Dear Brethren,

Wishing you a Blessed New Year!
May we aspire to make 2022 a more significant year!

MEDITATION

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:17

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

1. Therefore do not be unwise

a) Being unwise

i) This is a major problem
ii) Many do not even realise that they are unwise

b) Recall what Paul wrote to the Romans

21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts weredarkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:21-22

c) What is being unwise?

i) When we have futile thoughts
ii) When our foolish hearts are darkened
iii) When we profess we are wise
iv) We become fools instead!

d) Let us pursue wisdom as a major goal in 2022!

2. But understand what the will of the Lord is

a) The Will of the Lord is revealed

i) In the word of God
ii) Our part is to learn how to discern His will

b) How we may discern God’s will

i) Through enlightenment

ii) Through the Holy Spirit
iii) Through prayer

c) The pursuit of the Will of God

i) Much depends on what kind of effort we put in
ii) Spiritual maturity is important!

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. The General Will of God for the Church

a) This may be found as we read Revelation 2-3
b) 5 Churches failed and were warned by the Lord to repent
c) Only 2 churches were commended for their faithfulness

2. The Specific Will of God for pastors

a) To be faithful
b) To be skilful
c) To be fruitful

3. Beginning 2022 humbly and prayerfully!
Let us seek the will of God to be wise and fruitful in the New Year 2022!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan