(The Full Gospel) 26. Proving God's Perfect Will
To prove God's perfect will, ask yourself twelve questions and seek guidance from Scripture and wiser brothers.
Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will by asking twelve crucial questions when faced with uncertainty. These questions revolve around aligning our actions with the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, ensuring our conscience is clear, seeking to bring glory to God, and considering the impact on our spiritual life and testimony. Poonen encourages believers to seek counsel from wiser individuals, evaluate the edifying nature of the action, and assess its potential to cause stumbling in others.
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When faced with an issue concerning which we are unsure as to whether it is God's will or not, it is good for us to ask ourselves twelve questions. As we answer these questions honestly, it will become increasingly clear to us what the will of God is.
Is it contrary to any of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, or to the spirit of the New Testament, as far as I know? (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Is it something I can do with a clear conscience? (1 John 3:21)
Is it something I can do for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Is it something I can do in fellowship with Jesus? (Colossians 3:17)
Can I ask God to bless me as I do it? (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Will my doing it blunt my spiritual edge in any way? (2 Timothy 2:15)
Will it be spiritually profitable and edifying, to the best of my knowledge? (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23)
Would I be happy if I were found doing it at the moment when Jesus returns to earth? (1 John 2:28)
What do wiser and more mature brothers think about it? (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6)
Will my doing it bring dishonour to God's Name or ruin my testimony, if others know about it? (Romans 2:24; 2 Corinthians 8:21)
Will my doing it cause others to stumble, if they know about it? (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9).
Do I feel free in my spirit to do it? (1 John 2:27)
(Look up the Scripture references and meditate on them).
Sermon Outline
- Proving God's Perfect Will
- Checking Our Motives
- Considering the Consequences
- Seeking Wisdom and Guidance
- Final Check
- Do I feel free in my spirit to do it?
- Will it bring dishonour to God's Name?
- Is it something I can do with a clear conscience?
Key Quotes
“Is it contrary to any of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, or to the spirit of the New Testament, as far as I know?” — Zac Poonen
“Will my doing it blunt my spiritual edge in any way?” — Zac Poonen
“Do I feel free in my spirit to do it?” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Regularly ask yourself the twelve questions to ensure you're making decisions in line with God's will.
- Seek guidance from Scripture and wiser brothers in your decision-making process.
- Trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when you're unsure of His will.