Lesson 18 Day 4

  • God’s will is that we be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3a) Sanctification comes from the Word of God (John 17:17).  The will of God is the Word of God!
  • We are called to not be conformed to this world.  If we believe whatever happens is God’s will, we are conforming to the world and going along with whatever Satan has for us! God has called us to transform our lives and this only comes from God’s Word.  As we obey the Word, we will know the perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). 
  • Do what you know to do.  You cannot take step 2, if you have not taken step 1 first.  If there is sin in your life, you need to remove it in order for you to move to the next step God has for you.  Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.”

God Has Stored Up Wisdom For You!

He [God] stores up sound wisdom for the upright; Proverbs 2:7a

Do you have a spot in your house that you keep things that need to be taken somewhere; clothes to a donation center, returns to a store, Tupperware containers to someone who made you food, baked cookies for family and friends, etc.? The point is, you can’t actually give those things to the appropriate people or store until you see them.  God works the same way. We serve a God that is personal and wants to spend intimate time with us.  James 4:5b says, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously.”  He may be yearning, but He will not force Himself upon us.  Revelation 3:20 says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  He will always be at your door, but we are the ones that have to actually open the door to meet with Him.  

When we do meet with Him, He can give us those things that He has stored up for us.  It may be wisdom, direction, provision, warning, etc.  However, He will only give us what we need at that time.  Picture a dog bowl with a large, clear container on the top that replenishes the dog food as the dog eats the food on the bottom.  You could even put a treat on top in the clear container.  So, the dog has to eat all the regular food for the treat to come to the bottom.   Proverbs 2:6-7 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;” God has all this wisdom stored up for us, but we must receive and walk in the wisdom that He has placed in front of us before the stored up wisdom becomes available to us.  It is possible for the Holy Spirit to reveal a nugget of the stored-up wisdom to us, but the Lord wants us seeking Him daily.  Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to It and are safe.”  We are to run to the Lord or the Word, who can reveal the wisdom we need to live safely and reward us at times with a treat as we diligently seek and obey Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Bonus: Psalm 50:14-15 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. 15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.