He Will Show You His Will | Timeless Truths – Dr. Charles Stanley

Summary

In this profound sermon from 1997 by Dr. Charles Stanley, he shares a deeply personal journey of finding faith and purpose through hardship. Orphaned at a young age, Stanley describes feeling lost and alone until a transformative experience at age 12, when he felt a divine call to preach. Emphasizing the accessibility of God's will, Stanley outlines methods to discern God's plan, including scripture, prayer, and a focus on personal relationship with God. He reassures that God communicates His will clearly, providing guidance and protection through life's decisions, underpinning his message with the assurance that God equips us to fulfill our divine purpose.

Takeaways

• 📖 Dr. Charles Stanley emphasizes the personal plan and purpose God has for everyone, suggesting that God's will is accessible and not a secret.
• 🙏 From a young age, despite hardships, Stanley felt a compelling sense that God had a specific purpose for his life, leading him to preaching.
• 🖥 At 12 years old, Stanley had a transformative spiritual experience where he felt saved and called upon by God, which solidified his future path in preaching.
• 📚 Stanley underscores the importance of the Bible in understanding God’s will, describing it as a light and guide for life decisions.
• 🙏 Prayer is portrayed as essential not just for requests, but for fostering a deeper relationship with God, involving both speaking and listening.
• 📈 Stanley identifies the Holy Spirit as a key medium through whom God communicates his will, guiding individuals from a young age.
• 🏢 Real-life circumstances and divine interventions are discussed as ways God manifests His will, through opening or closing doors to guide us.
• 📝 Seeking godly counsel is advised as a means to receive affirmation or redirection relevant to God's will.
• 🙏 Stanley presents a practical approach to discerning God's will, involving a checklist of reflective questions centered around alignment with scripture, wisdom, and personal identity in Christ.
• 📗 The sermon concludes with an emphasis on the simplicity of walking in the Spirit and aligning one’s life closely with God’s teachings, which makes discerning His will more intuitive.

Q & A

What significant life event does Dr. Charles Stanley discuss at the beginning of his sermon?

Dr. Charles Stanley discusses the death of his father when he was about nine months old, highlighting how it led to a difficult childhood where he felt lonely and empty.

At what age did Dr. Stanley commit his life to Jesus Christ?

Dr. Stanley committed his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 12.

How did Dr. Stanley know at the age of 14 that he was meant to preach the gospel?

At 14, Dr. Stanley felt a strong impression and conviction from God that he was meant to preach the gospel, which was something he never doubted and always felt directed to do.

What does Dr. Stanley mean by 'the witness of the spirit'?

Dr. Stanley refers to 'the witness of the spirit' as a deep, internal assurance and confirmation provided by the Holy Spirit, which guides believers in understanding and confirming God's will in their lives.

How does Dr. Stanley describe the importance of understanding God's will?

Dr. Stanley emphasizes that understanding God's will is crucial for believers as it guides them to live in accordance with God's plan, which he communicates through various means like the Bible and personal prayer.

What scriptural passage does Dr. Stanley highlight to explain how God reveals His will?

Dr. Stanley highlights Ephesians Chapter 5, emphasizing verses that instruct believers to walk wisely, make the most of their time, and understand the will of the Lord.

According to Dr. Stanley, what is the first step in discovering God's will for major life decisions?

The first step in discovering God's will, according to Dr. Stanley, is to consult the Bible, as it contains God's wisdom and guidance for various situations.

What role does personal prayer play in understanding God's will according to Dr. Stanley?

Personal prayer plays a crucial role in understanding God's will as it involves both speaking to God about one's desires and thoughts, and listening for His guidance and responses.

How does Dr. Stanley explain the role of circumstances in revealing God's will?

Dr. Stanley explains that circumstances, such as closed or open doors, play a significant role in revealing God's will, as these can either redirect us from potential errors or invite us to pursue new opportunities aligned with God's plan.

What are the key questions Dr. Stanley suggests asking to confirm if one's understanding aligns with God's will?

Dr. Stanley suggests several key questions for confirmation, including whether the decision is consistent with Scripture, whether it is wise, whether one can confidently ask God for enablement, whether it fits who they are as a child of God, and whether it will honor God.