Vintage i have_aquestion_8.18.13

Is God’s will something I’m ignorant of, afraid of or something I genuinely trust & seek?

QUESTION OF THE DAY

The source of anxiety(over seeking guidance on the

issue of guidance) is that a desire for guidance is linked

with uncertainty over how to get it & the fear of the

consequences of not getting it.

J.I. PACKER

Total Depravity/Inability of ManUnconditional ElectionLimited/Particular AtonementIrresistible GracePerseverance of the Saints

5 POINTS OF CALVINISM

God's sovereignty (i.e. will) is unconditional, unlimited, & absolute. All things (good & bad) are predetermined by the good pleasure of God's will. God foreknew everythingbecause He planned it.

(The Author analogy)

CALVINIST VIEW

GOD’S SOVEREIGN WILLThe part of God’s will thatORDAINS & DELIGHTS in theevil things He predestines people do

CALVINISM’S “2 WILLS”

GOD’S SOVEREIGN WILLThe part of God’s will thatORDAINS & DELIGHTS in theevil things He predestines people do

CALVINISM’S “2 WILLS”

GOD’S MORAL WILLThe part of God’s will that isSADDENED& REVOLTED by theevil things people do (even thoughHis sovereign will decreed they do it)

Depravity/Ability of ManConditional Election

Unlimited AtonementResistible Grace

Possible to Fall From Grace

ARMINIANISM

God is indeed sovereign,but He voluntarily limits

His control in correspondence with man's freedom & response.

God's decrees are associated with His foreknowledge of how

people will choose to respond.

(The Kingdom analogy.)

ARMINIAN VIEW

1. Biblical guidance

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing & perfect will.

ROMANS 12:2

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified…

1 THESS 4:3

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 THESS 5:16-18

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

This MUSTbe done in

COMMUNITY!

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

This must NOTbe done priorto step #2!

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

3. Our own gifts & abilities

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

3. Our own gifts & abilities4. Opportunities, situations

& relationships

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

3. Our own gifts & abilities4. Opportunities, situations

& relationships5. The desires of our hearts

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

3. Our own gifts & abilities4. Opportunities, situations

& relationships5. The desires of our hearts

6. Initiative that leads to action (that can be redirected…)

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

1. Biblical guidance2. Input from trusted counselors

3. Our own gifts & abilities4. Opportunities, situations

& relationships5. The desires of our hearts

6. Initiative that leads to action (that can be redirected…)

7. Dreams, prophetic words, angels, etc.

DISCERNING GOD’S WILL

The right course is (most often*)to choose the wisest means to the noblest end, namely: the advancing of the Kingdom.

(*Thought added by me!)

J.I. PACKER

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself

through love.

GALATIANS 5:6

…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists & that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.

HEBREWS 11:6

In the midst of any specificdecisions you’re currently

pondering, consider the list of 8 things we discussed to help

you discern God’s will &rephrase each word

of counsel in the formof a question…

SOUL TRAINING