How can a person know God’s will?
(Gen. 34:1-31; 39:1-23; Deut. 4:29; Eph. 6:1-9) Blog Aug. 01-07, 2021
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In the beginning God gave humanity rest. Through sin many factors have entered that rob us of rest. The greatest thief of rest is unconfessed sin. The lack of proper rest separates us from our Creator. Jesus offers rest from sin and help in walking in paths of righteousness. Most of all, in Jesus’ finished work on earth we can rest from striving to save ourselves.
Dysfunctional families
1. What does the word “dysfunctional” mean? The word “dysfunctional” means “functionally impaired” or “not operating properly.”
2. In what way was Abraham’s family dysfunctional? Abraham’s family was dysfunctional when Hagar was included in the marriage bed (Gen. 16:1-5).
3. In what way was Isaac’s family dysfunctional? Isaac’s family was dysfunctional in that each parent favored one child over the other (Gen. 25:28).
4. In what way was Jacob’s family dysfunctional? Jacob’s family was dysfunctional in that he was forced to marry a wife he didn’t love who competed with her sister whom Jacob loved (Gen. 29:21-30).
5. In what way did Joseph find peace and rest when included in Potiphar’s household? Joseph found peace by obeying God’s Commandments even when that could cost him his life (Gen. 39:7-20).
6. What did God tell Abraham to do in order to solve the “Hagar” problem? God told Abraham to cast out the bondwoman & her son (Gen. 21:10-12).
7. How did Jacob and Esau solve their dysfunctionality? Jacob & Esau forgave each other & offered gifts thus bringing peace & rest (Gen. 33:1-11).
8. What unlikely heroes of faith that had very dysfunctional families are listed in Hebrews 11? Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, & Samuel although having dysfunctional families accomplished great things for God (Heb. 11:32).
9. What percent of earth’s families are dysfunctional today? Since the fall of man every family on earth is dysfunctional to one degree or another (Psa. 14:2-3; Rom3:10-18).
Functioning Families
10. If all earth’s families are dysfunction to one degree or another then how can any member of the family find rest? Rest to any member of the family comes only by obedience to God & by finding forgiveness when that obedience is imperfect (Psa. 119:165; Rom. 5:1).
11. How can a person know God’s will in a particular situation? In order to know God’s will in a particular situation a person must be familiar with the Ten Commandments & the Bible in general; the Holy Spirit will impress believers in the way they should go; a well-informed conscience will help; counsel from Christian friends may help; &, most of all, one can search the Bible for specific advice concerning the question at hand (Ex. 20:1-17; Prov. 11:14; Isa. 30:21; Rom. 2:15).
12. In Ephesians 6 what specific counsel does Paul give for children so that there will be peace and rest in the family? Paul tells children to obey & honor their parents for this is the will of God as stated in the Ten Commandments (Eph. 6:1-3).
13. What specific counsel does Paul give for parents in Ephesians 6? Paul tells parents not to discourage their children by provoking them to anger but rather to encourage them to trust in God’s care & to instruct them in the counsels of God (Gen. 18:19; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21).
14. In Ephesians 6 what specific counsel does Paul give for those who employ household assistants? Paul teaches that household assistants are to be treated fairly & kindly without threatening them (Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1).
15. What general principle teaches us how we can always have God’s guidance in our lives? Solomon tells us that if we acknowledge God (choose to do his will) in every area of our lives, he will direct our paths (Prov. 3:5-6).
Family Rest
16. Besides each member following the specific counsel given by Paul in Ephesians what corporate activities bring peace and rest to the family? Thanking God for every meal, having morning & evening family worship, & celebrating the rest & refreshment of the weekly Sabbath & annual spiritual feasts (like camp-meeting) are guaranteed to bring peace & rest to the family (Ex. 31:15-17; Psa. 92:1-2; John 6:11; 1 Cor. 10:31).
17. What are the general characteristics that bring peace and rest to the family? Unselfish love, willing forgiveness, bearing one another’s burdens, & kindness bring peace & rest (John 13:34; Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:32).
18. What general principle should a person adhere to when seeking a life partner? In seeking a life partner, one should always limit themselves to true believers for Paul counsels “be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” & Amos writes: “Can two walk together except they be agreed,” & Paul adds: “what communion hath light with darkness?” (Amos 3:3; 2 Cor. 6:14).
19. If a woman upon becoming a Christian is married to an unbelieving husband what do Peter and Paul say she can do to win her husband and benefit her family? Paul says that the believing wife should remain with her husband for this brings sanctity both to him & to their children & Peter says that by her godly lifestyle the believing wife can win her unbelieving husband (1 Cor. 7:13-14; 1 Pet. 3:1-2).
20. Who is Satan likely to attack when seeking to destroy one of God’s servants? When Satan desires to destroy one of God’s servants he often attacks those closest to them: spouse, mother, father, child, or intimate friend (Est. 7:9; Job. 42:7; Lam. 1:2; Matt. 10:36; Mark 3:25; Luke 21:16).