Sunday January 19, 2014 Phone: Message The Master s Plan - #1 Text: Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1-2. The Master s Plan

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1 Sunday January 19, 2014 Phone: Pastor David Miklas Message The Master s Plan - #1 Text: Proverbs 3:5-6; Romans 12:1-2 The Master s Plan INTRODUCTION: This is the beginning of an TEN part series of sermons on The Master s Plan. The key verse to this series is found in John 13:13 where Jesus said to His disciples in the upper room just before His crucifixion, Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well, for so I am. This series will include: First: The Master s Plan Second: The Master s Power Third: The Master s Prayer Fourth: The Master s Program Fifth: The Master s Purpose Sixth: The Master s Pattern Seventh: The Master s Prophecy Eight: The Master s Place-Part 1 Ninth: The Master s Place-Part 2 Ten: The Master s Parent These TEN messages will focus on the basics of our faith from the Master, Himself our Lord Jesus Christ. As we progress, keep in mind that when God s Plan for our lives is mentioned that is a reference to God s Will. As such, please focus your attention on two passages of Scripture. In Proverbs 3:5-6 we read, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. In Romans 12:1-2 we read, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. When it comes to every day happenings in our individual lives, it is important to think about the will of God from the Word of God in two ways: First: There are things in God's Word, the Bible, that are absolute. Second: There are things in God's Word, the Bible, that are relative. FIRST: There are things in God's Word that are absolute. On these points, the Bible is very, very precise. For example: We are not left to question God s will concerning the subject of the family. The Bible is clear as far as the roles of husband and wife are concerned. When it comes to our children, we are not left to guess, asking what to do with them. The Bible is clear how we are to raise our children as found in Ephesians 6:1-4, Deuteronomy 6 and from many passages in Proverbs. We are not left to question knowing God - who He is, and what He is like. The Bible is very clear as to that. One could study just His names and find out a great deal about our God. We are not left to guess how to come to God through Salvation. Again the scripture is very clear about that. In Acts 4:12 we read, "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." What could be clearer? That means every Jew, every Moslem, every American, and every other lost person on the Page 1

2 face of the earth is going to hell forever unless they turn to Jesus Christ. In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, NO MAN cometh unto the Father but by ME." In I John 5:11-12 we read, "And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." So the Word of God is absolute when it comes to knowing God and with respect to the path to salvation. The Bible is also specific as far as morality is concerned. For example there is no doubt about the moral laws of God found in the Ten Commandments. They are the will of God. They are for us to obey and not to debate. God's will is clear in I Thessalonians 4:3 where we read, "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should ABSTAIN from fornication." God's will is that you don't engage in sexual activity outside of marriage. God's will is that you don't engage in reading certain magazines or watching certain TV shows and movies that incite immoral, sinful activities. When it comes to prayer God's Word is clear. According to I Thessalonians 5:17, we are to "Pray without ceasing." And in James 5:15 we are to "pray one for another..." When it comes to witnessing we find the will of God is certainly clear here too as we are commanded in Mark 16:15 to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel." When it comes to our tithe and offerings again we find the will of God is very specific. Malachi 3:10-11 where we read, Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. It is also clear from I Corinthians 16:2 as to the when and where we are to bring the tithe, Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him... There have been times over the years where I have been approached by people who have tried to get me to read books or magazines or even hear some sermon tapes about a subject in the Word of God. They want me to consider their point of view that is usually the very opposite of that found in the Word of God. They think that I need to become more broad-minded with respect to the Word of God. My usual response is, "I am sorry but you may keep your materials. I am not interested in reading them nor am I interested in reconsidering a very clear position from the Word of God. As far as Bible doctrine and the absolute revealed will of God is concerned, my mind and my heart is settled." When it comes to Bible Doctrine, I don t need to rethink the issue. I just need to be obedient to the principles in God s Word. SECOND: There are things in God's Word that are relative. When it comes to everyday living, what might interest us or perhaps deeply concerned about are those areas that are not specified in the Bible. Yet many want to know what the will of God is in those areas. However, it is also obvious to me that far too many believers do things in life Page 2

3 without so much as asking or seeking the answer to the question: IS THIS THE WILL OF GOD? For example we may ponder, Should I or shouldn't I take this job? Should we buy this house or should we remain where we are? Should we go or not go to this place? Should we support this missionary or that missionary? What is the will of God for this church? All of these questions and many others are relative. But that doesn t mean that God leaves us without direction. There are practical PRINCIPLES and PROCEDURES given in the Word of God that can be followed to determine our every day decisions. By the way, these are the same basic PRINCIPLES and PROCEDURES that I have used for personal as well as family decision-making throughout my life. The Biblical foundation for the following PRINCIPLES and PROCEDURES is found in Matthew 6:33, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. PRINCIPLE #1 SEEK THE GLORY OF GOD: Whenever there is a question regarding freedom to participate in an activity, the main principle to be followed is found in I Corinthians 10:31, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Your purpose in life, whatever you do, ought to be for THE GLORY OF GOD. Whenever anything arises, you must ask yourselves - Would this be detrimental to my Christian life? Would this be glorifying unto God? Would this honor God? If it would honor God then it is within the parameters of the will of God. You are on the right track and free to make your decision. PRINCIPLE #2 SEARCH THE WORD OF GOD: In II Timothy 3:16-17 we read, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Since the Bible is useful for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction; it makes sense to search the Word of God to find principles upon which to base decisions. PRINCIPLE #3 BATHE IN PRAYER: In Philippians 4:6-7 we read, Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The third principle simply tells us to bathe all issues in prayer. Just talk to God. Lord, this situation has risen and I really don't know what to do about it, so I am committing it to you in prayer." The text tells us to literally stop worrying, but in EVERYTHING pray. Talk to God to seek His solution for your concerns, needs and situations. PRINCIPLE #4 SEEK THE WISDOM OF OTHERS: In Proverbs 20:18 we read, Every purpose is established by counsel In Proverbs 24:6 we read, For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of Page 3

4 counselors there is safety. Notice again this last phrase, "in a multitude of counselors there is safety." There is wisdom in seeking out others for their wisdom relative to what the will of God may be on an issue. Folks, I am not God. I don't have all the answers to life's situations or problems. But I do know how to pray, and I do constantly seek the wisdom of others. I have built around me a group of men, that I call my Cabinet of Counselors, from whom I regularly seek counsel. First: I must ask myself, is this decision going to glorify God? Second: I must search the Word of God for principles relative to the decision. Third: I must bathe the issue in prayer. Forth: If it comes to this, I need to seek the wise counsel of others. Yet, there are two other principles to also be considered. PRINCIPLE #5 WATCH CIRCUMSTANCES OF LIFE. Again from Proverbs 3:5-6 we read Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. While in the process of seeking God s will on an issue, God often uses PEOPLE, PLACES, and THINGS to direct you. God might provide the money, way, and means, or God might with-hold them. God might bring into your life certain people as an answer, or to assist you. God might bring into your life a positive situation as a means of directing you. On the other hand, He might direct your path by means of a negative situation. In my lifetime, I have experienced all these as ways in which God enabled me to determine His will. However, let me caution you. Because the devil is still a clever fellow who could use circumstances as a decoy, don't rely upon circumstances alone for direction, PRINCIPLE #6 ALLOW PEACE OF MIND. In Colossians 3:15 we read, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. When that moment arrives to declare that this is the path God will have you take, this is the decision God would have you make, be sure you have: Sought the Word of God, Asked if this was going to bring Glory unto God, Bathed yourself in prayer, Sought the counsel of others, Recognized circumstances that God brought your way, and furthermore, you Felt the sweet peace of God s presence in your heart, THEN, AND ONLY THEN, CAN YOU SAY, THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD! This is the path the Lord has laid out for you to take. This Book you hold in your hand, the Eternal Word of God, gives you the absolutes of life. Those things that will never change because God directly, clearly and specially said this is His will. But this book also contains the principles upon which you can discern the everyday paths God would have you walk. It contains the precepts upon which you can determine the will of God for your everyday decisions of life. What decisions do you have to make? What directions are you seeking today? What answers will be required for tomorrow s situations? Page 4

5 If you follow these six PRINCIPLES from the Word of God, I am sure you will easily determine the proper direction or decision needed according to the Will of God. Perhaps you now wonder if it is possible for the Lord to immediately show you His will for your entire life. This is certainly possible, since the Lord can do whatever He wants. But I don't believe that it would be in your best interest to all at once know the complete will of God for you. Neither you nor I would be PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY or SPIRITUALLY capable of accepting it NOW! "God never puts more on you then He puts in you to bare His will." I Thessalonians 5:24, tells us, "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." Discovering the will of God is a day-by-day occurrence. As I review my own life, it s amazing how God has led step-by-step, and day-by-day. After 67 years, for better or worse, throughout good times and bad, God has led me by using the PRINCIPLES and PROCEDURES just mentioned. Praise God, He has led me all the way. Remember what Jesus said to the Disciples in His prayer instruction to them? "Give us our daily bread." Oh, to be sure, God will eventually complete His will in our lives. But it will be accomplished ONE STEP AT A TIME! I can truly say it's great to be in the center of God's will. Listen to this song, as it relates to our subject on the will of God. The path that I have trod, hath brought me nearer God, though often led through sorrow s way. Though not the way I choose, In my way I would lose. I conquer only when I yield. Not what I wish to be, nor where I wish to go, for who am I that I should choose my way? The Lord will choose for me, this better far, so let Him bid me go or stay. I believe that this is the ultimate goal for seeking the will of God. Have you determined a reason for seeking the will of God? There has got to be a reason. Ultimate goals for knowing the will of God are to: BE what He wants you to be, DO what He wants you to do, and GO where He wants you to go. Who are you that you should choose for yourself, your own way? Let the Lord choose for you. In Psalm 32:8 God told us, "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, I will guide thee with my eye." We have spent these moments in consideration of the Master's Plan for your life. It is my belief that we can get the best view of the Master's plan from Calvary. It is here that we have the best view of God. We understand God and His purpose for us when we see the death of Christ upon the cross. It is here that we see the best view of ourselves. Therefore, as believers, I urge you to stand at Calvary's cross. Get a view of this needy world. Get a view of yourself. The cross tells you to die to self that you might be alive unto God. Page 5

6 Now, let me direct my words to unbelievers. The story is told about a young minister who went to preach in a small country town. He met a wealthy infidel in the town, a man who had vexed the Christians with his satire and statements of unbelief. He said to the young preacher, "I want to show you something." He took him to a high elevation on his property and showed him his achievements. He said as he pointed north, south, east and west, "I own everything you see in every direction. I plant on Sunday, harvest on Sunday, and yet I have more than my Christian neighbors put together. How do you explain that?" The young preacher said, "You have pointed north, south, east, and west; and you inform me that you own everything in those directions. Let me ask you one question. How much do you own in that direction?" And the young preacher pointed toward heaven. The wealthy unbeliever raised his head to heaven and then dropped it as he said, "I don't own anything in that direction." My dear friends this Bible says, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" I bid of you to hear the call of Christ and come to the Savior now. ***************************************************************** If God has spoken to your heart, after reading the sermon The Master s Plan right now talk to God about what He has spoken to you. Do you have the assurance that one day you will go to heaven? If you have no assurance that you know Jesus Christ, then I trust you will decide to accept Him as your personal Savior. The Bible tells us in Acts 16:31,...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved... Romans 10:13, For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. This prayer is here for those who need to ask Jesus to be their personal Savior: I do want to go to Heaven. I know I am a sinner, and I do believe Jesus Christ died for me. I realize I cannot buy this great salvation, nor can I earn it. Knowing Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave to pay my sin debt and to purchase my salvation, I do now trust Him as my Savior, and from this moment on I am completely depending on Him for my salvation. If you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, please let me know. Send an to pdmikbbm@aol.com and I will send you some literature that will help you in your Christian life. The Weekly SERMON was sent as a ministry of Bible Baptist Ministry, 48 Alexie Rd., Hanover Township, PA Privacy policy: your address will not be sold, or shared with any third party. Copy write permission: Because the Weekly SERMON will be reproduced into other formats, PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING: The Weekly SERMON in its original form, without any changes, may be copied and re-transmitted by electronic mail, and copies may be printed for individual or ministry purposes, provided that such copying, re-transmission, printing, or other use is not for profit or other commercial purpose. Any copying, re-transmission, distribution, printing, or other use of the Weekly SERMON must set forth in full the heading that is given before each Weekly SERMON. Any other request for use, please contact Bible Baptist Ministries at pdmikbbm@aol.com or by phone at Page 6