Bobby McDonald - Pray And Don't Doubt

Bobby McDonaldDecember 4, 201713mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Bobby McDonald Title: Pray And Don't Doubt Date: 12-03-2017 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker emphasizes that the most peaceful life is one lived according to God's will, contrasting this with the self-will which leads to death. He draws from Romans 8 to explain that setting one's mind on the Spirit leads to life and peace. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of asking God for wisdom, referencing James 1:5, but cautions that this request must be accompanied by faith and without doubting, trusting that God will also provide the understanding to discern His word.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The mindset of the flesh versus the spiritPaul contrasts the mindset of the flesh, which leads to death, with the mindset of the spirit, which brings life and peace.

What does it mean to walk in the spirit?Walking in the spirit means living in God's will and being focused on His burdens rather than our own desires.

The paradox of losing your life to find itTrue joy and rest are found not by pleasing ourselves, but by dying to our own happiness and submitting entirely to God's will.

Experiencing rest in God's will despite external lossBeing in God's will provides an inner rest that trumps external circumstances, such as financial loss, whereas being out of God's will creates chaos.

The anxiety of not knowing God's willA major struggle in the Christian life is the anxiety of not always knowing if we are truly in God's will or if hidden motives are at play.

The promise to give wisdom generouslyBelievers are encouraged by the church's foundational promise that anyone who lacks wisdom can ask God, who gives to all without reproach.

Asking in faith without doubtingThe verse immediately following the promise commands believers to ask in faith without any doubting, identifying the fear of mishearing God as a form of doubt.

A loving father gives both the gift and the understandingJust as a father giving a child a bicycle will also teach them how to ride it, God will not give wisdom only to leave us struggling to figure it out.

Doubt as the evil twin of unbeliefDoubt is likened to opening a door to temptation and questioning whether God's word is truly trustworthy.

Jesus' warning against doubtJesus repeatedly spoke against doubt, teaching that faith without doubt can move mountains.

Peter's example of sinking through doubtPeter began to sink on the water when he entertained reasoning and doubt instead of holding fast to Jesus' word.

God makes things sure over a period of timeWhile God can give instant direction in a moment of crisis, He often builds certainty over time to cultivate patience and character.

Don't dig up and doubt what you've sown in faithBelievers are warned not to backtrack or let later doubts ruin the truths and confidence God has previously given them.

Taking God's word to the bankThe final encouragement is to keep praying for wisdom and victory, refusing to open the door to doubt, and taking God's promises as absolute truth.

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Bobby McDonald - Pray And Don't Doubt

Bobby McDonald · December 4, 2017 · 13m

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