II. Knowing God's will is for doing God's will
What is the intended result of being filled with knowledge of God's will? "So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." Knowing God's will is for doing God's will. Do you reserve veto authority in your relationship with God? Do you say, "Tell me what you want, Lord. Then I'll decide if I want to do it." Sorry folks, God doesn't play that game.
You are called here to a life that measures up to the gift of the gospel. How's it going? Are you "walking in a manner worthy of the Lord?" If not, you have one or both of these problems: 1) You do not know enough about what God wants, or 2) You are not really committed to walking in it.
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III. Doing God's will is the definition of success
Our problem with success is not whether we can achieve things but whether those things are worthwhile. We want to know whether the ladder we're climbing is leaning against the right wall. Here is the ultimate happy coincidence: Living for the glory of God is the most satisfying way to live. In being filled with the knowledge of God's will and walking accordingly, you become productive, "bearing fruit," because you're doing what God wants done -- "every good work."
You become intelligent, "increasing in knowledge of God" -- the knowledge that matters. You become strong; God Himself shares His power with you -- not to escape hard times, but to be steadfast and patient in them. Finally, you become happy, "joyously giving thanks," because you understand the greatness of your position an your opportunity in Christ. This is the new life you have been given!
As the Lord told Joshua: "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success." (Doug Searle)
July 22, 2001
Proper 11
Glutton for Punishment
Amos 8:1-12
When I was a young boy I moved with my family to a new home that was located just down the street from a big water culvert that ran under the pavement. My Dad made it a point to tell me and my little brother that we were not allowed to go near the culvert because we could get swept away in the current if the water level rose in the creek. We heard the same sermon over and over again. However, one day we were riding our bikes with our friends, and we just happened upon something that was so alluring -- the culvert.
As we were playing there I noticed that my Dad's jeep was about to drive by so we tried to hide deep inside the culvert. He would not have seen us if it would not have been for my older brother who was in the jeep with him. When my brother spotted us he did what he was famous for -- he told on us. When we saw the brake lights shine we knew we were in for it. Our father began lecturing: "I have told you several times to stay out of the culvert and you disobeyed me. You will get your punishment when I get home." Daddy had pronounced judgement and now it was just a matter of time before we met the wrath of his big leather belt.