How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, not evil? The Warning from Amon’s Example • 2 Kings 21:20: “And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh had done.” • Amon simply copied the evil pattern he saw, ignoring the literally true commands of God. • His life reminds us that drifting from God’s revealed will is easy when we imitate culture or family instead of Scripture. Recognizing the Root of Evil • Evil actions flow from a heart that resists God (Jeremiah 17:9). • Jesus pinpoints the source: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts…” (Matthew 15:19). • Aligning with God’s will begins with a heart surrendered to Him (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Anchoring Our Hearts in Scripture • Psalm 119:9-11: hiding God’s Word guards against sin. • Joshua 1:8: constant meditation brings careful obedience. Practical steps: – Set aside daily, unhurried time in the Word. – Memorize key verses that address known temptations. – Let Scripture, not emotion, be the final authority in decisions. Pursuing Ongoing Transformation • Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Transformation is continuous; it happens as the Spirit applies truth to thought patterns, values, and goals. • Replace: – Impulse with prayerful discernment. – Cultural trends with biblical principles. – Self-centered motives with God-centered motives. Walking in the Spirit Daily • Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” • Evidences we are Spirit-led (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. • Cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit by: – Immediate obedience to His promptings confirmed by Scripture. – Consistent prayer, keeping communication open (1 Thessalonians 5:17). – Corporate worship and fellowship that sharpen discernment (Hebrews 10:24-25). Surrounding Ourselves with Godly Influences • Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and you will become wise.” • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” • Choose: – Mentors who model obedience. – Friends who love truth more than comfort. – Media and entertainment that reinforce, not undermine, biblical values. Practicing Prompt Repentance • Psalm 139:23-24: invite the Lord to search and expose offensive ways. • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Keep short accounts with God: – Acknowledge sin quickly. – Turn from it decisively. – Restore any relationships harmed. Living Obediently in Love • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • True alignment with God’s will is not cold rule-keeping but affectionate obedience springing from gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. • Each day, consciously: – Recall the gospel. – Offer yourself as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). – Seek His glory in every task, trusting His Word as absolutely accurate and completely sufficient. |
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