God’s Desire vs. Ours
OPENING THOUGHT
According to Stephen Harrod Buhner, when the heart is measured with magnetic field meters, the electromagnetic field it produces is 5,000 times more powerful than that created by the brain.
Of course, this has no literal connection to desire because technically speaking, the heart is an organ that pumps blood through the body and not the seat of our emotions. But symbolically we connect the heart to emotions, and is it not true that our emotions seem to have more control over our lives than our thoughts?
Desire is important because it has so much influence over our lives. As in every other comparison in these studies, we find ourselves a long way from God. There is much to learn.
EXPLORING GOD’S WORD
Micah 7:18-20
According to Strong’s, “delights" is from a Hebrew word meaning “to incline to” or “bend toward.” Figuratively, it means “to be pleased with, desire…have or take delight, desire, favor, like … be (well) pleased, have pleasure.”
What is God’s delight/desire according to this passage?
Psalm 51:13-17
What is the background of this psalm? Who is the author?
Does David mean God no longer wanted him to follow the old covenant in bringing animal sacrifices for worship?
What are the sacrifices God will not despise?
What does this passage teach us about what God wants from our repentance?
What does it say about his desire in our worship?
1 Timothy 2:1-6
What does God desire according to Paul?
How does this desire challenge preconceived notions about God’s wrath, judgment, and hell?
How was God’s desire demonstrated in Christ? Be specific by referring to Paul’s terminology in vv. 5-6.
James 1:13-15
Can we excuse sin by saying, “This is the way God made me”?
Where does temptation come from?
Is temptation itself a sin? (see Heb. 4:15).
What happens when we allow sinful desires to give birth to sin?
1 John 2:15-17
What are the three categories of desire that comprise the love of the world?
Why shouldn’t we love the world?
Isn’t it natural to love the world? How do we learn to cultivate the love of the Father (i.e., his desires) in ourselves?
FOR FURTHER STUDY
What Should We Desire?
The law of the Lord (Ps. 1:1-2; 112:1).
The will of God (Ps. 40:7-8).
Salvation of the lost (Rom. 10:1).
Fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Thes. 2:17-20).
Heaven (Heb. 11:16).
Growth through the word of God (1 Pet. 2:2).
