Opening Remarks: 1. As we make decisions in life & pray about them (and some seem so difficult to grasp, at times), we say things like, help me to know your will God. 2. Paul prays for the believers (9), he says: knowing the will of God has a purpose.
I. So, you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord – (10) II. So, you may totally please to Him -10 A. You will find out from the scriptures what is acceptable to God, then apply this to daily living in every way. B. This is a developmental process – Eph. 5:1 III. So, you may bear fruit in every good deed - 10 A. As a result of your conduct, you may constantly be the visible expression of the power working inwardly and invisibly, the character of the fruit being evidence of the character of the power producing it. B. What fruit looks like – the seed contains the fruit. IV. So, you may increase in the knowledge of God A. Growing and maturing is the goal – II Peter 3:18 B. Knowledge = "knowing full well" as a result of my participation with God V. So, you may be strengthened with all power – 11 A. Power - dunamis = inherent power that provides power to do something. B. This "being strengthened by God" results in "all patience and longsuffering with joy" – when this is absent, what is the source? VI. So, you may give thanks to the Father – 12
Closing Comments: 1. Is it possible to know the will of God? 2. Jesus was able to say in Luke 22:42 as He was facing death for the sins of the world and separation from God the Father, "Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me, yet not my will, but yours be done". This is the word of God. |