Sermon

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Summary

Dr. John teaches from Colossians 1:9 about being filled with the knowledge of God’s will, contrasting Joshua’s failure when he made decisions without seeking God’s counsel. He emphasizes that God wants believers to have clear direction in 2026, not just bits of information but complete understanding. The message focuses on moving beyond natural reasoning to spiritual wisdom, trusting God’s goodness, and developing the ability to hear His voice through prayer, especially praying in tongues, and renewing our minds through His Word.

Intro Prayer

Father, we thank You for gathering us together today to learn about Your will for our lives. We ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be receptive to Your voice and willing to trust You completely. Give us faith to believe that we can truly be filled with the knowledge of Your will. Holy Spirit, speak to each person here according to their need and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one decision you made recently that you’re really glad you made, and what helped you make that choice?

Key Verses

• Colossians 1:9
• Joshua 9:14
• Romans 12:2
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• 1 Corinthians 2:14

Questions

• Why do you think Joshua and the Israelites failed to seek God’s counsel when the decision seemed so obvious to them?
• What’s the difference between being ‘informed’ about God’s will versus being ‘filled’ with the knowledge of His will?
• How does renewing our minds through God’s Word help us discern His voice more clearly?
• What role does trust play in hearing from God, and why might fear of missing God actually hinder us from hearing Him?
• How can we distinguish between natural reasoning and spiritual wisdom when making decisions?
• What does it mean to ‘know in your knower’ and how have you experienced this in your own life?
• Why is praying in tongues emphasized as a way to connect with our spirit and hear from God?
• How does obedience to what God has already told us affect our ability to receive new direction from Him?

Life Application

This week, commit to spending focused time in prayer, including praying in tongues if you have that gift, asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will for a specific decision or area of your life. Before making any significant choices, take time to seek God’s counsel rather than relying solely on what seems logical or obvious.

Key Takeaways

• Clear direction begins with being filled with God’s will, not just getting bits of information
• God’s direction operates through spiritual wisdom rather than natural reasoning alone
• We must trust both God’s goodness and His ability to speak to us clearly
• Renewing our minds through God’s Word increases our ability to discern His voice
• Praying in tongues helps us connect with our spirit where God primarily communicates with us

Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promise that we can be filled with the knowledge of Your will. We declare that 2026 will be a year of clear direction for each of us. Break off any spirit of confusion, worry, or fear about missing Your voice. Help us to trust You completely and to walk in obedience to what You show us. Fill us with spiritual wisdom and understanding. May we learn to hear Your voice clearly and follow You faithfully. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.