How to Find the Will of God
1. THE PREREQUISITE: SUBMIT YOUR WILL TO THE LORD:
A. Seek His will, not your own:
Lk.22:42 – Not My will, but Thine, be done
Jn.5:30b – I seek not Mine Own will, but the will of the Father
Jn.6:38 – I came…not to do Mine Own will, but the will of (God)
B. Seek & trust the Lord:
Psa.37:5 – Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him
Pro.3:6 – In all thy ways acknowledge Him, & He shall direct
Psa.143:10 – [Pray:] Teach me to do Thy will…lead me
Col.1:9 – Pray…that ye be filled with the knowledge of His will
C. Sincerely desire to do God’s will:
Psa.40:8 – I delight to do Thy will, O my God
Mat.6:10b – Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven
Jn.4:34 – My meat is to do the will of Him (God) that sent Me
Eph.6:6 – Doing the will of God from the heart
D. As you obey Him, He will reveal His will to you:
Hos.6:3a – Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord
Mk.4:24,25 – Unto you that hear shall more be given
Jn.7:17 – If any man will do His will, he shall know whether
Rom.12:1,2 – Present your bodies a living sacrifice…that ye may prove what is that good…& perfect will of God
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES US TO FIND GOD’S WILL:
Jn.16:13,14 – The Spirit…will guide you into all truth…& show you
1Cor.2:11 – The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God
Jam.1:5 – If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God
(See also Phi.3:15b)
1Jn.2:27 – The same anointing teacheth you of all things
3. THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR GOD’S WILL IS IN HIS WORD:
A. The Bible is His written, revealed will:
Psa.119:105 – Word is a lamp unto my feet, & a light unto my path
Rom.2:18 – (Thou) knowest His will…being instructed out of law
2Tim.3:16 – All Scripture is given by…God…for instruction
(See also Deut.29:29; Psa.119:128; Jn.5:39; Acts 17:11; 1Tim.3:14a,15a.)
B. Warning against not obeying the Word:
Pro.28:9 – He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law
Isa.8:20 – If they speak not according to this Word…no light
C. Beware of interpreting it as you please:
2Pet.1:20 – No…Scripture is of any private interpretation
2Pet.3:16 – Unlearned wrest Scriptures to their own destruction
Isa.28:10 – For precept must be (balanced) upon precept…line upon line; here a little, & there a little
(See also Lk.10:25,26)
D. Read & study the Word carefully:
Neh.8:8 – They read in the…law of God distinctly, & gave the sense (meaning), & caused them to understand
Mat.9:13 – Go ye & learn what that [Scripture] meaneth
2Tim.2:15 – Study…rightly dividing the Word of truth
E. When a verse speaks specifically, directly to you:
Psa.103:20b – Ye…that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word
Psa.119:130 – The entrance of Thy Words…giveth understanding
Psa.119:133a – Order my steps in Thy Word
Pro.6:22,23 – When thou goest, it (the Word) shall lead thee…when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee
Lk.24:32 – Did not our heart burn within us…while He (Jesus) opened to us the Scriptures?
Acts 2:37a – When they heard this…were pricked in their heart
F. Pray & ask the Lord to help you understand:
Psa.119:18 – Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law
Psa.119:34,35 – Give me understanding, & I shall keep Thy law
Pro.2:3-11 – If thou…liftest up thy voice for understanding…seekest… then shalt thou find knowledge
Lk.24:45 – Then opened He (Jesus) their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures
G. Ask mature Christians to explain difficult passages to you:
Acts 8:30-35 – Understandest thou what thou readest? How can I, except some man should guide me?
4. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH DREAMS:
A. Revelatory dreams given to His people:
Num.12:6 – I the Lord…will speak unto him in a dream
Job 33:15-17 – In a dream, He (God)…sealeth their instruction
Jer.23:28 – The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell
Joel 2:28b – Your old men shall dream dreams (See Acts 2:17b)
B. Old Testament examples:
God gave Abraham a prophetic message in a dream(Gen.15:12-16); God’s warning dream to Abimelech, the Philistine king(Gen.20:2-7); God promised Jacob that He was with him(Gen.28:10-16); Jacob’s dream warned him to depart(Gen.31:10-13); Laban warned not to harm Jacob(Gen.31:22-24); Joseph’s two prophetic dreams(Gen.37:5-9); Prophetic dreams of Pharaoh’s baker & butler(Gen.40:1-13,16-22); Pharaoh’s dream of coming famine(Gen.41:17-32); Israel instructed to go to Egypt(Gen.46:1-4); Gideon encouraged to do God’s will by hearing dream of barleycake(Judg.7:9-15); Solomon’s dream(1Ki.3:5-15); Eliphaz’s dream(Job 4:12-21); Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of coming world kingdoms(Dan.2:1,28,29,31-45); King’s dream & its interpretation given to Daniel(Dan.2:16-19); Daniel’s dream of coming world kingdoms(Dan.7:1-28).
C. New Testament examples:
Joseph’s four dreams of instruction & warning(Mat.1:20,21; 2:13, 19,20,22.); Wise men warned in a dream(Mat.2:12); Pilate’s wife’s dream warned them concerning Jesus(Mat.27:19).
D. Caution regarding determining God’s will by dreams:
Eccl.5:3a – A dream [often] cometh through multitude of business
Eccl.5:7 – In the multitude of dreams…are also diverse vanities
Jer.23:25-27a – “I have dreamed”…deceit of their own heart
Jer.23:32 – I am against them that prophesy false dreams
Jer.29:8b – Neither hearken to dreams ye cause to be dreamed
5. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH VISIONS:
A. A vision is when God flashes a picture in your mind’s eye:
Num.12:6 – I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision
Num.24:4 – Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open
Ezk.1:1 – The heavens were opened, & I saw visions of God
Hos.12:10 – I (God) have multiplied visions [to instruct people]
Joel 2:28 – I will pour out My Spirit…young men shall see visions
Acts 10:9b-11 – Peter…fell into a trance, & saw Heaven opened
B. Some Old Testament examples:
Abraham received prophecy in a vision(Gen.15:1-5); Micaiah’s vision of the defeat of Israel(1Ki.22:17,35,36) & of the council around the Lord’s throne(1Ki.22:19-23); Ezekiel’s visions(Ezk.1:1-4; 8:1,2, 10:1.); Daniel’s visions of future events(Dan.8:1,2; 10:4-7); Zechariah’s visions(Zech.1:7,8).
C. New Testament examples:
Archangel Gabriel prophesied to Zacharias(Lk.1:11-13,22); Paul’s vision of Jesus(Acts 9:1-7; 26:13-19); The Lord instructed Ananias in a vision(Acts 9:10,11); Paul’s vision of Ananias(Acts 9:12); An angel instructed Cornelius(Acts 10:1-6); The Lord instructed Peter with vision of unclean animals(Acts 10:9b-16); Paul’s vision of Macedonian man(Acts 16:9); God encouraged Paul in a vision(Acts 18:9,10).
D. Beware of false visions:
Jer.14:14 – They prophesy a false vision…deceit of own heart
Jer.23:16 – They speak a vision of their own heart, & not out of the mouth of the Lord
Lam.2:14 – Thy prophets have seen vain & foolish things
6. THE LORD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH PROPHECY & REVELATIONS:
A. Prophecy: The Lord speaking through you, or to your heart:
1Ki.19:12 – [God spoke to Elijah in] a still small voice
Jer.1:9 – Behold, I have put My Words in thy mouth
Ezk.3:10,11 – All My Words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears
Ezk.3:27 – I will open thy mouth, & thou shalt say
Lk.2:26a – It was revealed unto him (Simeon) by the Holy Ghost
Acts 2:17a – In last days…your sons & your daughters shall prophesy
Acts 10:19,20 – While Peter thought…the Spirit said unto him
Acts 13:1,2 – There were certain prophets…the Holy Ghost said
1Cor.12:28 – God hath set some (prophets) in the church
(See also Acts 8:26; 1Cor.14:31; Eph.3:3,5.)
B. Warnings about false prophecy:
Deut.13:1-3 – [Don't heed prophets which try to turn you astray]
Deut.18:22 – If the thing follow not, nor come to pass…the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously
Jer.23:21 – I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied
Jer.23:26 – They are prophets of the deceit of their own heart
Ezk.13:6,7 – Ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken
Gal.1:8 – Though we, or an angel…preach any other gospel…let him be accursed
(See also Mat.24:4,5,11,23-26)
7. SEEKING COUNSEL:
A. Counselling with others who know the Lord & His Word well:
Exo.18:25,26 – Able men…judged the people
Deut.17:8-11 – If there arise a matter too hard for thee…matters of controversy…come unto the judge
Pro.11:14 – In the multitude of counsellors there is safety
Pro.15:22 – In multitude of counsellors (purposes) are established
Pro.20:18 – Every purpose is established by counsel: & good advice
2Cor.13:1b – In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established
(See also Acts 11:22,23; 15:22,32.)
B. Coming to a reasonable agreement:
Acts 15:25 – It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord
Acts 15:28 – For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, & to us
C. Warnings about not seeking (or not heeding) godly counsel:
Pro.15:22a – Without counsel purposes are disappointed
2Chr.10:1-15 – Rehoboam…forsook the counsel which the [wiser] old men gave him, & took counsel with the young men
Acts 27:9-15,21,41 – [The sailors rejected Paul's counsel, based their decision on natural reasoning (vs. 12,13) & were shipwrecked]
D. Be willing to change plans if God leads otherwise:
2Sam.7:1-13 – [Nathan agreed to David's plan to build a temple, but changed his mind after God showed him otherwise]
8. GOD OFTEN REVEALS HIS WILL BY OBVIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES:
A. God often sets up special circumstances to show His will:
2Sam.5:22-25 – [God gave David a specific sign as to when to rise & attack the Philistines]
Mk.14:12-16 – Go into the city, & there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher…follow him (See also Lk.22:7-13)
B. Sometimes obvious circumstances indicate God’s leading:
1Cor.16:9 – A great door & effectual is opened unto me
2Cor.2:12 – When I came to Troas…door opened to me of the Lord
Rev.3:8 – I have set before thee an open door…for thou hast kept My Word
Lk.10:8,9 – Into whatsoever city ye enter, & they receive you, eat
(See also Mat.10:11)
C. Examples of obvious circumstances:
Acts 8:30-35 – [Ethiopian eunuch requested an explanation of Isa.53]
Acts 13:7 – Sergius Paulus [governor of Cyprus]…called Barnabas & Saul, & desired to hear the Word of God
Acts 13:14-16 – If ye have any word of exhortation…say on (speak)
Acts 17:18-22 – May we know what this new doctrine…is?
Jn.2:1-11 – There was a marriage…Jesus was called, & His disciples [His miracle there caused many to believe]
D. Gauging circumstances & conditions, & acting accordingly:
1Ki.17:1-9 – [When the brook Cherith dried, Elijah knew it was time to move on, & God told him where to go]
Mat.12:14,15a – Pharisees…held a council…how they might destroy Him. When Jesus knew it, He withdrew from thence
Lk.10:10 – In whatsoever city they receive you not, go your ways (See also Mat.10:14)
Jn.7:1 – He would not walk in Jewry…Jews sought to kill Him
Jn.11:53,54 – (He) walked no more openly among the Jews; but went
Acts 8:1,4 – [God uses persecution & adverse circumstances to make you obey if you won't otherwise See Acts 1:8]
Acts 14:5,6 – There was an assault…they were ware of it, & fled
Acts 20:3,6 – [About to sail from Greece, Paul learned of an ambush & travelled another route instead]
Acts 27:9,10, When sailing was dangerous, Paul admonished them
Acts 27:12-15 – [Warning regarding wrongly judging conditions]
E. Circumstances are not always an indication of God’s will:
Sometimes you just need to have faith:
Exo.14:9-16 – [The Red Sea seemed to be an impassable closed door]
2Ki.7:1,2,18 – [Even] if the Lord would make windows in Heaven [to provide food], might this… be? And it came to pass
Eccl.11:4 – He that regardeth the clouds shall not reap
Jer.1:6,7 – [Youthful Jeremiah knew the elders might not listen to him, but was commanded to prophesy anyway]
Mat.14:15-21 – This is a desert…& the time is now [late]; send the multitude away [But Jesus fed them miraculously]
Mat.15:32-38 – Whence should we have so much bread [to feed them]?
F. Have faith & don’t “look at the waves” & conditions:
Mat.14:30,31 – When (Peter) saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid… Jesus said, Wherefore didst thou doubt?
Mk.2:2-5 – When they could not come nigh to Him for the (crowds), they (broke up) the roof…& let down the bed
Lk.5:5 – Master, we have toiled all night, & have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy Word I will
Lk.8:49,50 – Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. Jesus (said), Fear not: believe only
Jn.11:39,40 – By this time he stinketh. Jesus saith, If thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God
2Cor.5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight
Heb.11:23-27 – By faith Moses [obeyed God]…not fearing the…king
9. KNOWING BY FAITH, THE “WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT”:
A. Sometimes God leads you by giving you a strong desire:
Or you just “feel” led in a certain direction:
Psa.37:4 – Delight thyself also in the Lord; & He shall give thee the desires of thine heart
Pro.16:1 – The preparations of the heart in man…from the Lord
Pro.21:1 – The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord…He turneth it whithersoever He will
Judg.14:1-4 – [Samson desired a Philistine woman] It was of the Lord
B. Beware about insisting on something you want:
Psa.106:14,15 – He gave their request; but sent leanness into their soul
Num.22:12-22,32 – [Baalim greedy for gain went with wicked king Balak's messengers]
2Ki.5:15,16,20-27 – [Elisha refused to accept gifts from Naaman, but Gehazi covetously took some & was struck leprous]
Acts 21:4,10-14,27,33 – [Paul determined to go to Jerusalem despite the Holy Spirit's warning, & was imprisoned]
Jam.4:3 – Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts
10. DETERMINING GOD’S WILL BY CONFIRMING SIGNS:
A. Setting a condition for a specific confirming sign:
Judg.6:36-40 – [Gideon & the "sign" of the wet & dry fleeces]
Gen.24:14 – [Abraham's servant set a specific requirement to let him know who was to be Isaac's wife]
1Sam.14:8-10 – But if they say thus…this shall be a sign unto us
B. Fleeces can be inaccurate if options are too restricted:
Acts 1:23-26 – [The apostles cast lots between Matthias & Joseph, but God's choice was Paul See Gal.1:1]
C. Requiring a “sign” often indicates un belief:
Jn.4:48 – Except ye see signs & wonders, ye will not believe
D. “Confirming signs” sometimes not given:
Mat.12:39a – An evil & adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it
Lk.23:8,9 – Herod…hoped to have seen some miracle done by (Jesus)…nothing
11. SOMETIMES GOD’S WILL & PLANS ARE CONDITIONAL:
A. What God does often depends upon man’s actions & reactions:
1Ki.21:17-29 – [Judgment delayed because Ahab repented]
2Chr.7:13,14 – [If the people repented, God's judgments turned away]
2Chr.34:24-28 – [Judgment delayed because Josiah repented]
Jer.26:2,3,13 – If they turn from evil ways…I will repent of the evil which I purpose to do unto them
Mat.10:13 – If the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it
Heb.4:6 – Some must enter therein, & they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief
(See also Heb.3:10-12,18,19)
B. Examples of God changing His mind:
Exo.32:9-14 – Moses besought the Lord…& the Lord repented of the evil which He [had] thought to do
(See also Gen.19:17-21; 2Ki.20:1-6; Amos 7:1-6; Jon. 3:4-10.)
12. GOD OFTEN GIVES CHRISTIANS ALTERNATIVE CHOICES:
A. He lets us choose within the boundary of His overall will:
1Sam.10:7 – Do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee
2Sam.24:11-15 – [David allowed to choose his punishment]
1Ki.3:5,9,10 – [Solomon told to ask God for whatever he wanted]
1Cor.7:36 – Let him do what he will, he sinneth not
1Cor.10:27 – If any…bid you to a feast, & ye be disposed to go
B. Our plans should be subject to the will of God:
Jam.4:13-15 – Ye ought to say, If the Lord will…we shall
Acts 18:21b – I will return again unto you, if God will
Rom.1:10 – Making request, if…I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you
(See also 1Cor.4:19a; 1Cor.16:7; Heb.6:3.)
C. Be sure you’re right before going ahead:
Rom.14:22b – Whatsoever is not of faith is sin (See also vs.23)
D. In love, consider the effect of your actions on others:
Rom.14:15 – If thy brother be grieved…walkest thou not (in love)
1Cor.8:9 – Lest…this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock
1Cor.8:13 – If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh
13. WHEN GOD DOES NOT REVEAL HIS WILL:
A. God’s will concealed from the unyielded & disobedient:
1Sam.28:6,15,16 – [When rebellious Saul prayed & enquired of the Lord, He didn't answer him]
1Ki.22:5-7,19-23 – [God sent a lying spirit to deceive wicked King Ahab and hide His true plans from him]
Jer.4:10 – Thou hast greatly deceived this people…saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword [comes]
Mic.3:4,6,7 – He will not hear them…there is no answer of God
Lk.10:21 – Thou hast hid these things from the [worldly] wise
2Thes.2:10b-12 – Because they received not the love of the truth…God shall send them strong delusion (Also Isa.66:4)
B. How not to try to find God’s will:
[Avoid divination, seances & all occult-related mediums: See Lev.20:6; Deut.18:10,11,14; 2Ki.21:6; 1Chr.10:13,14; Isa.8:19; Ezk.21:21; Dan.2:27,28a.]
14. WHEN YOU DESPERATELY REQUIRE SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS:
Psa.73:24 – Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel (See Psa.16:7)
Pro.4:11 – I have taught thee…I have led thee in right paths
A. God promises to tell you exactly where to go:
Psa.32:8 – I will instruct thee & teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye
Psa.37:23 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
Isa.30:21 – Thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it
B. You must depend upon God to lead you:
Jer.10:23 – The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps
Psa.25:4,5 – Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths
Psa.31:3b – For Thy name’s sake, lead me, & guide me
Pro.4:26 – Ponder the path of thy feet, & let all thy ways be established
C. The Lord sends His angels to guide you:
Exo.23:20 – I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, & to bring thee into the place which I have prepared
Exo.32:34 – Go…behold, Mine angel shall go before thee
(See also Gen.24:7)
D. You must seek & pray for His leading:
Psa.25:4 – Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths
Psa.143:8b – Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee
Pro.3:5,6 – In all thy ways acknowledge Him, & He shall direct
E. Let God lead, even if you don’t know where you’re going:
Heb.11:8 – Abraham, when he was called to go…obeyed; & he went out, not knowing whither he went (See Gen.12:1)
15. YOU CAN COUNT ON GOD’S LEADINGS EVEN WHEN
A. You’re discouraged & at wit’s end:
Psa.23:4 – Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…Thou art with me
Psa.142:3 – My heart was overwhelmed…Thou knewest my path
B. You feel lost:
Isa.42:16 – I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths they that have not known
C. You desperately need guidance in time of danger:
2Ki.6:8-12 – [Elisha warned the king of Israel of the enemies' plans]
Psa.27:11 – Teach me Thy way…lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies
Psa.78:43-52 – [Though Egypt suffered plagues, God] made His Own people to go forth like sheep, & guided them
D. You need a place to stay or eat:
Psa.107:6,7 – They cried unto the Lord…& He led them forth by the right way…to a city of habitation
Mk.14:12-16 – Go into the city, & there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him (See Lk.22:9-13)
E. You’re in a faraway, strange land:
Psa.139:9,10 – In the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall Thy hand lead me
16. THE WILL OF GOD IS SUPREME:
A. God is omnipotent & does whatever He wills:
Psa.75:6,7 – God is judge: He putteth down one, & setteth up another
Dan.4:17 – The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men
Dan.4:35 – He doeth according to His will in the army of Heaven
Acts 5:38,39 – If this counsel…be of God, ye cannot overthrow it
Rom.9:15-18 – Not of him that willeth…but of God that sheweth mercy
Eph.1:11b – (God) worketh all things after counsel of His Own will
B. Even seeming “bad” things happen only by God’s will:
Job 2:3-6 – [In order to test & purge Job] the Lord said unto Satan, He is in thine hand
Acts 2:23 – (Jesus), delivered by the…foreknowledge of God
1Pet.4:19 – Let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him
(See also Acts 4:28)
17. REWARDS FOR DOING GOD’S WILL:
Mat.7:21 – He that doeth will of My Father…shall enter Kingdom
Mat.12:50 – Whosoever shall do the will of (God)…is My brother
Jn.9:31 – If any man…doeth His (God’s) will, him He heareth
Jn.15:14 – Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you
Heb.10:36 – After ye have done will of God…receive the promise
1Jn.2:17b – He that doeth the will of God abideth forever
1Jn.5:14 – If we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us
18. GOD’S WILL ON SPECIFIC SUBJECTS:
A. God’s will regarding salvation:
(See Mat.18:14; Jn.1:13; 6:39,40; Eph.1:5; 1Tim.2:4; Jam.1:18a; 2Pet.3:9b.)
B. Verses on different aspects of God’s will in a Christian’s life:
(See 1Cor.12:11; Gal.1:4; Eph.5:17; 1Thes.4:3; Heb.2:4; 10:10; 1Pet.2:15; 3:17; 4:2,19.)
C. The will of God is the path of life:
(See Psa.16:11; 23:3; 25:10; Pro.2:8,13,20; 4:11,18; 12:28; Mic.4:2.)
12. How To Find The Will Of God, Copyright © 1998-2012, The Family International