:19-20, Colossians 4:3, and 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.

3. Let your leaders know you're praying for them. A simple note of encouragement can provide tremendous strength.

4. Examine your prayer life - Have you been treating prayer as "Christianese" - something you say but don't follow through on? Ask God to renew your commitment to meaningful prayer.

Ask yourself: How might the gospel advance more powerfully in my church and community if I committed to regular, intentional prayer for those on the front lines? What spiritual battles might be won if I joined the struggle through prayer? How can I move beyond casual "I'll pray for you" statements to genuine, consistent intercession?

Remember, when you pray for your church leaders, you're not just supporting them - you're actively participating in the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

Quenching the Spirit: Be Joyful Always - 1st Thessalonians

Finding Joy Through the Holy Spirit: Understanding God's Will for Constant Rejoicing

Many Christians struggle with three seemingly simple but challenging commands from Scripture: rejoice ALWAYS, pray CONTINUALLY, and give thanks in ALL circumstances. While these directives can feel overwhelming, understanding God's provision through the Holy Spirit is what allows them to be attainable for us.

The Challenge of Constant Rejoicing and Prayer

Even seasoned Christians often find it difficult to maintain constant prayer and rejoicing. The command to "pray continually" can feel particularly daunting - how can we keep God at the forefront of our minds at all times? The key lies not in mechanical change through sheer willpower, but in organic transformation through the Holy Spirit.

How Does the Holy Spirit Enable Rejoicing?

The Holy Spirit is characterized by:

1. Being a spirit of rejoicing

2. Constantly praying and interceding

3. Giving thanks in all circumstances

When we receive Christ, we receive this Spirit who naturally tends toward joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. Rather than striving through our own effort, we can tap into the Spirit's power.

What Prevents Us from Experiencing Constant Joy?

Several factors can "quench" the Spirit's work in our lives:

1. Anxiety and fear

2. Suffering and trials

3. Unresolved sin

4. Distractions and idols

The solution isn't to try harder but to lean into the Spirit when facing these challenges. Let anxiety drive you to prayer rather than away from God. Allow suffering to deepen your dependence on Him.

How Can We Stay Connected to the Spirit?

To maintain connection with the Spirit:

1. Focus on what the Spirit is rejoicing about in your life

2. Join in the Spirit's prayers of intercession

3. Give thanks alongside the Spirit

4. Keep in step with the Spirit's leading

Life Application

This week, ask yourself these questions:

1. What do you think the Holy Spirit is rejoicing about in your life right now?

2. What is the Spirit praying for on your behalf?

3. What is the Spirit giving thanks for in your circumstances?

Challenge: Instead of trying to manufacture joy and prayer through willpower, practice "keeping in step with the Spirit." When you identify what the Spirit is doing, join in - rejoice when He rejoices, pray what He's praying, give thanks for what He's thankful for.

Remember: You are who you spend time with. The more you lean into fellowship with the Holy Spirit, the more His characteristics of joy, prayer, and thanksgiving will naturally flow through your life.

Citizens of Another Kingdom

Understanding Our Role as Christians in Voting Season

Introduction

As we approach another election season, it's essential to reflect on our responsibilities as Christians. This week's sermon delved into the complexities of voting, the importance of prayer, and our ultimate allegiance to the Kingdom of God. Let's explore these themes and understand how we can navigate this season with faith and wisdom.

Why Is Voting Important for Christians?

Voting is a civic duty that allows us to influence the direction of our nation. However, many Christians feel conflicted when the options don't align perfectly with their values. This tension can lead to disengagement or frustration.

Biblical Guidance on Leadership and Authority

The Bible doesn't directly address voting, as it wasn't a practice in biblical times. However, principles from scripture can guide us. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in authority, so we may live peaceful and godly lives. This peace and godliness are crucial for spreading the knowledge of truth and salvation.

The Power of Prayer Over Politics

Prayer is more powerful than our vote. While voting is important, our primary responsibility is to intercede for our leaders, regardless of their faith or actions. This intercession can lead to a more peaceful society where the gospel can flourish.

Living as Ambassadors of Christ

Our True Citizenship

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 reminds us that we are new creations in Christ and ambassadors of His Kingdom. Our primary identity is not as citizens of any earthly nation but as citizens of heaven. This perspective should shape how we engage in politics and view our role in society.

Seeking the Prosperity of Our Nation

Jeremiah 29:7 instructs the Israelites in exile to seek the peace and prosperity of their city. Similarly, we should pray for and work towards the prosperity of our nation, understanding that our well-being is tied to the nation's well-being. However, our ultimate hope and identity lie in God's Kingdom.

Navigating Political Tensions

Engaging with Grace and Wisdom

It's easy to get caught up in political debates and lose sight of our Christian witness. We must engage with grace, remembering that our goal is to reflect Christ's love and truth. This means being informed about issues, voting according to biblical principles, and maintaining a spirit of peace and unity.

Avoiding Division

Political seasons can be divisive, even within the church. We must remember that our unity in Christ is more important than any political affiliation. We should strive to understand and love those who vote differently, focusing on our shared mission to spread the gospel.

Life Application

Applying the Sermon to Our Lives

As we approach the polls, let's remember that our hope is in Christ, not in any political system. Here are some practical steps to apply this week's message:

1. **Pray for Leaders**: Commit to praying for all leaders, regardless of their political stance. Ask God to guide them and bring peace to our nation.

2. **Stay Informed**: Educate yourself on the issues and candidates, seeking to understand how they align with biblical principles.

3. **Engage with Grace**: Approach political discussions with humility and love, prioritizing relationships over winning arguments.

4. **Remember Your True Citizenship**: Keep your focus on your identity in Christ and your role as His ambassador.

Reflective Questions

1. How often do I pray for our leaders and the peace of our nation?

2. Do I approach political discussions with grace and a desire for unity?

3. How can I better align my voting decisions with biblical principles?

4. Am I more passionate about my political views or my identity in Christ?

By keeping these reflections in mind, we can navigate this election season with faith, wisdom, and a focus on our ultimate allegiance to God's Kingdom.