Text: Psa. 32:9                                                   578

                           TWO WAYS TO LIVE

We live in response to external forces which are all more powerful
than we are.  Paul speaks of the powerful, world-wide rulers of
darkness which are arrayed against us (Eph. 6:12).  On the other side
stands the God of heaven who demonstrated His awesome power.  (Eph.
1:19-20).  So, how are we going to respond?

I.  CONTROLLED BY BIT AND BRIDLE
    A.  As a horse and mule
            1.  They do have intelligence and will.
            2.  Strength & energy to be harnessed, & made useful.
            3.  Can exist in the wild, but not achieve.
            4.  Without understanding (to separate mentally; conclude).
    B.  The methodology
            1.  By compelling pressure from the outside.
            2.  Conflicting wills, with the inferior yielding to superior

         II.  CONTROLLED BY UNDERSTANDING
    A.  The impelling force = co-operation of wills
            1.  The will of man - Not foolish ("having no mind). Eph. 5:17
            2.  The will of God - Rom. 12:2
    B.  The methodology
            1.  Based on comprehension of the fact that God's will is:
                        a.  Good - He only wants what is good for us
                        b.  Acceptable - w/ renewed mind, its e-z to accept 
                           & is "well-pleasing" or "fully agreeable".
                        c.  Perfect - nothing needed is left out.
            2.  The response of love to God.  
                        a.  Love responds to what it knows and appreciates 
                        b.  So God instructs us.  Psa. 32:8; Jer. 17:5
    C.  To fathom God's understanding of the soul
            1.  His is ultimate & final.  He is the creator.
            2.  He knows all.  John 2:25
            3.  He is our friend.  A real friend understands.
    D.  That there is purpose for our lives - Eph. 1:11
            1.  Using the power & energy of life for the Master Eph. 2:10
            2.  Based on values beyond mere existence - Eph. 5:1-2
            3.  We cannot achieve w/o controlling & direction. Eph. 4:24
    E.  What He has done and promised
            1.  Shown us ONE driven by love & reverence.  Isa. 11:3
            2.  Will deal with man righteously.  Isa. 11:3b-5
                        a.  Based on perfect understanding, knowledge, sympathy
                        b.  So we yield not to pressure, but love's constraint.

        III.  THE APPEAL
    A.  God has made the provisions
            1.  Through Jesus Christ.  1 John 5:20
            2.  The revelation of His will. Col. 2:2
    B.  Based on human capacity
            1.  Capable of knowing and understanding.  Eph. 5:17
            2.  Paul's fervent prayer.  Phil. 1:9-11
    C.  Reveals Divine purpose
            1.  To realize what life is all about
            2.  Choose understanding & cultivate your fellowship with God.