God’s Will Series

Sermon recording

God’s will for us is to be with him

Genesis 3:8
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

Ephesians 1:9-10
He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

Ephesians 2:22
In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

God’s will for us is to be like him

Genesis 1:26-27
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, the whole earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”

So God created man
in his own image;
he created him in the image of God;
he created them male and female.

Colossians 1:15
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Romans 8:28-29
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

God’s will for us is to work for him

Ephesians 4:11
And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.

God’s Big Picture - Vaughan Roberts

An overview of God’s plan as revealed in the story of the bible. Also an online course.

In His Image - Jen Wilkin

A reflection on the various ways we can work out the image of God in our lives.

The Thing Is - Tony Payne

An examination into how our lives are shaped by God’s purposes in the world.

Sermon recording

God guides us through his Son

Hebrews 1:1-3
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

God guides us through his word

Hebrews 3:7-8

Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness…

God guides us through his wisdom

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Hebrews 1:2
God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him.

Colossians 2:3
In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 6:9-11
How long will you stay in bed, you slacker?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the arms to rest,
and your poverty will come like a robber,
your need, like a bandit.

God guides us through his people

Proverbs 12:15
A fool’s way is right in his own eyes,
but whoever listens to counsel is wise.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail when there is no counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.

God guides us through his sovereignty

Proverbs 16:9
A person’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:33
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.

Guidance and the Voice of God - Tony Payne, Phillip Jensen

A helpful book which explains the ways God guides the decisions we make in every day life.

Just Do Something - Kevin DeYoung

A reflection on the right and wrong ways of finding God’s will for your life, and the reasons behind them.

Sermon recording

God permits evil

Job 1:8-12
Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”

Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven’t you placed a hedge around him, his household, and everything he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he owns, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

“Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

God hates evil

Genesis 6:5-8
When the Lord saw that human wickedness was widespread on the earth and that every inclination of the human mind was nothing but evil all the time, the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and he was deeply grieved. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe mankind, whom I created, off the face of the earth, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky—for I regret that I made them.” Noah, however, found favor with the Lord.

God uses evil…

…to save us

Acts 2:22-23
“Fellow Israelites, listen to these words: This Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through him, just as you yourselves know. Though he was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used lawless people to nail him to a cross and kill him.

…to shape us

Hebrews 12:7-11
Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

God knows evil

Mark 14:32-36
Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and he told his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. He said to them, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake.” He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.”

God defeats evil

Revelation 7:15-17
For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and they serve him day and night in his temple.
The one seated on the throne will shelter them:
They will no longer hunger;
they will no longer thirst;
the sun will no longer strike them,
nor will any scorching heat.
For the Lamb who is at the center of the throne
will shepherd them;
he will guide them to springs of the waters of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

If I Were God, I’d End All the Pain - John Dickson

A short reflection on the problem of suffering from a Christian perspective.

How Long, O Lord? - Don Carson

A more detailed theological exploration into the problem of evil.

What About Free Will? - Scott Christensen

A theological and philosophical look at how human responsibility and God’s sovereignty work together.

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy - Mark Vroegop

A book which explores how laments in the bible teach Christians a way to wrestle with suffering and pain.