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                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS"

                Finding A Way In The Will Of God (Rom 1:10)

INTRODUCTION

1. "What is God's will for my life?"
   a. What devout person has not asked a question like this?
   b. This is often asked about mundane things like one's career, where to live, etc.
   -- How can we live in harmony with the will of God?

2. Paul mentioned his desire to live in harmony with God's will...
   a. As he made plans to visit his brethren in Rome
   b. As he prayed regarding such plans - cf. Rom 1:9-10
   -- He sought to "find a way in the will of God" to come to Rome

[Paul's comments provide an opportunity for us to consider some thoughts
related to the will of God, especially on how to determine God's will
for our lives.  It might be of benefit to first review some...]

I. FACETS OF GOD'S WILL

   A. THERE IS GOD'S PROCLAIMED WILL...
      1. God has made His will known in many respects - e.g., 1 Th 5:18;
         1 Pe 2:15
      2. This He has done through revelation
         a. By sending inspired prophets in the past - Heb 1:1
         b. By sending His own Son - Heb 1:2
         c. By having the Spirit guide the apostles - Jn 16:12-13
            e.g., 1 Cor 14:36-37
      3. It is this proclaimed will of God that we must follow to be saved
         - cf. Mt 7:21
      -- That which is essential to know, God has revealed through
         Scripture - 2 Tim 3:16-17

   B. THERE IS GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL WILL...
      1. God acts providentially in our lives, as implied in our text
         - cf. Rom 1:10, also Rom 15:32
      2. For such reason, we are to pray regarding our plans - cf. James 4:13-15
      3. Our requests are answered as it may suit God's will - cf. Rom 8:27
      -- We cannot be certain as to what is God's providential will for us

   C. THERE IS GOD'S PERMISSIVE WILL...
      1. God allows things to happen that are not necessarily according
         to His desired will
      2. He permits people to sin and even hurt other people
         a. He is not pleased, and will one day render judgment - Acts 17:30-31
         b. He is able to fulfill His own will, despite such rebellion
            - cf. Isa 10:5-7
      3. God permits people to do things that are indifferent to Him
         a. There are some matters of indifference to God - e.g., Rom 14:5-6
         b. Likewise, some decisions we make might not really matter to God
      -- Thus not all choices please God, nor are they necessarily
         required by God

[With these thoughts in mind, let's now consider some thoughts on...]

II. FINDING GOD'S WILL

   A. FOCUS ON THE PROCLAIMED WILL OF GOD...
      1. I.e., study diligently to learn what God has revealed
         a. If you don't embrace and practice the revealed will of
            God...
         b. ...what difference does it make to seek areas of God's will
            unknown to you?
      2. The value of focusing on the proclaimed will of God
         a. We will not be ignorant of what is essential for us to know
            and do
         b. We can avoid choices that are clearly contrary to God's will

   B. SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS...
      1. Discuss your alternatives with older, mature Christians -
         - Prov 11:14; Prov 12:15
      2. Consult the wisdom found in the Bible (especially in books like
         Proverbs, Ecclesiastes)

   C. ASK GOD FOR WISDOM...
      1. I.e., pray diligently for the ability to discern wisely - James 1:5-8
      2. Wisdom is that spiritual insight that enables you to evaluate
         situations clearly, and helps utilize what options and
         abilities you have
      3. Use such wisdom to eliminate what appears less acceptable

   D. COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD...
      1. Whatever you do, do it for the Lord's sake -
         cf. Psa 37:5-6; Psa 37:23-26
      2. Make your plans subject to God's will, both proclaimed and
         providential - James 4:15
         a. Give God permission to close the door on your choice if that
            is His will
         b. If He closes the door on your choice, look for alternatives

   E. OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER...
      1. God is not like a train, stuck on one track; he is able to
         operate on more than one track, on more than one level,
         seeing the "big picture"
      2. A choice may not be between good and bad, but between good and
         better
      3. God can use us in many different ways
      4. If you need not choose right away, wait; that will give you time to
         grow and gain wisdom
      5. Whatever your hands find to do in your existing circumstances,
         do it with all your might

CONCLUSION

1. Our goal should be to "stand perfect and complete in all the will of
   God" - cf. Col 4:12
   a. Especially as it pertains to the proclaimed will of God
   b. Even as much as possible in the providential and permissive will
      of God

2. Epaphras' desire for his brethren serves as a good example; as does
   that of our Lord...
   a. Who taught us to pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in
      heaven" - Mt 6:10
   b. Who Himself prayed, "Not as I will, but as You will..." - Mt 26:39-42

Are you seeking to "find a way in the will of God" as it pertains to the
plans in your life?

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