The Big Picture – Know God’s Will

• Lesson 1 : God’s General and Specific Will.

• Lesson 2: How to See and Hear God’s Will

• Lesson 3: The Outworking of His Will.

Lesson 1

God’s General and Specific Will

(1) Introduction : The Big Picture

Out of House and Home

(2) His Story (Hebrews 12:2)

• Genesis Chapter 1 = God’s General Will (VISION)• Genesis Chapter 2 = God’s Specific Will (CALL)

DEFINITION OF VISION (Seeing Jesus)

Both Hebrew and Greek words for Vision have the meaning of gazing wide and open eyed at something remarkable - awed by the beauty and filled with joy. It varies in meaning from being a very real, tangible experience to simply a mental perception.One Hebrew word (Roeh) is the same as the name of a bird at that time, similar to a vulture. It was so called due to it's sharp eyes.

Hebrew Words:

(1) Chazon (Noun,Strongs 2377) - Divine Revelation (eg. 1 Sam 3:1)

(2) Chizzayon (Noun,Strongs 2384) - Prophetic 'vision' (eg.2 Sam 7:17)

(3) Chazah (Verb,Strongs 2372) - To see, behold (eg.Prov 22:29)

(4) Roeh (Strongs 7203) - A Seer or vision (eg.1 Sam 9:9; Isa 28:7)

Greek Words

(1) Horama (Strongs 3705) - That which is seen:

- A spectacle,Sight (eg. Matt 17:9 - Jesus transfigured)

- Appearance, Vision ( Acts 9:10)

(2) Horasis (Strongs 3706) - Sense of sight (eg. Acts 2:17; Rev 9:17)

(3) Optasia (Strongs 3701) - The act of seeing (eg. Luke 24:23)

Definition of Vision

Genesis 1:26,28

(i) Let us make man in our image… (v26) – NEW BIRTH

(ii) God blessed them (v28a) - EMPOWERING

(iii) Be Fruitful (v28b) - CHARACTER

(iv) Multiply (v28c) – EVANGELISM /DISCIPLESHIP

(v) Fill the earth and subdue (v28d) - MISSION

(vi) Have Dominion (v28e) – OVERCOMERS

(a) His General Will (Genesis 1)

DEFINITION OF CALLING (Hearing Jesus)

The Biblical use of 'calling' refers to an INVITATION. It is an urging on,an inciting by words. It comes as an encouragement to do something and is a term particularly found in the New Testament. One's call is the invitation of Christ to enter fully into His vision! This is all purely by grace, and grace enables us to accomplish our call (Eph 2:8-10; 2 Thess 1:11-12). This invitation will be specific (as to the area of calling/gifting).

Greek Words:

(1) Kaleo (Verb,Strongs 2564)- To call anyone,invite,summons. (eg. Matt 20:8)

(2) Klesis (Noun,Strongs 2821) - A heavenly calling/invitation (Rom 11:29)

(3) Kletos ( Strongs 2822) - Called, Invited.

(a) Call of the Gospel ( Matt 20:16)

(b) Effectual Call (Rom 1:6-7; 8:28)

(c) Appointment to ministry (Rom 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1)

Definition of Calling

(b) His Specific Will(Genesis 2)

(i) PLANTED garden and PLACED man (v8)

(ii) Adam had a SPECIFIC TASK (v15)

(iii)Adam had a SPECIFIC WORD from God (v16)

(iv)There was one TREE OF LIFE (Wisdom) (v18)

(v) Adam had a HELPER (v18)

(vi)Adam named things and had DOMINION (v19)

(vii) The garden had BOUNDARIES

Spheres of Calling in Overall Vision

(c) All Of Us Are Saved To Be Called (2 Timothy 1:9)

We each have a SPECIFIC INDIVIDUAL CALL

(i) He has a definite will for my life (Psalm 32:8;Eph 2:10;Heb12:1)

(ii) God desires us to know His will (Ephesians 5:17; Col 1:9 (enables us))

(iii) His will is continuous(from mother’s womb) (Isaiah 58:11)

(iv) His will is specific (Isaiah 30:21; Proverbs 15:19)

(v) God’s will for us is profitable (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:1-3)

(vi) His will can be outworked in our jobs (Ephesians 6:5-8)

(vii) His specific will for us is always strategic (James 4:13-15)

Our Job as a calling….

(d) The Spectrum of Callings

Various areas of calling

Three Spheres Diagram

One Vision many callings

One Vision Many Callings.In the life of Nehemiah we saw he had a VISION of Jerusalem broken down but to be rebuilt. His CALLING was to LEAD the work. Others caught the SAME VISION but with DIFFERENT CALLINGS (different areas of buiding the wall, different skills etc..).

This principle is the same for Churches, Cell groups, Missions groups etc.. Indeed, within one vision there may be another 'embrionic' vision waiting to be birthed for others to join (this requires one who will run with the vision).

Lesson 2

How To See And Hear God’s Will

The Example Of Paul.

Reading Acts 26:15-18 shows us that Paul:

(a) SAW and HEARD Jesus (v15) (He received vision and calling).

(b) He received a WORLD VISION (vv17-28)

(c) He was to see things IN and THROUGH Jesus (that which He reveals).

(d) He obeyed his calling (Acts 26:19)

(e) His vision and calling led to get up and go (in the Lord's timing)(Acts 22:10,21).

When we see Jesus, we see His purposes and our part in the purpose.

The Example of Paul

(1) Conditions for seeing and Hearing God’s Will

(a) Open Our Spiritual Eyes & Ears (Eph 1:18)

(b) Yield to what we see & hear (Matt 26:39)

(c) See and Hear as a Child (Matt 11:25)

(d) Have Unblocked Hearing And Clear Vision. (Matt 5:8)

(e) You Must Die To All Visions/Callings Of The World. (Isaiah 6:1-8)

(2) Faulty Hearing and seeing.

(I) Faulty Hearing (Makes us spiritual dull of hearing)

(a) Micah 7:16 -

(b) Hebrews 5:11-14 –

(c) Isaiah 66:12 –

(d) 2 Timothy 4:3-4 –

(e) Acts 7:51 –

(f) Romans 10:14 –

Trusting in own might.

Not using spiritual Senses

Ignoring God’s promptings.

Only hearing what we want.

Hearing according to flesh.

Not in place of hearing.

Faulty Vision(II) Faulty Vision (What causes spiritual blindness or blurred vision)

(a)1 John 2:11-

(b)1 John 2:16 -

(c)Matthew 7:3 -

Hatred in our hearts.

Affections on earthly things.

Judgmental / critical spirit.

Read 2 Corinthians 4:4 and John 9:35-41.

(3) Ways We Can See and Hear God’s Will.

(a)Personal (Individual direct guidance)

(b) Corporeal (Others)

(c)Supernatural.

(a) Personal (Individual direct guidance)

(I) HEARING:

(i) The Word of God (2 Tim 3:16; Col 3:16)•Regular Bible Reading

•Open Page method

•Mental suggestion/Recalled memory verse.

•Meditation

May be general (2 Kings 23:3) or specific (Dan 9:2)

- Logos or Rhema

The NRV….

(ii)Waiting on God In Prayer and Fasting (Dan 9:3,4)

As you are waiting on the Lord He may

answer one of four ways...

(1) NO - not asking for the right thing.

(2) SLOW - not asking at the right time.

(3) GROW - not asking with the right intention/attitude.

(4) GO - all the above conditions are met.

Use PRAYER OF ENQUIRY (1 Chron 14:8-17)

(II) Seeing:

(i) The Witness of the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:17-18)

•Principle of ‘following the cloud’

•Continually filled with His Spirit.

•Allow anointing to flow (1 Jn 2:27)

•Peaceful witness or ‘check’ ( Col.3:15)

(ii) Counsel Of The Heart.See Psalm 16:7 and Psalm 27:8 -The more our heart (spirit) is submitted to the Lord, the more it will counsel and instruct us....

(b) Corporeal (Other Christians)

(I) Hearing: Hearing God’s spokesperson

(i) Godly Counsel (Proverbs 24:6)

* Principles not pronouncements

* Must be from Godly source (Prov 25:19)

* Godly counselors can be wrong (2 Sam 7:1-13)

* Ultimately you are responsible for knowing God’s call.

(ii) God’s Servants in Ministry(Anointed Preaching /Teaching/Praying)

It may be a verse, a phrase or a point they speak out that the Lord highlights to your spirit and makes it relevant to you.

It may be as they pray over you that the Lord gives a word specifically for you.

See Isaiah 30:20-21

(iii) The Gifts of the Holy Spirit•Confirm what God’s already saying.

•Pray through what’s been said (Daniel 9:2-4)

Nehemiah 1:2-4 – Unintentional guidance!

(II) SeeingGuidance may come through PROPHETIC ACTS of others! The prophet Agabus used a prophetic act when he bound the Apostle Paul with his belt, indicating he would be bound by the authorities on going to Jerusalem. Old Testament prophets too used many visual prophetic acts such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

God will use others as His mouth-piece and we must pray for ears to hear what the Lord is speaking through them. We have looked at basic principles of doing so and need to grow in this area.

(c) Supernatural(I) HEARING

(i) The Audible Voice Of God.

1 Samuel 3:1-10 – Only in very crucial moments of history.

(II) SEEING

(i) Dreams and Visions (Joel 2:28)*Do not contradict Scripture

*If from God will be vivid with a sense of God’s peace.

*Will usually confirm and will be symbolic.

(ii) Visitation( of Jesus or angels)

Angels may come to warn, encourage or bring significant announcements.

(iii) Signs and Wonders.

WARNING: Don’t seek this type of guidance!

(4) Testing What We See and Hear.

(a) The Fellowship Test (1 Corinthians 1:9)

(b) The Liberty Test (Galatians 5:13)

(c) The Peace Test (1 Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15)

(d) The Life Test (1 Timothy 6:12)

(e) The Holiness Test (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

(f) The Blessing Test (1 Peter 3:9)

(g) The Suffering Test (1 Peter 2:20-21)

Most importantly, does it agree with the overall counsel of God‘s Word (Psalm 138:2)

Maturing in Guidance

Before continuing, it is worth remembering that the guidance we get will change as we mature in Christ.

As we mature in our relationship with Him, just as a child grows into a teen , a young adult and then to a fully grown adult, God's level of dramatic and obvious guidance will decrease (except for crucial moments such as Paul's Macedonian vision).

He will expect us to use sanctified common sense more as we mature in Him. More and more responsibility to determine our own course (which indeed will be His as we are more IN HIM) will be given to us, just as a Father trust his son with more as the son proves himself.

The more we learn to respond to the Spirit's promptings, the more we will recognize His guidance. He prompts each one of us in unique ways which only we can find out by trial and error!!!

Stages of Growth

0102030405060708090

100

SpiritualBaby

Adolescentin Christ

SpirituallyMature

Hero ofFaith

Friend ofGod

1 Pet 2:2 1 Jn 2:13-14 Heb 5:14;6:1 Isa 53:12;Heb 11 Jas 2:23-25

% of Maturity

More direct and dramatic guidance

More sanctified common sense & own initiative

Dependant > Independent >Interdependant

Lesson 3

The Outworking Of His Will In Us.

(1) Overview Of The Process(Walking worthily of the Call – Eph 4:1-3)

From A To Z

Z = General Will (Vision) – Sonship,glory, His Image

A,B,C.= Specific Will (Calling)- Steps of faith (Eph 2:10)

For Abraham…..

Z = John 8:56 and Hebrews 11:8

A,B,C.= Process of possessing promised seed etc…

(2) General Process of Our Calling.

(a) Called before you were born (Jer 1:5)

(b) Revelation of your calling comes early on in our Christian life (See Gen 12:1-3 cf.Josh 24:2-3; Acts 7:2-4)

(1) Will see the BIG PICTURE (Z) of calling in a very general sense- Gen12:2

(2) Will have revelation of a definite initial step (A) – Gen 12:1

(3) Will not conflict with general counsel of Scripture (peaceful witness)

(4) Outside words/ circumstances will confirm own witness.

(5) Moving in calling will bring excitement, growth,joy (if in grace)

(c) Milestones along the way (Prov 4:18)

Our calling is from glory to glory, from faith to faith. It will become clearer as God gives specific foundational and directional words along the way.

With Abraham, we see three areas getting clearer as he moves out on God's Word...

1 - THE LAND = AREA OF CALLING (Area/Sphere of Ministry)

2 - OFFSPRING = FRUIT OF CALLING (Results Of Ministry - which people we are to reach. )

3 - RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD = MATURING IN THE CALLING (Growth in the Ministry)

Abrahams Process of Calling

Principles for us….(1) There is a progressive clarity in his calling as he moves in obedience to God's revealed word to him. This is the same for us in the outworking of His call on our lives.

(2) Each step has a specific thing for Abraham to do - this is not fully revealed until he has completed the previous step (the 'unveiling' of God's will) - this is true for us.

(3) The promise becomes MORE SPECIFIC with each step (and the VISION GETS BIGGER).

(4) There are progressive testings (Faith troubled to faith tested to faith triumphant).

(5) Point Z should always be in mind (See 1 Peter 1:7-9 ).

(6) There is a progressive development in all three areas (Land, offspring and relationship with God).

(3) The Process of Announcing, Appointing and Anointing.

As seen in Abraham’s life.

(1)Announcing (Called) – Gen 12:1-3 – preparation & initial revelations.

(2)Appointing (Chosen) – Gen 15 – cutting convenant. As a response to his calling.

(3)Anointing (Faithful) – Gen 17-25 – from circumcision to fullness of the promise

(4) Process of SeparationIt must be noted that in each stage (Announcing, Appointing and Anointing) there will be certain tests we had to go through. In Abraham's life we see some of these tests. They are actually a call to separate from various things.

It must also be noted that SUFFERING is part and parcel of His Call on our lives. If we are to rule with Him, we will suffer for Him ( Romans 8:17-18). It is not Biblical to say that if we walk in God's call we will not suffer, suffering is the instrument God uses to make us more like Jesus.

We must identify where we are (move in God's timing) and understand what God is doing in our lives...throughout our calling God brings us to a place of effectively managing the Promise. This happened to Abraham through a series of progressive SEPARATIONS / TESTINGS.

Diagram

(a) Announcing Stage: Four Separations.

Before entering fully into calling (and are appointed to ministry) will need to pass 4 tests…

(i) Idols of the World (1 Thess 1:9)

(ii) Wrong bondage to family (Matt 10:37-39)

(iii)Unwholesome Relationships (2 Thess 3:6;1 Cor 15:33)

(iv)Bondage to Possessions (1 Tim 6:10-11)

(b) APPOINTING STAGE : Three Separations.-in the early stages of ministry itself

(i) UNBELIEF IN GOD'S PROMISE (See Hebrews 3:19).

(ii) CARNAL THINKING (See Romans 8:6-7).

(iii)FLESH-LIFE (Circumcision - cutting off of flesh) (See Galatians 5:19-21).

(c) ANOINTING STAGE: One Separation. -in times of frutifulness in ministry

(i) TRUSTING IN THE PROMISE ITSELF.

Clinging onto the promised ministry and find their fulfillment in it instead of in God.

Don’t Trust in Own Strength

(5) The Process of Dying

(i)BDR CycleA spiritual principle we see throughout Scripture is what we will call the BDR cycle. That is the continual cycle of BIRTH,DEATH and RESURRECTION of the Promise of God.

Jesus is the greatest example of this. He is THE PROMISE and we saw His birth, death and resurrection in the Gospels.The two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus away from Jerusalem had given up concerning their hope in Jesus as the Messiah, come to restore God's purpose to His people, because they couldn't handle his death. Jesus had to open their eyes concerning the fact that it was prophecied that He must die for the fullness of God's purposes to be revealed. It was only after His death that His resurrection power was unleashed.

There will be cycles of Birth - Death - Resurrection throughout our Christian walk. God will birth His promise in us by revelation but then the situation will seem impossible (dead) for the fulfillment of this promise. As we trust in Him and believe by faith in His promise we will see the resurrection of the promise in His power.

(ii) Dead End or Dead Beginnings ?

ExamplesIn the time where the PROMISE seems dead , impossible, there is a temptation to try to work out the promise by your own effort, in the flesh. Abraham and Sarah did just that and the result was Ishmael (See Genesis 16:1-4). Instead of being a blessed promise, the result was a DEAD END (Ishmael). This comes from relying on our own Self-Sufficiency. Instead, God looks for DEAD BEGINNINGS... hanging on in until the promise seems literally dead - but this is where the resurrection power of God is released! Faith when the promise seems dead, joyfully expecting it's resurrection (See Habakkuk 2:1-3; 3:17-18).

The crucial time in our calling is when the promises God gives us concerning our specific call are challenged. There will come a time when it seems impossible for God's promise to come to pass (contrary circumstances etc..). It is during this time we must hang on in faith and take God at His Word. If we give in and work things out in our own strength we will be led into dead-ends! If we wait expectantly upon the Lord in faith we will be led into a glorious dead-beginning!

Qualifications that Really Matter