"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

We want God's help regarding major decisions. But is this the extent of God's will for our lives?

The Basis for seeking God's Will

• God has created us for a purpose (Acts 13:36), and we want to fulfill that purpose.

• He has called us to do his will (Ephesians 5:17, Hebrews 10:36).

• We obey out of love (John 14:21).

Obedience is really at the heart of all this. Doing God's will is the key.

• God has laid out in his word what he desires (Romans 2:18).

• The spirit speaks the word (John 16:12-15, Ephesians 6:17).

The Spirit's effectiveness is related to how much you are getting of the word.

• God has promised to guide us (Psalms 32:8, Proverbs 3:5-6).

If we fail to find his will, something is wrong. Do we always wait for his leading?

God reveals his truth to those who choose to do God's will (John 7:17). This makes sense. Why would God give us his will if we won't obey it? In fact, There can be trouble when he reveals his will to the disobedient (Jeremiah 42)

God's master plan for all that happens in the universe, revealed or not.

• Job chaps 1,2
• Daniel 4:35
• Acts 2:23, 4:27-28

We must trust that God's will is good, though we may suffer (1 Peter 4:19)

God's commands to all of us. His guidelines for everyone to become like him in holiness.

• Romans 2:18
• 1 Thess 4:3
• Romans 12:2

All of God's moral law is found in the bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 Peter 1:2-4).

God's moral will always comes first and sets the stage for his individual will (Romans 12:2).

Which is worse: walking in close fellowship with the spirit but making a mistake about picking a job, or working at the perfect job while you ignore God? Which is more likely? (Hint: If we're open to his moral will, we'll probably be open to other aspects of his will as well.)

God's desires for a person's life. His plan for us in particular. His way to fulfill our purpose

• Acts 9:15-16
• Acts 21:11-14
• Hebrews chap 11

Note all the ways that people fulfilled God's purposes in Hebrews 11.

Is faith important to following God's will?

• Has God clearly said no? (Numbers 22:12)

• Has he clearly said yes? (1 Samuel 13:12-13)

• Are there other areas in which I need to obey God before he will lead? (Joshua 7:6-12)

• What scriptures come to mind? Have I prayed? (Acts 13:1-3)

• Am I completely open? Have I listed the advantages/drawbacks of my options?
  (Jeremiah 42:19-22)

The Ambivalent Heart

"I seek to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in a given matter. When we are ready to do the Lord's will-- whatever it may be-- nine tenths of the difficulties are overcome." -George Muller

Principle YES NO Neutral

Question YES NO Neutral

Add other principles/questions as they apply

• His word (Psalm 40:8)

• Prayer (Matthew 7:7, James 1:5)

• Godly counsel (Proverbs 15:22)

• Peace (2 Corinthians 2:12-13, Acts 16:6-10)

• Circumstances (Genesis 24)

No single ingredient is enough, yet often one of these ingredients will stand out as being the "key" factor that helps us make our decision.

Do one of these assignments. For assignments one and two, answer:

• What was the key ingredient for the decision?
• Was the decision well made? Why or why not? (Hint: see page three)

1. Pick one or two of the references below and chart it out in terms of the decision-making principles we discussed

 

Genesis chap 24 Exodus chap 18 Numbers chap 22

Nehemiah 2:1-9 Esther chap 4 Acts 16:1-10

 

 

2. Do the same, as above, but focus on a decision that you made.

 

 

3. Use the guidelines on page three to investigate a decision you have yet to make