Filled With the Knowledge of His Will - Bobby McDonald - July 30, 2014 (Session 10)
Also in
http://rlcfchurch.org/rlcf-youth-conference-2014 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses Paul's prayer for the Colossians, emphasizing that the goal of Christian life and prayer should be to be filled with the knowledge of God's will so that one may please Christ. He advises listeners to categorize their prayers into two types: those aligned with God's promises (which can be approached with boldness) and personal desires (which require a spirit of surrender). Ultimately, the focus should always be on pleasing Christ, even when our own desires conflict with what God may ultimately provide.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What was Paul's prayer for the Colossians?Paul prayed that the Colossians would be filled with the knowledge of God's will and spiritual understanding so they could walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.
What are the two categories of prayer?The first category consists of things definitely promised in God's word, like overcoming sin, which we can pray for with 100 percent boldness. The second category includes personal desires like jobs or colleges, which must be approached with an attitude of surrender.
How did Jesus model a surrendered prayer?Jesus asked the Father to let the cup pass from Him in Gethsemane, but He ultimately surrendered His own will by praying 'nevertheless not my will, but yours be done.'
What confidence do we have when we ask according to His will?First John 5:14 states that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us and we know that we have the requests we asked of Him.1 John 5:14
How does prayer bring peace instead of anxiety?Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers to be anxious for nothing, but to make their requests known to God so that His peace will guard their hearts and minds.
How do we come to know God's teaching?Jesus taught in John 7:17 that if anyone is willing to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God.John 7:17
What is the danger of assuming we already know?Self-confidence and assuming we already know a passage or situation can blind us and prevent God from speaking fresh light to us.
How do God's thoughts compare to ours?Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are as much higher than ours as the heavens are higher than the earth.
Why must we admit 'I may be wrong'?Even the Apostle Paul expressed humility regarding his opinions in 1 Corinthians 7:40, showing that we must hold our plans loosely and recognize our own limitations.1 Corinthians 7:40
Why is waiting and submission important?Taking time to test decisions and submitting to local church elders helps protect believers from the blind spots of their own flesh.
Why is a moving ship easier to turn than a stationary one?Using an illustration from Brother Zach Poonen, Bobby explains that sitting paralyzed in inaction out of fear is dangerous; a ship heading in a direction while seeking God can be turned around faster than one sitting completely stationary.
How did David please God even when his desire was not granted?Second Chronicles 6:7-8 shows that even though it was not God's will for David to build the temple, God was pleased because it was in David's heart to do so and he surrendered when redirected.
What was Jesus' ultimate food and drink?Jesus stated in John 4:34 that His food was to do the will of Him who sent Him and to accomplish His work.John 4:34
How can we make God's joy our own?By making God's will our main ambition and keeping our plans surrendered on the altar, we find that His joy becomes our joy regardless of the path we take.
