July 20, 2025
Knowing and Doing the Will of God
- Matt Nickoson
God has a name: YHWH (I AM). Jesus says, “I AM the good shepherd” (John 10:11)
Therefore, Jesus has come to reveal God to us. Now, we call on Jesus whenever we have any need at all.
Psalms 23:1-3 NIV
The Lord (YHWH) is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Most Great Stories have these 6 common elements: (Adapted from Donald Miller, Building a Storybrand)
- A Character: The person who wants something to make life feel good and work right.
- A Problem: The thing the character is trying to overcome to get where they want to go.
- A Guide: The person who leads them to the destination. The guide needs to be able to communicate “I understand your pain, I see your problem, and I know how to get you out.” – Donald Miller, Building a Storybrand.
- A Plan: The guide tells me what to do and how to do it to get where I need and, ultimately, want to go.
- Call to Action: “Do this and you will get where you want to go!”
- That Leads to: Success (if we follow) Failure (if we don’t)
- Transformation: In the process of following the guide, I become transformed.
popular example:
Character: Luke Skywalker
Problem: Galactic Empire trying to take over the universe
Guide: Obi Wan Kenobi
Plan: Train to use the force and overcome the temptations of the Dark Side.
Call to Action: If you do not master the dark side – it will overtake you. You must train!
That leads to: Luke refuses to give into the call to leave the Jedi and overcomes evil with good.
Transformation: Luke becomes the person He was created to be.
Proverbs 14:12 NIV
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Character: You
Problem: Sin, Satan, & Death
Guide: Jesus
Plan: Follow-Me
Call to Action: If you do not listen to my voice, you will die…forever.
That leads to: Heaven one day and Heaven on Earth now.
Transformation: You become the person God made you to be.
Will you trust Jesus to be your guide?
John10:10 NIV
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Galatians 5:19-21 NIV
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:24 NIV
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
There is a confidence in Paul that if you love Jesus, you will have crucified the flesh!
John 14:23 NIV
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”
Galatians 5:22-23a NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Are you full of life-giving Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control?
Philippians 1:6 NIV
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
John 10:27-28 NIV
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Our Good shepherd knows us, and we know Him!
“When I was in my deepest depression, there was a moment where I realized I hit rock bottom. I felt so lost and hopeless, and was just doing my best to make it to the next day,” – Lola Sheen
“I just accepted my life was going to be like that forever, and thought I would never genuinely laugh again. Until, I met not only my Savior but my best friend, Jesus.” – Lola Sheen
“Jesus saved me from battling severe anxiety, and gave me a peace that makes no sense. I now find myself laughing again, in places I only had cried,” – Lola Sheen
“Jesus fulfilled His promise of making me new, and completely renewed my mind. Jesus is the only reason why I’m here today and made my life worth living.” – Lola Sheen
Galatians 5:25 NIV
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Romans 12:1 NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Lord, prepare me
To be a sanctuary
Pure and holy
Tried and true
With thanksgiving
I’ll be a living Sanctuary
For You
Romans 12:2 NIV
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Surrender to God your body.
Transform your mind.
Then, and only then, will the path to take become clear to you.