How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, as in 2 Samuel 20:17? The Scene in Abel Beth Maacah 2 Samuel 20:17 — “When he had come near to her, the woman asked, ‘Are you Joab?’ He answered, ‘I am.’ Then she said, ‘Listen to the words of your servant.’ He said, ‘I am listening.’” Key Observations from 2 Samuel 20:17 • Verification — The woman confirms Joab’s identity (“Are you Joab?”). • Invitation — She petitions him to hear her counsel (“Listen to the words of your servant”). • Reception — Joab chooses to listen (“I am listening”). These three movements—verify, invite, receive—give a simple pattern for keeping our deeds in step with God’s purposes. Principles for Aligning Our Actions with God’s Will • Confirm the Voice – Measure every impulse and counsel by Scripture (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). • Seek God-Given Counsel – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls” (Proverbs 11:14). – Wise voices often safeguard us from rashness, as the woman did for Joab. • Adopt a Posture of Listening – “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). – Listening precedes acting; obedience follows understanding. • Submit to God’s Stated Commands – “Obedience is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). – We do not negotiate God’s revealed will; we obey it. • Pursue Peace When Possible – “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). – Joab avoids needless destruction by heeding the woman’s proposal. • Remain Humble and Teachable – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Practical Steps to Implement Today 1. Daily Scripture Intake — let God’s Word set the agenda (Psalm 119:105). 2. Prayerful Verification — ask, “Does this align with clear biblical teaching?” 3. Seek God-fearing Counsel — spouse, elders, mature believers. 4. Pause and Listen — resist impulsive decisions; give God room to speak. 5. Act in Faith — once God’s direction is clear, obey promptly (James 1:22). 6. Review Outcomes — evaluate actions against Scripture; adjust when necessary. Scriptures That Reinforce These Principles • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • Colossians 3:17 — “Whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • James 3:17 — “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” Self-Evaluation Checklist □ Have I compared this decision with clear scriptural commands? □ Have I prayed and asked God for direction? □ Have I sought counsel from mature believers? □ Is my motive rooted in love for God and neighbor? □ Will this action produce peace and righteousness? □ Am I ready to obey promptly once I know God’s will? By verifying the voice, inviting sound counsel, and humbly listening—just as Joab did—we position ourselves to act in harmony with God’s revealed will. |
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