Sunday, January 5, 2014

What's behind the door? - Rev 3:8

What's behind the door?
January 5, 2014
Rev 3:8

INTRODUCTION
  • What is the purpose of a door?
  • Some might say, a door is to close things off
  • Others might say a door is to hide things you don't want others to see
  • Others may say a door represents an opportunity
  • Today we are going to consider what is behind the door
  • The door we are looking at, is the door of the future
  • Often when I am speaking with people, they wonder about what God has in store for them
  • They may have asked him but are not sure if what they heard is from God or not
  • Can easily go wrong and make wrong choices
  • God speaks to us in different ways
  • Through the Word, in our thoughts, through other people, through circumstances
  • Today we will examine how we can know when it is God speaking, or alternatively when it may be our own thoughts, or the enemy

BE OBEDIENT TO WHAT GOD SAYS
  • James 1:22
  • God tells us that along with hearing God's voice, there is accountability - we have to be obedient and do what he says
  • God will not speak to us unless we are obedient to what he tells us
  • When we are disobedient, we grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30)

WAYS TO TEST THE WORD IS FROM GOD
  • 1 John 4:1 - test what you hear - you don't want to believe lies
  • a) It must be according to God's word
  • Isa 8:20 - the word is the test
  • b) It should draw us closer to Christ
  • Phil 2:5 - Let this mind be in you which was in Jesus
  • c) It will fit our mix of spiritual gifts, personal talents and personality
  • Eph 2:10 - God has a plan and purpose for us
  • Num 23:19 - God does not lie
  • d) Is the word convicting or condemning?
  • God may chastise us verbally
  • Hebrews 12:10-11 God chastens
  • Romans 8:1 – But God does not condemn
  • He may convict us of some area of life in which we need to change
  • e) Do other believers confirm it?
  • Proverbs 19:20, 24:6 - get advice
  • We need help when we are in new territory
  • Ask for directions!
  • f) Does the word agree with previous words the Lord has given us?
  • Mal 3:6 – God does not change his plan for you
  • g) We will have a sense of peace
  • 1 Cor 14:33
  • Confusion is not of God
  • If the word is confusing to us, God did not give it to us
  • John 14:27 - my peace I give to you

CONCLUSION
  • John 10:4 – his sheep know his voice
  • God wants us to be walking in sync with his will
  • So he will let us know what his will is for our life
  • It may not be specific but we can have a general idea
  • God is speaking to his sheep.
  • Are we listening for his voice?
  • Are we prepared to be obedient?
  • Test the word and then act on it

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