Scripture Reading:

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. — Ephesians 5:17

Summary:

God has provided the tools and resources with which we can know and understand His will in our individual lives.

I. Importance of Seeking God’s Will

A. Jeremiah 10:23 Not in man to direct his steps.

B. Proverbs 16:25 Ways of man are death.

II. You Can Know God’s Will

A. Proverbs 3:6 God will direct your paths.

B. Ephesians 1:8-9 Christ reveals His will.

C. Colossians 1:9 Knowledge of God’s will.

III. God’s General Will for All People

A. 2 Peter 3:9 All should come to repentance.

B. Romans 12:1-2 Prove the will of God.

C. 1 Peter 1:15-16 Be holy in all manner of life.

D. 1 Peter 2:21-23 Follow Christ’s example.

E. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Sanctification.

F. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice, pray, give thanks.

IV. How God Reveals His Will

A. Word of God

1. 1. Psalm 119:105 A light unto our path.
   2. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 Profitable for instruction.

B. Holy Spirit

1. 1. John 16:13 He will guide into all truth.
   2. Romans 8:14 Led by the Spirit.
   3. Isaiah 30:21 Thine ears shall hear a word.

C. Voice of God

1. 1. Matthew 17:5 God speaks from the cloud.
   2. Acts 8:26 Angel of the Lord instructs Philip.

D. Human Instrumentality

1. 1. Ephesians 4:11-13 The ministry.
   2. Hebrews 13:17 Submit to God’s ministry.
   3. Proverbs 11:14 Importance of counsel.

E. Providence

1. 1. Romans 8:28 All things work together.
   2. Acts 16:6-7 Paul’s plans thwarted.

F. Fleeces

1. 1. Judges 6:36-40 Gideon sets a fleece.
   2. Matthew 12:38-40 Reproof for seeking a sign.

G. Visions and Dreams

1. 1. Acts 2:17 Spirit will give visions and dreams.
   2. Matthew 2:13 An angel warns Joseph.
   3. Acts 10:9-10, 19-20 Peter’s vision. Confirmed by the Spirit.

V. How to Seek for God’s Will

A. Seek with Desire

1. 1. Matthew 6:33 Seek ye first.
   2. Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do thy will.
   3. Psalm 25:4-5,9 Lead me in thy truth.
   4. Proverbs 3:5-7 Acknowledge God.

B. Pray Specifically with Faith

1. 1. James 1:5-6 Ask for wisdom in faith.

C. Draw Close to God

1. 1. Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know.
   2. James 4:8 Draw nigh to God.

D. Listen

1. 1. Psalm 46:10 Be still.
   2. James 1:19 Be swift to hear.

E. Wait Patiently

1. 1. Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord.

F. Submit to God’s Will

1. 1. Matthew 23:37 Ye would not!
   2. Luke 22:42 Not my will.

VI. Obedience

A. Ephesians 6: 6-7 From the heart.

B. Isaiah 1:19 The willing and obedient.

Conclusion:

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
—1 John 2:17