Outline:
I. Introduction
- The importance of knowing and doing the will of God
- The role of faith and obedience in discovering God's will
II. The Biblical Foundations of God's Will
- God's will as revealed in Scripture
- God's will as it is expressed in the life of Christ
III. The Importance of God's Will
- God's will provides guidance and direction
- God's will leads to peace and fulfillment
- God's will brings glory to God
IV. Discovering God's Will
- Through prayer
- Through the study of Scripture
- Through the counsel of wise and trusted advisors
- Through submission to the Holy Spirit
V. Obeying God's Will
- The benefits of obedience
- The consequences of disobedience
- The importance of perseverance
VI. Conclusion
- The joy and peace of living in God's will
- The call to seek God's will diligently
Detailed Points:
I. Introduction
- John 7:17: "If anyone wills to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak of My own accord."
- Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
II. The Biblical Foundations of God's Will
- Ephesians 1:11: "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will."
- Hebrews 10:7: "Then I said, 'Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God.'"
III. The Importance of God's Will
- Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
- John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
- 1 Peter 4:11: "Whoever speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
IV. Discovering God's Will
- James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
- Proverbs 11:14: "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."
- Romans 8:14: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God."
V. Obeying God's Will
- James 1:25: "But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."
- Hebrews 5:9: "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."
- Matthew 7:24-27: "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."
VI. Conclusion
- Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
- Matthew 28:19-20: "Go therefore and make disciples of all