We need to seek God's reliable counsel, not unreliable hunches or our will or what Satan wants.
Read 2 Peter 1: 12-21
Peter warns of the power and influence of personal philosophies people have made up for themselves that make us feel good and give us a sense of accomplishment when we "discover" them. What Peter has taught has not been made up. Jesus is real and is Power; He is the real Truth! And, Christ is coming again! The message from Peter and the Prophets was not manmade or clever philosophical wisdom; rather, it came from God Himself. In addition, the Prophets and Apostles as well as science, reason, history, and personal testimonies verify it. God is reliable and He loves and cares for you and me.
When we know that God is reliable, we can pay attention to Him, not to falsehoods. Have you ever wondered about situations you have faced with faith and confidence in the past but now, somehow you have misplaced that confidence or knowledge? Perhaps you once stood firm in your faith in Christ, but something did not go your way. Perhaps, the busyness and stresses of life have distracted you. Or, perhaps you have started to believe in the ways of the world or interests and emotions that tingle us but will cause us to veer off God's path and onto a path of chaos and destruction. Peter is seeking to point his people back to what they once knew. He reminds them of the significance and relevance of Christ. He also restates to them his authority as an eyewitness and a personal disciple of Jesus Himself.
We must NOT rely on our emotions and feelings, because they deceive our thinking.
The key is to PRAY, then read and examine the passages, and then pray again!!!!!
1 Obedience is our moment of truth!
2 Surrendering is not giving up!
We must have the firm desire to surrender ourselves to the will of the Father! However this surrendering we do does not mean we are giving up our distinction and personality. It does not make us eunuchs or robots that serve a master out of obligation and employment or out of a predetermined program. It is the refusal to surrenderour will that leads us astray and away from His perfect will, and that leads to unhappiness and strife.
Surrendering your will to God's is the important thing in doing the will of God:
Discussion Ideas
John 5:17; Colossians 1:9-10: God wants us to follow His plan, because He has a better idea!
Read: Matthew 16:21-23; Luke 22: 39-44.
1. What are some of the interests and emotions that tingle or distract us?
2. What are some examples of bad decisions?
3. How do bad or wrong decisions cause us to fall off God's path and His best for us?
4. What would a path of chaos and destruction look like for you? How can you avoid it?
We need to base our choices on Scripture and not on our feelings or experience!
Here are some words of wisdom:
1. God draws us!
2. God reveals truth!
3. God convicts us of sin!
4. God causes us to seek Him!
5. God convicts us of righteousness!
1 Know the LORD!
2 Love the LORD!
3 Believe the LORD!
4 Obey the LORD!
5 Trust the LORD!
Read Ephesians 6:10-18
More Discussion:
1. How does Satan try to tempt you?
2. What can you do to thwart his plans in your life?
Spend time in PRAYER and see what GOD does next in your life!!!
Deeper thought: Our growth in Christ has value! Real, impacting, growing faith requires diligence on our part. Thus, we are asked to rekindle our Christian growth as an ongoing effort and apply His Truth so our hearts are centered upon Him. Just think what self-control, patience, endurance, godliness, and love would do for you and those close to you (2 Pet. 1: 5-11)! Our failure to obey God will cause us to lose out on so much in life and in eternity. Our diligence to remain faithful and obedient with virtue will help enable others to do so. When we obey God, He will reward us beyond our ability to fathom!
More ideas and help available at www.intothyword.org on the God's Will Channel
© R. J. Krejcir 1994, 2001 www.intothyword.com