WHAT IS GOD'S WILL FOR US? HOW DO WE DISCERN THE WILL OF GOD? HOW DO WE HEAR GOD'S VOICE?

Summary

The video script discusses the concept of discerning the will of God, emphasizing that it requires more than just external obedience; it involves the mortification of personal will and intimate transformation. Citing Saint Sophrony of Essex and Saint John Climacus, the speaker highlights the steps of renouncing the world, detaching from family, and mortifying personal will to align with God's will. The message underscores the interconnectedness of human will with familial and societal influences, and the transformative power of truly embracing God's will through spiritual discipline and obedience.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The script emphasizes the importance of discerning God's will through the teachings of Saint John Climacus, highlighting the monastic life's role in spiritual growth.
• 🔑 It suggests that understanding God's will is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative, personal journey that requires the mortification of one's own will.
• 🌐 The text discusses the influence of the world, family, and personal will on an individual's spiritual path, indicating that these elements are deeply intertwined with our free will.
• 🏔 Saint John Climacus' 'The Ladder' is presented as a guide, starting with obedience to a spiritual father and culminating in discernment, which leads to love and pure prayer.
• ⛔️ The script underscores the necessity of renouncing the world, detaching from family, and mortifying personal will as foundational steps towards discerning God's will.
• 👪 It points out the profound impact of family and environment on our spiritual development, shaping us from the moment of our creation.
• 💔 The process of breaking free from the world's influence and family's will is likened to a painful self-surgery, as it involves cutting ties that are deeply rooted within us.
• 🕊️ The ultimate goal is the transformation into the saints God intended us to be, which requires the mortification of our will to allow God's will to come alive within us.
• 🌱 The script likens our free will to a drop of water in the ocean, indicating that it is influenced and shaped by the vast mass of the world around it.
• 🙌 It calls for awareness and acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of humanity, as we are all part of one being in God, reflecting the divine image and the Holy Trinity.
• 🌟 The speaker expresses gratitude for the love and prayers of the listeners, praying for God's grace to guide everyone towards discerning and fulfilling His will.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video script?

The central theme of the video script is discerning the will of God according to the Holy Fathers, particularly focusing on the teachings of Saint John Climacus, and the process of mortifying one's own will to truly understand and follow God's will.

Who is Saint Sophrony of Essex and what does he emphasize about God's will?

Saint Sophrony of Essex is a spiritual figure mentioned in the script who emphasizes that God's will should be done in our 'earth' or our personal lives, suggesting a deeply intimate and personal connection to God's will rather than a detached application of it.

What is Saint John Climacus also known as and what is the significance of his work?

Saint John Climacus is also known as Saint John of Sinai or 'of the Ladder'. He is celebrated as one of the greatest teachers of monastic life in the history of the Christian Church, and his work 'The Ladder' outlines the steps towards spiritual growth and discernment of God's will.

What is the role of obedience in Saint John Climacus' teachings?

In Saint John Climacus' teachings, obedience, particularly to one's spiritual father, is the starting point for spiritual growth. It is through obedience that one's will can become aligned with God's will, as obedience is one of the first steps in 'The Ladder'.

What are the three gates mentioned in the script that are essential for spiritual growth according to Saint John Climacus?

The three gates mentioned in the script for spiritual growth are renunciation of the world, detachment from one's family and friends, and the mortification of one's personal will by obedience to one's spiritual father.

How does the script describe the relationship between our will and the influences around us?

The script describes our will as not being as independent as we might think. It is influenced and shaped by the world around us, our families, and our own personal desires, much like a drop of water is influenced by the ocean around it.

What is the significance of the phrase 'the will of God is something that can only be discerned by the mortification of our own will'?

This phrase signifies that true understanding and discernment of God's will requires us to suppress or 'mortify' our own personal desires and will, allowing God's will to shine through and guide us.

What does the script suggest about the process of discerning God's will?

The script suggests that discerning God's will is a complex and transformative process that involves separating our will from the influences of the world, our families, and our own personal desires, and then opening ourselves to receive God's will.

How does the script relate the concept of discerning God's will to the idea of spiritual growth?

The script relates discerning God's will to spiritual growth by describing it as a journey that begins with obedience and involves the mortification of our own will, leading to a deeper understanding and alignment with God's will, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual growth.

What is the script's perspective on the challenges faced when trying to discern God's will from the will of the world or our own desires?

The script acknowledges that discerning God's will can be extremely challenging, especially when the world's values or our own desires seem to align with what we perceive as God's will. It emphasizes the need for a deep, personal transformation to truly understand and follow God's will.

What is the final prayer or wish expressed by the speaker for the listeners in the script?

The final prayer or wish expressed by the speaker is for God's grace to give the listeners the strength and wisdom to open themselves to His will, so that His will may be done in their lives, transforming them into the saints God created them to be.