PROVING GOD'S PERFECT WILL
When faced with an issue concerning which we are unsure as to whether it is God's will or not, it is good to ask ourselves ten questions. As an answer these questions honestly, it will become increasingly clear to us what the will of God is.
(1) Is it contrary to any of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, or to the spirit of the New Testament, as far as I know? (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
(2) Is it something I can do with a clear conscience? (1 John 3:21).
(3) Is it something I can do for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31).
(4) Is it something I can do in fellowship with Jesus (Colossians 3:17).
(5) Can I ask God to bless me as I do it? (2 Corinthians 9:8 ).
(6) Will my doing it blunt my spiritual edge in any way? (2 Timothy 2:15).
(7) Will it be spiritually profitable and edifying, to the best of my knowledge? (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23).
(8 ) Would I be happy if I were found doing at the moment when Jesus returns to earth? (1 John 2:28 ).
(9) Will my doing it cause anyone else to stumble? (Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9).
(10) Do I feel free in my spirit to do it? (1 John 2:27).
(Look up the scripture references and meditate them).
(Keep a copy of this list of questions in your Bible, for ready reference).
-- Zac Poonen ( http://poonen.org/zac/ )
When faced with an issue concerning which we are unsure as to whether it is God's will or not, it is good to ask ourselves ten questions. As an answer these questions honestly, it will become increasingly clear to us what the will of God is.
(1) Is it contrary to any of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, or to the spirit of the New Testament, as far as I know? (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
(2) Is it something I can do with a clear conscience? (1 John 3:21).
(3) Is it something I can do for the glory of God? (1 Corinthians 10:31).
(4) Is it something I can do in fellowship with Jesus (Colossians 3:17).
(5) Can I ask God to bless me as I do it? (2 Corinthians 9:8 ).
(6) Will my doing it blunt my spiritual edge in any way? (2 Timothy 2:15).
(7) Will it be spiritually profitable and edifying, to the best of my knowledge? (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23).
(8 ) Would I be happy if I were found doing at the moment when Jesus returns to earth? (1 John 2:28 ).
(9) Will my doing it cause anyone else to stumble? (Romans 14:13, 1 Corinthians 8:9).
(10) Do I feel free in my spirit to do it? (1 John 2:27).
(Look up the scripture references and meditate them).
(Keep a copy of this list of questions in your Bible, for ready reference).
-- Zac Poonen ( http://poonen.org/zac/ )