andrew dodson

I know… I’m about five days late posting these… but… better late than never!  Our PCG didn’t actually meet last week, so these answers are mine alone. 

Luke 7:1-10 Listen

7:1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

1.  What is the will of God?

God wants us to have strong faith; He wants us to understand His authority and sovereignty over our life; Faith is believing God will take care of us.

2.  In light of God’s will, what is He like?

God is trustworthy - He will reward our faith in Him.

3.  What are practical ways we can apply God’s will?

Verse 6 is a display of humility; True faith requires humility - recognizing that we cannot live this life on our own and we need God’s help; Daily, we should look for opportunities to rely on God’s help, instead of trying to get by on our own strength.  Service is an opportunity for humility - being sensitive to the needs of others and focusing on them instead of our own personal needs and desires.

4.  What are ways we blow God’s will?

It would have been easy for the centurion to get angry with God because of his servant’s sickness.  When we face trials and tribulations, it’s very easy to get upset with God for not making our lives easy.  Job’s wife told him to curse God and die for his troubles.  In natural disasters, war, mass murders - we get upset with God for letting these tragedies happen.  We blow God’s will by becoming angry, upset and disappointed when faced with adversity.

5.  What thoughts are revealed by our actions?

How could God let this happen?  Why can’t life be easy?

6.  What beliefs about God are revealed by these actions?

It shows our lack of faith; If we had a true 100% faith in God, we would not be shaken by trials and tribulations.  But, in showing our anger and disappointment, we prove how little faith we actually possess.

7.  How are you doing in this area?

If I’m very honest, there is a lot of frustration, doubt and disappointment present in my life.  Living with peace and contentment and a satisfaction in God alone is a struggle.  I need to rest in the fact that my family, friends, job, abilities and relationships are all a result of God’s plan for my life.  I can do nothing to change His plan for my life.  Having faith in God’s plan for my life is sometimes difficult, especially when I can’t see what’s around the bend.