January 15, 2006 Summit PM

Doing God’s Will

Introduction

A. Text – Mt.6:24-34

B. Jesus wants His disciples to learn to fully trust God

            1. Knows man is unable to serve two masters – regardless the master

            2. Must focus on today – serving fully today

            3. Goal – seek 1st His kingdom & His righteousness

C. Problem – as we mature spiritually we desire more & more to do God’s will

            1. Ask question – what is God’s will for my life?

            2. Usually focus become self centered – my life & what I am to be doing

            3. Movie – “I Robot” – science fiction

                        a. Robot designer killed & robot hater called to investigate

                        b. Hologram used to answer questions – had to ask right question

                        c. When did – shut down – so meditate on that question

                        d. We need to be asking the right questions

D. The right question is “What is God’s Will”

E. Pray

 

I. Interesting Pictures That Weave Selves Through Scripture

            A. Jesus’ 1st miracle – wedding feast

                        a. They had run out of wine – Mary has an answer

b. Jn.2:4 – “why involve Me? My time has not yet come”

c. Point – Jesus was waiting for something – right time

            B. Jesus in Samaria – woman at the well

                        a. Jn.4:1-4

                        b. Jesus gaining notoriety in Judea – leaves

                        c. Had to go through Samaria – Why?

            C. Jesus heals a demon-possessed man

                        a. Mk.4:35-5:2

                        b. Jesus leaves the crowds to cross the Sea of Galilee

                        c. Gets to other side & heals one man & leaves – Why?

            D. Sending out of the Apostles

                        a. The 12 – Lk.9:1-5 – resist you = leave

                        b. The 72 – Lk.10:12 – resist you = leave

                        c. Why?

            E. Raising of Lazarus

                        a. Jn.11:1-15

                        b. Jesus informed of Lazarus’ sickness – tarries

                        c. Vs.4 – this happening so “The Son” may be glorified

                        d. Ready to leave & questioned – vs.7-10

                        e. Answers – because now we are walking in the light

           

 

 

 

F. Jesus was waiting for direction – where God wanted Him to be

                        a. His desire – to only do what the Father told Him

                                    1) Jn.5:19 – Son does only what sees Father doing

                                    2) Jn.6:35-45 – all the Father gives Me comes to Me

                                                a) Came from heaven to do My Father’s will

                                                b) None come except the Father draws them

                        b. Jesus was looking for where God was working – there He works

 

II. Understanding God’s Will For My Life

            A. Principle about fruitfulness

                        a. Jn.15:1-8

                        b. Father seeks as much fruit as possible from Jesus

                                    1) Jesus is the vine & we are the branches

                                    2) Branches not fruitful are cut off

                                    3) Fruitful branches are pruned so be more fruitful

                        c. Fruitfulness is determined by our remaining in Jesus

                                    1) Can’t be fruitful unless remain in Jesus

                                    2) If we remain in Jesus we will bear much fruit

                        d. Jesus is looking for a relationship – a closeness = fruitfulness

                                    1) We choose remain in Him – He remains

                                    2) We choose remain in Him = much fruitfulness

                                    3) The doors of opportunity will be opened

            B. Right question – What is God’s will

                        a. Prov.3:5,6 – not lean on own understanding – make paths straight

                        b. See Israel – when people ready trust Him = led to Promised Land

                        c. Paul – tried share in Damascus & Jerusalem – couldn’t – Acts 9:19-30

                                    1) Had to run away secretly

                                    2) Sent off to Tarsus

                                    3) Acts 11:25,26 – Barnabas finds him - go to Antioch (1 yr)

                                    4) Acts 13 – from Antioch Paul sent to preach

            C. Apply - Need learn live one day at time

                        a. Mt.6

                        b. Don’t worry about tomorrow – focus on today

                        c. Seek 1st His kingdom & righteousness

                        d. As we do - God will open for us doors of opportunity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

III. How Do we Daily Seek A Deeper Relationship With Jesus?

            A. Study & meditate on God’s word

                        a. Daily Bible reading is good – a start

                        b. 2 Tim.3:16,17 – all need to become complete, thoroughly furnished

                        c. 2 Tim.2:15 – do your best to present self to God as one approved

                                    1) Rightly handle word of truth

                                    2) Never be ashamed

            B. Apply it to your life daily

                        a. James 1:19-22 – humble accept the word (more than listen)

                        b. 1 Tim.4:11-16 – set an example (more than words)

                        c. 1 Pet.2:11,12 – live such good lives among pagans

            C. Care about people

                        a. Jesus came to save people – all people

                                    1) He loved them – willing to sacrifice for them

                                    2) Wants us to care about people too

                        b. 1 Jn.3:16-19 – love must be more than words

                                    1) Listen; get involved

                                    2) Jn.21:15-22 – love Me = feed My sheep

                                                (don’t concern self with what I do with others)

 

Conclusion

A. God’s will – live one day at a time in Jesus

            1. As do – learn of Him = makes us fishers of men

            2. Opens doors of opportunities, as we are ready to obey Him

            3. Continuously abide in Him & allow His word to abide in you

B. Pray