How can we ensure our actions align with God's will in our lives? The Warning in 2 Chronicles 28:19 “ ‘For the LORD had humbled Judah because Ahaz king of Israel had promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the LORD.’ ” • Ahaz’s choices teach one central lesson: when a leader—or any believer—chooses self-willed practices over God-given commands, discipline follows. • Alignment with God’s will is not optional; it is the only path that spares us needless humbling. Start With a Heart Surrendered to God • Psalm 51:17—“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” • Romans 12:1—“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice...” A surrendered heart positions us to discern and obey God’s directives rather than promote our own agendas, as Ahaz did. Anchor Every Decision in Scripture • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • 2 Timothy 3:16—Scripture is “profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Checklist for each new plan: 1. Does it violate any explicit command? 2. Does it echo the character of Christ? 3. Will it cause another believer to stumble? (1 Corinthians 8:9) Seek God Before Acting • Proverbs 3:5–6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart...He will make your paths straight.” • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” Practical steps: – Pause and pray whenever a course of action is unclear. – Listen in silence after prayer, allowing the Spirit to impress Scripture, conviction, or peace. – Record insights; obedience becomes easier when instructions are tangible. Walk by the Spirit, Not the Flesh • Galatians 5:16—“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Romans 8:14—“All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Daily habits that keep step with the Spirit: – Begin mornings with Scripture meditation. – Confess sin immediately (1 John 1:9). – Invite the Spirit’s control before key meetings, conversations, or tasks. Stay Accountable in Community • Hebrews 10:24–25—“Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” • Proverbs 27:17—“Iron sharpens iron.” Practical tools: – Small group Bible study where members share decisions and seek counsel. – A prayer partner to ask, “How did you follow God’s leading this week?” Respond to Conviction Quickly • Psalm 139:23–24—“Search me, O God...lead me in the way everlasting.” When the Spirit exposes misalignment: 1. Agree with God about the sin. 2. Turn from it immediately. 3. Embrace the cleansing promised in 1 John 1:9. Delay multiplies consequences; immediate repentance restores alignment. Live With an Eternal Perspective • Colossians 3:1–2—“Set your minds on things above.” Questions to keep focus: – Will this choice matter in eternity? – Does it invest in people’s souls or only in temporary comfort? Summary Checklist for Alignment □ Heart surrendered to God’s authority □ Decision measured by Scripture □ Prayed through and Spirit-led □ Confirmed in godly community □ Free from known sin through quick repentance □ Driven by eternal, not temporal, priorities Following these steps turns Ahaz’s negative example into our daily safeguard, ensuring our actions consistently reflect God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. |
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