Pass The Test

07-08-18 - Decoding: How to Know God’s Will - Pass The Test - Herbert Cooper 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (NLT) Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (ESV) 1. Does it agree with the Bible? 1 Peter 1:23-25 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. (NIV) 2. Am I in a right relationship with God? Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) 3. Does it make me more like Christ? 1. Love people more 2. Forgive people more Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (NIV) 3. Serve people more Mark 9:35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (NIV) 4. Give to people more Acts 20:35 remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (NIV) 4. Have I sought godly counsel? Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (NKJV) Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. (NIV) 3 Prerequisites Before Seeking Godly Counsel 1. Do they live a godly life that is producing godly fruit? 2. Do they have experience? 3. Do they have proven results? 5. Do I have God’s peace? John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (NIV) 2 Thess 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (NIV) 6. Am I pursuing God’s will? Everybody falls into one of three categories: 1. I want what I want. 2. I want what you want, BUT… 3. I want what you (God) want. Luke 22:41-42 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (NIV)