How can we discern God's will to ensure we are true followers? Taking Jesus at His Word Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Jesus links kingdom entry to doing, not merely saying. --- Religious Talk Versus Obedient Hearts • Matthew 7:22-23 shows gifted ministry without submission ends in rejection. • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • God weighs the life pattern, not the loud confession. --- Scripture: The Clearest Window into God’s Will • Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture equips “for every good work.” Practical takeaways – Maintain steady, cover-to-cover reading. – Record explicit commands and enduring principles. – Let Scripture overrule personal preference. --- Renewed Minds that Test and Approve Romans 12:1-2 urges non-conformity to the world and mind renewal; then believers “test and approve” God’s perfect will. • Worship involves body and mind. • Renewed thinking turns vague impulses into clear convictions. --- Living Knowledge through Obedience • John 14:21: love for Christ shows in command-keeping; obedience invites deeper revelation. • John 7:17: willingness precedes understanding. • Each obedient step unlocks further clarity. --- Keeping in Step with the Spirit Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Indicators of Spirit-led direction – Increasing freedom from fleshly cravings. – Deepening affection for Christ and His people. – Prompted acts of sacrificial love that mirror Scripture. --- Habits that Sharpen Discernment • Daily, prayer-saturated Bible intake. • Fellowship where truth is spoken in love (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Continual worship and gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). • Testing impressions against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). • Quick confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). • Active service that turns knowledge into practiced skill (Hebrews 5:14). --- Staying Alert Against Self-Deception • The heart rationalizes sin; Scripture and Spirit expose motives. • Accountability in community provides protective feedback. • Discernment matures “by constant use” (Hebrews 5:14). --- Lasting Confidence for True Followers 1 John 2:17: “The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” Those who submit to the Father’s will, empowered by grace, walk as true followers and enjoy the eternal kingdom Jesus promised. |
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