Discerning the will of God

There are answers to things in life that God's will is clearly stated in Scripture.

• Q: "Should I steal from my neighbor's garden?"     A: No! (Exodus 20:15)

But what about finding God's will for things like...

• Should I take this particular job?
• Should I marry this person?
• Which church should I join?

Three things for discerning the will of God.

• TEXT:  Colossians 3:15-17
  1. The Rule of the Peace of God 
     • Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
     • Q: After prayer, do you have God’s peace about it?
     • “Whenever there is a doubtful issue to be decided, and by one course your peace may be disturbed, whilst by another it may be maintained, choose the things that make for peace, whether for yourselves or others. Let God’s peace act as umpire.” (Meyer)
  2. The Influence of the God’s Word
     • Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
     • Q: Does it line up with what you know about Scripture?
     • The word dwell means “to take up residence” or “to make a home there”. The idea is influence.  When my little grandchildren come to our house…you can tell that they have been there. – The have had an influence on our house. :-)
  3. The Glory of His Name
     • Colossians 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
     • Q: Would this bring honor and glory to His name?
     • Q: Would the Lord sign His Name to it? (His reputation)