Introduction

An “Open Door” is an opportunity from God that we must “TEST” or discern. That is the nature of an “Open Door.” It is not simply an opportunity that we must grab the moment we see it. Instead, we must take the time to pray and seek guidance from the Lord, especially through the help of spiritual friends or companions. It’s not an easy task. We can make mistakes along the way. The choices are not always clear. But why? Why would God give us these “Open Doors” and yet not make them so crystal clear that it is from Him? Why do we have to go through all the trouble of discerning them and thus make possible mistakes along the way?

Three Reasons

1. God wants us to know and love Him willingly. (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6; 42:1-6) – God does not tell us everything we need to know about Him in one sitting. Instead, He reveals Himself slowly, and not in overt ways that overwhelm us. He has to be sought in our everyday experiences in order for us to know and love Him in spirit and truth. If we want to, we can disregard Him and He will remain hidden from us. He gently unfolds who He is as we seek Him with all our hearts.
2. God wants us to grow toward spiritual maturity. (Eph 4:14-16; Heb 5:11-14; Jas 1:2-5) – Although we are His children, He doesn’t want us to remain “childish.” Instead, He wants us to grow in spiritual maturity, knowing good and evil, and learn how to choose what is good and pleasing and glorifying to Him. He doesn’t choose for us. He is willing to guide us with His wisdom, but we must learn to decide for ourselves in love.
3. God wants us to join Him in ministry. (Gen 18:16-19; John 15:5-8; 2 Thess 1:11-12) – We are not passive spectators. We are co-laborers with Christ. God wants us to know His plans and be involved in what He is doing in the world, but out of our own volition. In other words, He wants us to participate as active representatives of God in this world, out of our free choices, to bring about His purposes by His grace through faith.

Conclusion

1. Main Idea: “Discernment of ‘Open Doors’ is the bridge from faith to fruit.”
2. Faith without works is dead. Discernment is the key to action.
3. Don’t grab every “Open Door.” Discern it or TEST it together with others.

Discussion

1. An “Open Door” is an opportunity from God that we must “TEST” or discern. Why?
2. Looking back, which of the three reasons have become clearer to you now?
3. What would you do differently now that you know these three reasons?