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The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillBe willing to do what God saysThere will probably be times when you want to do a particular thing, but it becomes clear that Godhas a different plan. Even Jesus had that experience. Follow Jesus’ example.Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it ispossible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)Discussion question5. Why should we do what God says, not what we want to do?Examine your motives. (Always seek to please God.)When you ask God what his will is, it’s a good idea to examine your heart. If you are asking aboutsomething you would like to do, be careful that you don’t allow your own desires to block God’svoice. Be sure that your main goal is to please God.The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.(John 8:29)If you previously didn’t obey GodEverybody alive could say there have been times when they did not do what God told them to do.When this happens, treat it seriously, but don’t give up.If you disobeyed God, confess your sin and he will forgive you.If you have disobeyed God, don’t be discouraged and give up. Humble yourself, confess your sin,accept his forgiveness, and he will be with you as you continue to walk with him.If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from allunrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)Discussion questions6. If you disobeyed God, should you give up on walking with God? Why or why not?7. Have you ever disobeyed God and not confessed your sin? If so, take a moment to ask forhis forgiveness. Then thank him for forgiving you and ask him to help you be more obedientin the future.If you disobeyed God, his plan for you might be different now.If you didn’t do something God told you to do a month ago and decide to do it today, it might beokay to do it. However, sometimes timing is important, and God might not want you to do the samething now. Be sure to follow what he says today.In Numbers, there is a story about a time the Israelites disobeyed God. Later they said they wouldfollow God’s previous instructions, but God told them “no.” The original plan was no longeroperative. They went ahead anyway, and suffered disastrous results.But Moses said, “Why are you disobeying the LORD’s command? This will not succeed! Do notgo up, because the LORD is not with you. You will be defeated by your enemies, for theAmalekites and Canaanites will face you there. Because you have turned away from theLORD, he will not be with you and you will fall by the sword.” (Numbers 14:41-43)Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 10Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillThere have been many times in my life when I did not do what God said. When I asked forgiveness,he forgave me. Sometimes he had me follow his previous instructions, and sometime he gave mesomething new to do.God may lead you through circumstancesSometimes God’s will is very clear. Other times he leads us through experiences without telling uswhat he’s doing. In fact, we may have no idea that he is leading us.At times God leads us in pleasant ways. For example, God may bring you into contact with theperson you will marry, open up ministry opportunities, or help you succeed on the job. Other times,God may take you through hard experiences with a goal in mind. For example, Joseph wentthrough some extremely difficult times. He was thrown into a hole and heard his brothers plottingto kill him. He was sold into slavery. He was falsely accused by an Egyptian leader’s wife andthrown into prison. Eventually, he was released from prison and became a leader in Pharaoh’scourt.Sometime later God brought Joseph’s brothers back into his life. They were afraid he would punishthem for their cruel actions. However, Joseph knew that God had been leading over the years. Godhad used the experiences to help develop Joseph’s character and to plan for the time the Israelitesneeded help because of a famine in their land.But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me,but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.(Genesis 50:19-20)Joseph’s example doesn’t mean that every difficult experience you go through was engineered byGod. However, you can be sure that if you go through hard times, God will be with you to help andcomfort you.The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9)But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victimcommits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. (Psalm 10:14)So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthenyou and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)Discussion question8. Have you ever realized that God had been leading you when you weren’t aware of it? If so,describe what happened.God won’t always tell you all the detailsGod often leads us step-by-step without telling us all the details. For example, he told the earlyChristians that they would be his witnesses far beyond Jerusalem.But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnessesin Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)However, he did not say that this would be accomplished when they had to flee Jerusalem to escapepersecution.Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. (Acts 8:4)Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 11Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillLet’s look at another example: When Peter began preaching, he did not know that God intended thegospel to be for Gentiles as well as Jews. It wasn’t until God gave him a vision that he saw God’s bigpicture.Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.”(Acts 10:34)Be patientIf you are facing a major decision and you don’t need to decide right away, take some time to prayabout it and perhaps talk with some mature friends. Things may become clear in time. On the otherhand, if you need to make a decision right away, read the suggestions in this book and thenprayerfully make the best decision you can. (Day 4 is all about making decisions.)Do you know Jesus?This book was written to help believers in Jesus grow in their faith and personal life. You will getthe most out of these pages if you know Christ, since it is through his love and power that you cantruly change. If you have not yet entered into a relationship with Jesus, let me invite you to accepthim as your Savior and Lord. Make this your personal prayer:Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, and I need your help. I confess I have sinned and failedyou in many ways. I invite you to be my Savior and Lord, and I ask you to help me follow youthe rest of my life. Thank you for loving me, forgiving me, and accepting me as your child.If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God. God has plans for you—to transform you.You have an exciting life ahead of you!Memory verseTrust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all yourways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)Want to learn more?Free online Bible studiesStudies on walking with Godwww.dougbrittonbooks.com/resources/jesusDoug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 12Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillHomework – Day One1. Why is it a good idea to walk close to God if you want to know his will?2. What is one way you will draw closer to God this week?3. What lesson do you learn from the time Jesus said, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup betaken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39)?4. Have you ever disobeyed God? If so, does that mean you should give up on your Christian walk?Why or why not?Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 13Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s Will5. This study says God sometimes leads us through circumstances. Give an example of this fromthe Bible or your own life:6. Why do you think this book, Knowing God’s Will, started out with a chapter called “PrepareYour Heart to hear God’s Voice”?7. Why do you think God doesn’t always tell us all the details when he tells us to do something?8. Write a prayer asking God to help you know him better:Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 14Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

Day Two: Go to the BibleImagine a boss gave a new employee a manual thatdescribed the job and listed things the employee shouldand shouldn’t do. Imagine for a minute that the manualalso had many stories that showed how—and how not—to put its instructions into practice.Now imagine that the employee glanced at the manualwithout paying a lot of attention to its instructions.Finally, imagine that the employee constantly asked theboss what to do, although the answers were clearlyanswered in the manual.Discussion question1. If you were to give that employee some advice,what would you say to him or her?You can discover God’s will in the BibleAlthough God is not your boss, and you aren’t an employee, the previous example is a goodintroduction to today’s lesson.Many of the questions we ask God are already answered in the Bible, so there’s no reason to askGod if he changed his mind. Even if a question is not directly answered, the Bible has manyprinciples or stories that can help guide you.Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so thatyou may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.(Joshua 1:8)Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to beashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training inrighteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2Timothy 3:16-17)For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrateseven to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of theheart. (Hebrews 4:12)Sometimes our “flesh”—our human nature—rebels against God’s commands, and we don’t want toobey them. At those times it’s good to remember that God’s commands are for our good, even thosethat we may find hard to understand.Discussion question2. How important is it for Christians to be familiar with what the Bible says? Explain youranswer.Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 15Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillThe Bible helps you make specific decisionsThe better you know what the Bible says, the easier it will be for you to know God’s will. The Biblehas specific instructions about what to do and what not to do. It also has many general principlesthat you can apply to a wide variety of situations.How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you withall my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11)Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalm 119: 24)Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)Discussion questions3. What does it mean for God’s Word to be “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm119:105)?4. Is that a helpful picture for you? Why or why not?Here are some of the Bible’s specific instructionsActs of the sinful natureThe acts of the sinful nature 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 thosewho live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:21)Drunkenness and sexual immoralityDo not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards andgluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (Proverbs 23:20-21)Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexualimmorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. (Romans 13:13)Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine,which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another withpsalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, alwaysgiving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submitto one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:17-21)It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; thateach of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not inpassionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one shouldwrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as wehave already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holylife. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you hisHoly Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)AngerA fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult. (Proverbs 12:16)PornographyI will set before my eyes no vile thing. (Psalm 101:3)Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 16Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillDivorce and violence“I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I hate a man’s covering himself withviolence as well as with his garment,” says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in yourspirit, and do not break faith. (Malachi 2:16)Deceitfulness of richesPeople who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish andharmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. (1 Timothy 6:9)Discussion question5. Do you need to improve in any of the previous areas? If so, what steps will you take?The Bible helps you change on the insideThe Bible describes many specific actions you should or should not do. When I counsel people, Icall these “external” issues since they are action-oriented.The Bible also describes specific attitudes we should have or not have. When I counsel people, I callthese “internal” issues since they deal with the heart—our emotions, intellect, attitudes, and beliefs.God wants us to deal with our heart, not just our actions and words. That’s because, as Jesus said,our evil deeds and words come from our heart.The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil manbrings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart hismouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)When you deal with your internal issues (your heart), your external actions and words will change.Discussion question6. If you want to know God’s will, why is it helpful to ask, “What attitude should I have aboutthis?”Be guided by the most important commandment.I am thankful that Jesus put all the Bible’s commandments into perspective when he answeredthis question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matthew 22:36)Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with allyour mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love yourneighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”(Matthew 22:37-40)Discussion question7. How can Matthew 23:37-40 help you know God’s will when you are considering a decision?Cultivate the fruit of the spirit in your life.In his letter to the Galatians, Paul described “the fruit of the Spirit.” This list of fruit is somethingthat should be growing within each of us.But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 17Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillThere’s no need to ask God what his will is when it comes to your heart. He wants us to grow in: Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness Self-controlDiscussion questions8. Review the previous list. Which “fruit” do you think God would like to see ripen in you?Explain your answer.9. What is a decision you are facing? Can thinking about the fruit of the spirit help you makethis decision? Explain your answer.Caution — Don’t justify sinWhen you really want to do something—even if the Bible says not to do it—it’s easy to justify youractions. Here are some common comments I have heard: I know it’s wrong, but God is a forgiving God, I know he will forgive me. I know adultery is wrong, but we’re in love. It’s not a serious sin. God won’t care. All my friends do it. I don’t get mad, I get even.Discussion questions10. What do you think are some of the ways people sometimes justify sin?11. What do you think God thinks about these justifications?12. How can you discipline yourself not to justify sin?Memory verseYour word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 18Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s WillHomework – Day Two1. What is the point of the story at the beginning of this day about the boss, the employee, and themanual?2. Write out one verse that illustrates how important it is to read the Bible:3. Review the list of the Bible’s specific instructions, and choose one thing that sometimes temptsyou personally. Now write a prayer asking God to help you overcome this temptation:4. Why does this study say you should change on the inside? What does that have to do withknowing God’s will?Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 19Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

The Owner’s Manual to the New YouBook 10: Knowing God’s Will5. How can thinking about the most important commandment (Matthew 23:37-40) help youknow God’s will?6. How can thinking about the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) help you know God’s will?7. When some people sin, they say, “I know it’s wrong, but we serve a loving God and he willforgive me.” Is that a good idea? Why or why not?8. Write a prayer asking God to help you not say, “I know it’s wrong, but we serve a loving Godand he will forgive me.”Doug Britton, MFT www.dougbrittonbooks.com / Page 20Copyright 2020 Doug Britton. Permission granted to copy for personal use if not modified.

Day Three: Listen to the Holy SpiritIn the Old Testament, God spoke to people throughhis Spirit, prophets, angels, and other means.Sometimes these were once-in-a-lifetime events.Things changed after Jesus’ death, resurrection, andascension into heaven. That’s because Godestablished a much closer relationship with us asindividuals. He sent his Spirit—known as the HolySpirit—to earth to live inside every believer.Don't you know that you yourselves are God'stemple and that God's Spirit lives in you? (1Corinthians 3:16)The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or a “force.” He isactually God’s Spirit living within us.Discussion questions1. This lesson says the Holy Spirit is not an “it” or a “force.” What (or who) is the Holy Spirit?2. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. What does that mean? Why isit important?The Holy Spirit leads usThe Holy Spirit plays an important role in our lives. He guides us

Book 39: Overcoming Rejection Book 40: Overcoming Temptation (Part 1) Book 41: Overcoming Temptation (Part 2) Book 42: Overcoming Anxiety and Fear Book 43: Overcoming Jealousy and Insecurity Book 44: Overcoming Self-Sufficiency Book 45: Overcoming Guilt and Shame Book 46: Overcoming Discouragement Book 47: Overcoming Failure