Key Takeaways
1. God's will is for everyone to be saved
This is the first thing about God's will: He wants people to be saved.
Salvation is the starting point. God's primary desire is for all people to come to salvation through Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of understanding and living in God's will. Without salvation, one cannot truly begin to comprehend or fulfill God's purpose for their life.
God's patience demonstrates His desire for salvation. The apparent delay in Christ's return is not due to God's inability or unfaithfulness, but rather His longsuffering nature. He is giving people time to repent and turn to Him.
- Key aspects of salvation:
- Recognizing one's sin
- Accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior
- Experiencing God's forgiveness and new life
2. Being Spirit-filled is essential to knowing God's will
The Spirit-filled life is nothing more than living in the conscious presence of the indwelling Christ.
The Holy Spirit empowers believers. When a person becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit indwells them. However, being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process of yielding control to God's Spirit in every aspect of life.
Spirit-filled living transforms behavior. As believers submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance, they experience:
- Increased love and compassion
- Wisdom in decision-making
- Power to resist temptation
- Boldness in sharing their faith
The key to being Spirit-filled is saturation with God's Word. Regular Bible study and meditation allow the Holy Spirit to shape one's thoughts, desires, and actions to align with God's will.
3. Sanctification and purity are crucial aspects of God's will
God's will is that you be holy—sanctified.
Holiness is a process. Sanctification is the ongoing work of God in a believer's life, making them more like Christ. This involves:
- Abstaining from sexual immorality
- Controlling one's body
- Subduing passions
- Treating others fairly
Purity impacts effectiveness. A holy life is a powerful witness to the world. When Christians live distinctly from the culture around them, it draws attention to Christ and silences critics of the faith.
- Areas of focus for purity:
- Thoughts and attitudes
- Speech and actions
- Relationships and interactions
- Use of time and resources
4. Submission to authority is part of God's plan
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution.
Godly submission is a witness. When Christians respectfully submit to authorities, even when they disagree, it demonstrates Christ's character and silences critics. This applies to various spheres of life:
- Government and laws
- Workplace and employers
- Church leadership
- Family relationships
Exceptions to submission. The only time believers should not submit to human authority is when it directly contradicts God's clear commands. In such cases, respectful non-compliance may be necessary.
5. Suffering for doing right is within God's will
For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong.
Suffering is expected for believers. Following Christ often leads to opposition from the world. This suffering is not due to wrongdoing but because of alignment with God's ways.
Persecution produces growth. When faced with suffering for righteousness:
- It strengthens faith
- It provides opportunities for witness
- It deepens dependence on God
- It aligns believers with Christ's experience
Suffering should be met with joy and continued faithfulness, knowing that God uses it for His purposes and the believer's ultimate good.
6. Boldly confront the world with the gospel
They confronted the world head-on with the claims of Christ, in love, and they let the chips fly.
Boldness is required. Effective evangelism involves lovingly but firmly presenting the truth of Christ, even when it's unpopular or leads to persecution.
God provides opportunities through opposition. When believers face resistance for their faith, it often opens doors for powerful witness. Examples from Scripture and modern times show how persecution can lead to:
- Unique platforms for sharing the gospel
- Deeper impact on listeners
- Supernatural empowerment from God
Boldness in sharing Christ should always be coupled with love, wisdom, and reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance.
7. Do what you want when aligned with God's principles
If you are doing all five of the basic things, do you know what the next principle of God's will is? Do whatever you want!
God shapes desires. When a believer is fully committed to God's revealed will (salvation, Spirit-filled living, sanctification, submission, and willingness to suffer), their desires become aligned with His purposes.
Freedom within boundaries. This principle doesn't mean complete autonomy but rather the freedom to make choices within the framework of God's revealed will. It involves:
- Trusting God's guidance through transformed desires
- Using wisdom and discernment in decision-making
- Being open to God's redirection
When believers are fully surrendered to God, they can trust that He is working through their desires and decisions to accomplish His purposes, even when the specific outcome is unclear.
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FAQ
What's "Found: God's Will" about?
- Purpose of the Book: "Found: God's Will" by John F. MacArthur Jr. aims to help Christians understand how to discern God's will for their lives. It addresses common misconceptions and provides practical guidance.
- Core Message: The book emphasizes that God's will is not hidden or elusive but is clearly revealed in the Bible. It encourages readers to align their lives with biblical principles.
- Structure: The book is divided into chapters that explore different aspects of understanding and living out God's will, such as purity, submission, and suffering.
- Target Audience: It is intended for Christians who are seeking clarity and direction in their spiritual journey and want to live in accordance with God's plan.
Why should I read "Found: God's Will"?
- Practical Guidance: The book offers practical steps for Christians to discover and live out God's will, making it a valuable resource for those seeking spiritual direction.
- Clarifies Misconceptions: It addresses and debunks common myths about God's will, such as the idea that it is hidden or requires dramatic experiences to uncover.
- Biblical Foundation: The book is grounded in Scripture, providing a solid theological basis for understanding God's will.
- Encouragement and Reassurance: Readers will find encouragement in knowing that God's will is accessible and that they can live confidently in His plan.
What are the key takeaways of "Found: God's Will"?
- God's Will is Knowable: The book emphasizes that God's will is not a mystery and can be understood through Scripture.
- Five Key Principles: It outlines five essential aspects of God's will: being saved, Spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, and willing to suffer.
- Action-Oriented Faith: MacArthur encourages readers to actively pursue God's will by living out these principles in their daily lives.
- Trust in God's Guidance: The book reassures readers that as they align with God's will, their desires will naturally align with His plan.
How does John F. MacArthur Jr. define God's will in "Found: God's Will"?
- Biblical Revelation: MacArthur defines God's will as being clearly revealed in the Bible, rather than something hidden or mysterious.
- Five Elements: He identifies five elements of God's will: salvation, being Spirit-filled, sanctification, submission, and suffering for righteousness.
- Practical Application: God's will involves practical steps and lifestyle changes that align with biblical teachings.
- Alignment with Desires: When living according to these principles, one's personal desires will align with God's will, allowing for freedom in decision-making.
What is the "Fizzies Principle" in "Found: God's Will"?
- Spirit-Filled Life: The "Fizzies Principle" illustrates the concept of being filled with the Holy Spirit, similar to how a Fizzie tablet transforms water.
- Release of Power: Just as a Fizzie releases its flavor into water, the Holy Spirit releases His power in a believer's life when they are Spirit-filled.
- Transformation: This principle emphasizes the transformation that occurs when a believer is fully yielded to the Holy Spirit.
- Practical Example: MacArthur uses this analogy to explain how the Spirit-filled life results in a Christ-like character and actions.
What does John F. MacArthur Jr. say about suffering in "Found: God's Will"?
- Part of God's Will: Suffering is presented as an integral part of God's will for believers, often preceding greatness.
- Suffering for Righteousness: The book emphasizes suffering for doing what is right, rather than for wrongdoing or personal faults.
- Sharing in Christ's Sufferings: Believers are encouraged to rejoice in suffering, as it aligns them with the sufferings of Christ.
- Evangelistic Opportunity: Suffering is seen as an opportunity to witness to others and demonstrate the reality of one's faith.
How does "Found: God's Will" address the concept of submission?
- Biblical Command: Submission is highlighted as a clear command in Scripture, essential for silencing critics and living a godly life.
- Types of Submission: The book discusses submission to authorities, parents, and other believers as part of God's will.
- Impact on Testimony: Submission is portrayed as crucial for maintaining a positive Christian testimony in society.
- Practical Application: MacArthur encourages readers to submit even to difficult authorities, trusting that it aligns with God's will.
What role does purity play in "Found: God's Will"?
- Sanctification: Purity is equated with sanctification, which is identified as a key aspect of God's will for believers.
- Practical Purity: The book outlines practical steps for maintaining purity, such as abstaining from sexual immorality and controlling one's body.
- Holiness and Success: MacArthur argues that a holy life is a powerful tool in God's hands and essential for spiritual success.
- Biblical Basis: The call to purity is supported by Scripture, emphasizing its importance in the Christian life.
What are the best quotes from "Found: God's Will" and what do they mean?
- "God's will is not lost." This quote challenges the notion that God's will is hidden, emphasizing its clarity in Scripture.
- "A holy man is an awesome weapon in the hand of God." This highlights the power of a sanctified life in fulfilling God's purposes.
- "If you are doing all five of the basic things, do whatever you want!" This statement underscores the freedom believers have when aligned with God's will.
- "The Spirit-filled life is nothing more than living in the conscious presence of the indwelling Christ." This quote simplifies the concept of being Spirit-filled, focusing on a Christ-centered life.
How does "Found: God's Will" suggest Christians handle criticism?
- Live Exemplary Lives: Christians are encouraged to live in a way that silences critics by eliminating faults.
- Submission to Authority: By submitting to authorities, believers can demonstrate their faith and integrity.
- Avoiding Maliciousness: The book warns against using Christian liberty as a cover for wrongdoing, which can invite criticism.
- Positive Testimony: A life of submission and integrity serves as a powerful testimony to the world.
What advice does John F. MacArthur Jr. give for making decisions in "Found: God's Will"?
- Align with God's Will: Ensure that your life aligns with the five key principles: salvation, being Spirit-filled, sanctification, submission, and suffering.
- Follow Your Desires: Once aligned with God's will, trust that your desires are guided by Him and pursue them.
- Be Active: Keep moving and be involved in service, allowing God to steer you toward His specific plans.
- Trust God's Guidance: Have faith that God will open the right doors and guide you as you actively seek His will.
What is the significance of the "brass-ring mentality" in "Found: God's Will"?
- Misconception of God's Will: The "brass-ring mentality" refers to the mistaken belief that God's will is like a prize to be grasped, with some settling for less.
- Encouragement to Strive: MacArthur encourages readers not to settle for less but to actively pursue God's best for their lives.
- God's Will is Accessible: The book argues that God's will is not elusive or reserved for a select few but is available to all believers.
- Living with Purpose: By rejecting this mentality, Christians can live with purpose and confidence in God's plan.
Review Summary
Found receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with readers praising its concise yet powerful message on understanding God's will. Many highlight its practicality, biblical foundation, and accessibility for Christians at all stages. Reviewers appreciate MacArthur's straightforward approach, emphasizing that God's will is primarily about being the right person rather than doing specific things. The book's brevity is seen as a strength, with readers noting it can be finished in about an hour but contains impactful insights that prompt reflection and rereading.
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