“How to Find God’s Will- Part 2: The Gray Areas”   8/13/06

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may discern what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”  Romans 12:1

REVIEW LAST SERMON

It is God’s will for us to be: Saved, Sanctified, Spirit-Filled, Submissive, Suffering, and Satisfied.  

“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure”   Philippians 2:13

**READ    Romans 1:28-32, lead to death (1 Co 6:9; Gal 5:19-21)

**Food, Drink, Sports, Smoking, Recreation, Drinking Alcohol, Games, Hairstyles, Music, Clothes, TV, Books, Magazines, Tatoos

** Legalist or Libertine???     Ears pierced in Mexico…

PRINCIPLE # 1- Will it violate my CONSCIENCE?  Background of Jews

                               (Romans 14:1-12)

PRINCIPLE # 2-  Will it help others or tear them DOWN?

                                (Romans 14:13-23)

PRINCIPLE # 3-  Is the action going to spiritually PROFITABLE?

                               (1 Cor. 10:23; and edifying?)

PRINCIPLE # 4- Am I going to become ADDICTED? Smoking, Drinking, Soap Operas, Caffeine? Christianity about FREEDOM

                               (1 Cor. 6:12)

PRINCIPLE # 5- Will it be a covering for my SIN?

                              (1 Peter 2:16; Galatians 5:13)  Abusing Freedom to indulge in sin… many are professors but not possessors (Matt 7:21-23)

PRINCIPLE # 6- Gray areas are determined by what JESUS WOULD DO.

                              (1 John 2:6)

PRINCIPLE # 7- Ultimately, will it bring GLORY TO GOD?

                               (1 Cor. 10:31)  EXPLAIN BACKGROUND…  2 believers at unbelievers house trying to evangelize.

WHAT ABOUT GOING TO A DRINKING PARTY??

1) Don’t judge others in gray areas;  2) How fruitful do you want to be?