1. In these verses the writer of Hebrews offered a prayer on behalf of the Lord's followers. 2. (vs.21a) He included a request that God would make His people "perfect in every good work to do His will." 3. He went on to say that this is the way in which God works in His people. 4. Recently we have been emphasizing how Christians are to understand "what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17). 5. In addition to understanding God's will, we are to put it into practice. 6. In our lesson we are concentrating on passages that teach us to "do the Father's will."
Discussion:
I. FIRST, LET US CONSIDER THE LORD'S TEACHING
A. (Matthew 6:10b) Jesus taught His followers to pray for the will of God to be done. B. (Matthew 7:21) Doing the Father's will is a requirement for entering the kingdom. C. (Matthew 12:50) The Lord's family consists of those who do the Father's will. D. (Matthew 21:28-32) Jesus gave an illustration about doing the Father's will.
II. SECOND, LET US CONSIDER THE LORD'S EXAMPLE
A. (Matthew 26:39-44) Jesus submitted completely to His Father's will. B. In the Gospel of John Jesus stated repeatedly that He came to do His Father's will. 1. John 4:34 2. John 5:30 3. John 6:38-40 C. We conclude from the Lord's teaching, as well as His example, that He wants His followers to do the Father's will.
III. THIRD, LET US CONSIDER PASSAGES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS
A. (Romans 12:1-2) Paul explained what is involved in proving the will of God. B. (Colossians 1:9-11) Before we can do the Lord's will we must "be filled with the knowledge of His will." C. Two specific matters are addressed in 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 5:18. D. Special blessings are associated with doing the Father's will in: 1. Hebrews 10:36 2. 1 John 2:17 3. 1 John 5:14-15.
Conclusion:
1. We have examined the Lord's teaching, His example, and passages in the epistles. 2. After doing so, perhaps we can better appreciate the request that the writer of Hebrews made in Hebrews 13:20-21. 3. Let us: a. understand what the will of the Lord is b. put the Lord's will into practice with all diligence.
