A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

292

A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

b. We are to use our freedom not as a license for sin, but as an opportunity to love others, Gal. 5.13.

9. Discernment is a matter of the Spirit, so keep close to the Word of God regarding all discussions of the Father’s will. The safest way for discerning God’s will: is it con sistent with and allowed by our freedom as communicated to us through the words of Christ in Scripture? a. The authority of the Word of Christ, John 8.31-32 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, [32] and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” b. The sufficiency of Scripture, 2 Tim. 3.16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 10. Understand the relationship of the discipline of submission to the discipline of guidance . Ultimately, wherever and however Christ may make his will known to us, our duty will be submission and obedience to his revealed will.

a. John 14.15 – If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

b. John 14.21-24 – Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him. [22] Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” [23] Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he