Lesson #15. Knowing the Will of God

Key Truth: A study to explain how we can know the will of God for our lives, to expose some common myths about God’s will, and learn some principles to follow through the Will of God illustration.

I. God exercises His sovereign will over all creation.

1. ALL THAT IS REVEALED ABOUT TIME AND HISTORY INDICATES GOD IS IN TOTAL CONTROL: The prophecies of the Scriptures prove that all the universe is governed by and under God’s control. Consequently, God urges us to … 9 remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’ 11 … I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it (Isa.46:9-11). He told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years and be set free with many possessions generations long before it happened (see Gen.15:13-16). He told Moses that Israel would possess Canaan, be removed for their sins, and be restored to the Promised Land even before the nation had entered the land (see Deuteronomy Chapters 27-32). Nearly every prophet spoke of Israel’s removal from the land as well as their eventual restoration as a regathered people in the land Jer.31:31-37; 33:23-26; Ezk.16:60-63; 34:25-31; 39:25-29; Amos 9:13-15 etc). The same is true about the N.T. promises of the Endtimes. The Bible bears testimony to a God who knows the end more clearly than we know the past. He is in total control of time and eternity.
2. THE INCARNATION, ATONEMENT, AND HIS ULTIMATE REIGN SHOW GOD WILL TRIUMPH: All this may seem a bit impersonal and clinical. That is quickly dismissed by the Bible’s revelation that God mounted a rescue mission when, in fulfilment of the ancient prophecies, God sent forth His Son born of a virgin (see Gal.4:4-5 c.f. 2 Cor.5:19). After His atoning death and victorious resurrection, Jesus drew attention to the prophecies that He fulfilled when He told His startled disciples – 44 … These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead (Lk.24:44-46). The book of Revelation sums up the epistles that reveal the ultimate triumph of Christ and His everlasting reign over all His enemies.
3. THE LORD’S WISE PLAN TO CLAIM AN EVERLASTING FAMILY TO SHARE HIS GLORY: The rebellion of Satan and his demons as well as that of Adam & Eve show us that God gave all creatures a choice. In other words, people and the angels have been able to choose to do God’s will or their own. However, God already had a counter-plan in motion from the foundation of the world (see Eph.1:4; 2:10 c.f. Gen.3:15). The N.T. explains how through faith in Christ, penitent sinners are justified before a holy God, who then sets about to make His children righteous until their final redemption (Romans Chapters 3-8). As Jesus prayed before He laid down His life – Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, may be with Me where I am, to see My glory that you have given Me because you loved Me before the foundation of the world (Jn.17:24).

II. God has expressed His will through commands.

1. PEOPLE ARE NOT MINDLESS ROBOTS OR PAWNS: God holds us responsible for our decisions. Paul discussed God’s sovereign control in Romans Chapters 9-11 and ends with a song of praise for His sovereign plan (see Rom.11:33-36). The apostle Paul therefore challenges us – 8 … “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing His riches on all who call on Him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom.10:8-13). People have the ability to freely choose. The same prophets of old that repeatedly denounced Israel’s rebellion predicting their exile, also painted a brilliant future for a surviving remnant of His people. God is in control and in His wisdom holds all people responsible for their deeds. Jesus declared – 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Mt.12:36-37).
2. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS WILL FOR THE CREATURES HE HAS MADE: From the Garden of Eden through each succeeding dispensation God expressed His will through commands and precepts. At times He was very specific: (i) He has called us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son (see Rom.8:29; Eph.1:4-6). (ii) He desires for believers to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph.5:17-18). (iii) He wants us to be sexually pure (see 1 Thes.4:3-8). (iv) He longs for us to be thankful (see 1 Thes.5:18). (v) It is His will that we submit to those in authority (see 1 Pet.2:13-15). (vi) He expects us to follow the example of Christ in suffering (see 1 Pet.2:21; 4:19). (vii) Peter indicated that – The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Pet.3:9). These are just a few expressions of His will.
3. GOD ASSISTS US BY GRANTING US THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit helps us to discern truth from error (see 1 Jn.2:20 & 27). Our sin and disobedience can grieve and quench the operation of the Holy Spirit in our lives (see Eph.4:30; 1 Thes.5:19). The Holy Spirit has been given to convict us of sin so that our relationship with the Lord can be restored (see Jn.16:7-15). The child of God has divine support to live a life that pleases God.

III. God’s will is not a road, but a RELATIONSHIP.

1. SIMPLIFYING OUR VIEW OF THE WILL OF GOD: There are human limits to grasping the ways of God (see Isa.40:28; 55:8-9). However, many Christians mistakenly view God’s will as a predetermined ROAD. Some suggest that when we stray from this track (what some call the ‘directive’ will of God) through sin and disobedience, then we must settle for God’s 2nd or 3rd best (what some call the ‘permissive’ will of God). However, this demeans God and suggests that He was caught off-guard by our sin. This is not a proper biblical explanation of our sin problem or God’s brilliant solution. Such a view complicates and confuses sincere believers. On such an understanding, no person could possibly be following God’s directive will!
2. THE WILL OF GOD IS NOT A ROAD BUT A RELATIONSHIP: God’s marvelous answer is to call us into a relationship with Him. Like all relationships, they can break down that require us to resolve the differences. Nevertheless, it never breaks down from God’s side. Many can testify that they have grown a deeper love for their spouses and friends despite many tests and conflicts.
3. GOD’S PROVIDES SPECIFIC HELP TO SUSTAIN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM: Jesus told Israel’s chief rabbi, Nicodemus – … Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (Jn.3:3). He explained – 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again (Jn.3:6-7). Upon this new birth, we are established, empowered, and sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit (see 2 Cor.1:21-22; Eph.1:13-14). The same Holy Spirit who dwells in us is also the Author of the Scriptures so we can know the will of God (see 2 Tim.3:16-17; 2 Pet.20-21). He leads us into all truth and convicts us of sin when we get out of His will (see Jn.14:26; 15:26-27; 16:7-11, 13-14). Not only did Jesus pay for all our sins with His own precious blood (see Col.2:13-15; 1 Pet.1:18-19), He forgives us when whenever we repent, and He restores our relationship again: John addressed this with God’s children (see 1 Jn.1:5-10 c.f. Rom.8:26-39). John clearly understood that everyone commits sin. However, he further explains that our relationship is immediately restored through confession (see also 1 Jn.2:1-2). The will of God is that we stay connected to His Son (see Jn.15:1-11).

IV. The Will of God illustration.

1. LIVING BY THE PRINCIPLES OF THE BIBLE: Knowing the will of God is not some deep undiscoverable mystery. God has laid down clear objective principles to guide us. No one can claim to be doing God’s will if their actions are contrary to what He has revealed in the Scriptures.
2. APPLYING THESE PRINCIPLES IN PRACTICE: As believers, the Holy Spirit guides us to put these principles into practice so we might please God and walk in fellowship with Him. Here are some preconditions to discovering God’s will …
   (i) Seek to know God’s will not simply for guidance … but to be used by Him for His glory.
   (ii) Do not stop at getting to know God’s will … but get to know Him.
   (iii) Practice living in the will of God … by asking Him each new day.

Group Discussion:

1. What truth in this study has changed your understanding of the Will of God.
2. Practice the Will of God illustration so you can share the truths with others in their confusion.