Overview
The session focused on understanding God’s plan and purpose for individual lives, emphasizing the significance of preparation, submission, and reliance on God’s guidance. Scriptural examples and key principles were discussed to help recognize and pursue God’s will.
God's Plan and Purpose
- God has a specific plan and purpose for everyone’s life.
- Preparation and challenges are part of fulfilling God’s plan.
- God values submission and yieldedness over status or ability.
- God is not limited by our mistakes or the time it takes to prepare us.
Scriptural Illustrations and Principles
- Apostle Paul and Jesus both began their ministries later in life, showing God’s timing is perfect.
- 2 Timothy 4:6-8 highlights Paul completing his God-given mission despite a late start.
- 2 Timothy 1:9 and related passages emphasize God calls the willing, not necessarily the able.
- Believers are described as “earthen vessels,” signifying that God uses ordinary, imperfect people.
Preparation and Opposition
- The enemy will attempt to discourage and delay believers from fulfilling God’s purpose.
- Delays and distractions from the enemy are meant to weaken determination and focus.
- Endurance, perseverance, and fixed focus are essential, as fulfilling God’s call is like running a marathon, not a sprint.
- Hebrews encourages running the race with perseverance and fixing eyes on Jesus.
Knowing and Following God’s Will
- God’s will can be understood and known confidently (Ephesians 5:17).
- Colossians 1:9-11 outlines the results of knowing God’s will: worthy walk, pleasing Him, fruitfulness, and increasing knowledge of God.
- The Holy Spirit reveals God’s plans and purposes in a progressive, step-by-step manner.
- Proverbs 4:18 and practical examples (Abraham, Eliezer) illustrate progressive revelation.
Guideposts to Recognize God’s Will
- The primary guidepost is recognizing the consistent teaching and instruction of God’s Word.
- God will never instruct anyone to act contrary to scripture.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 establishes scripture as inspired and profitable for equipping believers.
Recommendations / Advice
- Regularly seek God’s guidance through prayer, scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
- Take gradual steps of faith, even without seeing the entire plan.
- Evaluate personal experiences against biblical truth to confirm God’s leading.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Further exploration of the nine guideposts for recognizing God’s plan will continue in upcoming sessions.