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Dr. Ronald Powell
This Week's Message
Finding God's Higher
Purpose for your life
The Father's greatest desire is for you to have a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Once you have received God's forgiveness, then you are ready to fulfill the rest of His plan for your life. Your destiny will unfold as you obey the daily prompting and guiding of the Holy Spirit.
The details of where He leads each believer will vary, and He rarely gives any of us a complete picture of our destiny. However, God desires at least three things for every Christian.
1. To know God's Word.
The best way to know the Father is to read about Him and what He has to say.
- If we neglect reading Scripture, what dangers might face us (Eph. 4:14)?
- What benefits can we receive from studying and applying the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17)?
- Our minds are renewed as we read the Bible. In other words, God transforms our thought patterns so that they honor Him. How does this help us spiritually (Rom. 12:1-2)?
Because God's Word holds countless layers of insight and meaning, it never grows stale. He will speak to you by bringing certain words, phrases, or verses to your attention. The more you grow in your relationship with Him, the more insights you will have into His character and how He operates.
2. To keep God's commands.
Part of your destiny is to live in a righteous manner where God has placed you-and to do so consistently.
- What motivates believers to keep Jesus' commands (John 14:15)?
Jesus said He came not to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matt. 5:17-20)-He satisfied the requirements of the sacrificial system when He died on the cross. However, Old Testament principles governing human behavior and relationships are still applicable to our lives today.
- How can the entire law be summed up (Matt. 22:37-40)?
- Why do you think this is true?
The wonderful benefit to being a New Testament Christian is that God has added a "want to" to the "have to" aspect of His commands. The Holy Spirit dwelling within us convicts, prompts, and inspires a desire to follow God wholeheartedly.
- From looking at your life, people should be able to know what God considers right and wrong. What analogy did Paul use to describe the lives of the believers at Corinth (2 Cor. 3:3)?
- If believers consistently disobey God's commands, they will eventually develop a hard heart towards Him. What does Galatians 6:7-8 say is the ultimate result of "sowing to the flesh"?
3. To be a witness for Jesus Christ.
Every Christian is called to an active ministry. That doesn't mean we will all be full-time preachers or missionaries. But with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are to share the gospel through words and conduct.
- What did Christ say about His followers (John 10:27)?
- The leading of the Spirit is very practical. What happened when Philip followed the guidance of the Lord (Acts 8:26-39)?
Not only will the Lord show you the direction in which you are to move; He will also reveal to you His timing and methods. He will provide all the information you need to take the next step wisely.
Many times in Scripture, the Lord told His people to take specific action, but then instructed them to wait for Him to give them the "green light." You can trust God to let you know when the time is right.
- What were the disciples to wait on before taking the gospel to the world (Acts 1:8)?
If you struggle with knowing God's will, do what you think He is calling you to do. If it isn't precisely what He desires, He'll open another door and move you into the exact position He has in mind.
God wants His children to rely solely on Him and grow in their ability to trust Him fully. That is why He calls believers to positions that have the potential to stretch, mature, and transform them into the people He wants them to be. If you feel unable to do what God asks, you are in good company.
- How did Moses respond when God told him to demand that Pharaoh let the Israelites leave
(Ex. 3:10-11)? - What enables us to handle difficult situations (Phil. 4:13)?
The Lord's specific destiny for your life has a twofold nature: It will further His kingdom on earth, and it will transform you. Not only will you grow closer to Him as you rely on His ability, but discovering your destiny will also bring you great joy.
Closing: God has a daily blueprint for your life that He is unfolding before you. Nobody else can fulfill your specific destiny. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and empower you, and you will succeed in fulfilling the Lord's mission for your life.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the specific plan You have for me. Grant me the ability to hear Your voice and the courage to follow where You lead. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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