Discovering God's Specific Will

God's general will is that all come to know Him, His salvation, and eventually dwell with Him in heaven.

Acts 16:6-10 These directions were very specific.

2 notes before we begin:
#1 keep some balance - on one hand, the specifics in Acts 16 listed above are not the norm. The apostles were led men; these were directions for ministry; this was outstanding even for Paul!!
On the other hand, it doesn't mean we will never know His specific will.

#2. look beyond the obvious
Which means God chose to reveal and they were sensitive to the Holy Spirit

We overlook a lot of scriptural principles that can direct our lives.

So: point being - there were additional, non-obvious factors that enabled them to determine His specific will.

They discovered His Specific Will :

#1. by seeking His will. Deut. 4:29 - with sincerity and effort.
Paul and company were deliberate and intense on living life for Christ and seeking Him. They were engaged in intense seeking. They were prepared in advance.

#2. by doing His will.
By acting upon His known will you are more likely to discover additional will. John 7:16-17

#3. by being surrendered to His will - in advance.
Even though there must be some light and revelation before a commitment
but, God requires commitment before fuller revelation!

#4. by being sensitive to circumstances. 1 Cor. 16:8-9 - "open door", but also "opposition".
We must measure by multiple criteria and use it all together to make a determination.

#5. by examining thing in the light of God's (previously) revealed will - ie: His Word. 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 1 John 4:1
The majority of decisions are answered in His Word.

#6. by counseling together. Acts 16:10 - "we concluded"
Don't leave other people out - we need each other in making decisions and determinations.

#7. by combining these factors together.
Don't decide based on just one criteria.

Simple Truths from the Resurrection

#1. He Is Risen.
This is more than He rose from the dead. He stands risen. Therefore, we have a living Savior.
Heb. 7:24 & 25 We go to the Father through the Son - not any way we decide to go.

#2. He overcame death.
It's more than he escaped death or outsmarted it. He conquered death - totally! His victory was complete, thorough, unquestionable, ETERNAL.

#3. He overcame Death. (note capital "D") For us!)
He overcame not just His death, but all Death! 1 Cor. 15:22-26 1 Cor. 15:54-55
So..... we needn't fear death ....... in Him we live. John 11:25
We, as Christians, should be able to die well.

#4. With Death He Overcame All Evil! 1 Cor. 15:24-26
As Christians, although we'll suffer many forms and instances of evil, but we needn't fear evil .... we, too, will overcome.

#5. He Is Lord.
Rom. 1:4 (He is NOT Lord because He rose. He rose because He is Lord!!)
His fulfilled prophecy, miraculous birth, incredible teaching, awesome character, miracles and resurrection DO NOT make Him Lord!!! They merely Confirm His Lordship.

#6. He Will Be Declared Lord
A. Eventually
B. By all

#7. He should be your Lord.
Note: this is NOT a natural state
It is not inherent, automatic, pre-existing, etc.
YOU must make it happen....... 1. Invite Him In ----- your heart and life
2. Place Him On ----- the throne of your heart

John 20:28-29 - Invitation

The Lord's Supper

1 Cor. 11:23-26

What we believe.
The bread and wine is symbolic. It is a picture of:
A. His body broken and His blood shed.
B. My willingness to accept His Sacrifice and to participate in His Sacrifice.
John 6:47-56


How we celebrate (at OBC)

We gather together in family groups, worship, eat of the bread and wine/juice, and fellowship together.

Why we do it.
to remember His Sacrifice
to demonstrate our belief in His Sacrifice
to celebrate our common bonds - as saints and sinners; as brothers and sisters in Christ
to renew our vows and commitments to Him.

Who should participate

This is the Lord's Supper. Therefore, any who are His may participate

But note: 1 Cor. 11:27-29 - Therefore, examine yourself and make preparation.
Regarding worthiness: We're NOT worthy. That's why He died for us, why we need His sacrifice, why we need reminders. We need to be aware of our unworthiness.