How to Find the Will of God

1. THE PREREQUISITE: SUBMIT YOUR WILL TO GOD:

A. Seek God’s will, not your own:

Luke 22:42   Not my will, but thine, be done

John 5:30   I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father

John 6:38   I came … not to do mine own will, but the will of [God]

B. Seek and trust God:

Psalm 37:5   Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him

Psalm 143:10   [Pray] Teach me to do thy will … lead me

Proverbs 3:6   In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct

Colossians 1:9   Pray … that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will

C. Sincerely desire to do God’s will:

Psalm 40:8   I delight to do thy will, O my God

Matthew 6:10   Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven

John 4:34   My meat is to do the will of [God] that sent me

Ephesians 6:6   Doing the will of God from the heart

D. As you obey Him, He will reveal His will to you:

Hosea 6:3   Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord

Mark 4:24–25   Unto you that hear shall more be given

John 7:17   If any man will do his will, he shall know

Romans 12:1–2   Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy … that ye may prove what is that good … and perfect, will of God

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES US TO FIND GOD’S WILL:

John 16:13–14   The Spirit … will guide you into all truth … and show you

1 Corinthians 2:11   The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God

James 1:5   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God (See also Philippians 3:15.)

1 John 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:

Psalm 119:105   Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path

Romans 2:18   Knowest his will … being instructed out of the law

2 Timothy 3:16   All scripture is given by … God … for instruction

  (See also Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 119:128; John 5:39; Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 3:14–15.)

B. Warning against not obeying the Word:

Proverbs 28:9   He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law

Isaiah 8:20   If they speak not according to this word … no light

C. Beware of interpreting it as you please:

2 Peter 1:20   No … scripture is of any private interpretation

2 Peter 3:16   Unlearned … wrest … scriptures, unto their own destruction

Isaiah 28:10   For precept must be upon precept … line upon line, here a little, and there a little

  (See also Luke 10:25–26.)

D. Read and study the Word carefully:

Nehemiah 8:8   They read in … the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand

Matthew 9:13   Go ye and learn what that [scripture] meaneth

2 Timothy 2:15   Study … rightly dividing the word of truth

E. When a verse speaks specifically, directly to you:

Psalm 103:20   Ye … that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word

Psalm 119:130   The entrance of thy words … giveth understanding

Psalm 119:133   Order my steps in thy word

Proverbs 6:22–23   When thou goest, [the Word] shall lead thee … and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee

Luke 24:32   Did not our heart burn within us … while [Jesus] opened to us the scriptures?

Acts 2:37   When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart

F. Pray and ask God to help you understand:

Psalm 119:18   Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law

Psalm 119:34–35   Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law

Proverbs 2:3–11   If thou … liftest up thy voice for understanding … seekest … Then shalt thou … find knowledge

Luke 24:45   Then opened [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures

G. Ask mature Christians to explain difficult passages to you:

Acts 8:30–35   How can I [understand], except some man should guide me? … I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

4. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH DREAMS:

A. Revelatory dreams given to His people:

Numbers 12:6   I the Lord … will speak unto him in a dream.

Job 33:15–17   In a dream … [God] sealeth their instruction

Jeremiah 23:28   The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell

Joel 2:28   Your old men shall dream dreams (See also Acts 2:17.)

B. Old Testament examples:

  ■ God gave Abraham a prophetic message in a dream (Genesis 15:12–16)

  ■ God’s warning dream to Abimelech, the Philistine king (Genesis 20:2–7)

  ■ God promised Jacob that He was with him (Genesis 28:10–16)

  ■ Jacob’s dream warned him to depart (Genesis 31:10–13)

  ■ Laban warned not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:22–24)

  ■ Joseph’s two prophetic dreams (Genesis 37:5–9)

  ■ Prophetic dreams of Pharaoh’s baker and butler (Genesis 40:1–13,16–22)

  ■ Pharaoh’s dream of coming famine (Genesis 41:17–32)

  ■ Israel instructed to go to Egypt (Genesis 46:1–4)

  ■ Gideon encouraged to do God’s will by hearing dream of barleycake (Judges 7:9–15)

  ■ Solomon’s dream (1 Kings 3:5–15)

  ■ Eliphaz’s dream (Job 4:12–21)

  ■ Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of coming world kingdoms (Daniel 2:1,28–29,31–45)

  ■ The description of the dream and its interpretation was given to Daniel (Daniel 2:16–19)

  ■ Daniel’s dream of coming world kingdoms (Daniel 7:1–28)

C. New Testament examples:

  ■ Joseph’s four dreams of instruction and warning (Matthew 1:20–21; 2:13,19–20,22)

  ■ Wise men warned in a dream (Matthew 2:12)

  ■ Pilate’s wife’s warning dream concerning Jesus (Matthew 27:19)

D. Caution regarding determining God’s will by dreams:

Ecclesiastes 5:3   A dream [can come] through the multitude of business

Ecclesiastes 5:7   In the multitude of dreams … there are also divers vanities

Jeremiah 23:25–27   I have dreamed … deceit of their own heart

Jeremiah 23:32   I am against them that prophesy false dreams

Jeremiah 29:8   Neither hearken to your dreams which 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:

Numbers 12:6   I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision

Numbers 24:4   Falling into a trance, but having his eyes open

Ezekiel 1:1   The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God

Hosea 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 10:9–11   Peter … fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened

B. Some Old Testament examples:

  ■ Abraham received prophecy in a vision (Genesis 15:1–5)

  ■ Micaiah’s vision of the defeat of Israel and of the council around God’s throne (1 Kings 22:17–36)

  ■ Ezekiel’s visions (Ezekiel 1:1–4; 8:1–2; 10:1)

  ■ Daniel’s visions of future events (Daniel 8:1–2; 10:4–7)

  ■ Zechariah’s visions (Zechariah 1:7–8)

C. New Testament examples:

  ■ Archangel Gabriel appeared and prophesied to Zacharias (Luke 1:11–13,22)

  ■ Paul’s vision of Jesus (Acts 9:1–7; 26:13–19)

  ■ God 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)

  ■ God instructed Peter with vision of unclean animals (Acts 10:9–16)

  ■ Paul’s vision of a Macedonian man (Acts 16:9)

  ■ God encouraged Paul in a vision (Acts 18:9–10)

D. Beware of false visions:

Jeremiah 14:14   They prophesy unto you a false vision … the deceit of their heart

Jeremiah 23:16   They speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.

Lamentations 2:14   Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things

6. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH PROPHECY AND REVELATIONS:

A. Prophecy: God speaking through you, or to your heart:

1 Kings 19:12   [God spoke to Elijah in] a still small voice

Jeremiah 1:9   Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth

Ezekiel 3:10–11   All my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears

Ezekiel 3:27   I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them

Luke 2:26   It was revealed unto [Simeon] by the Holy Ghost

Acts 2:17   In the last days … your sons and 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

1 Corinthians 12:28   And God hath set some [prophets] in the church

  (See also Acts 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:31; Ephesians 3:3,5.)

B. Warnings about false prophecy:

Deuteronomy 13:1–3   [Don’t heed prophets which try to turn you astray]

Deuteronomy 18:22   If the thing follow not, nor come to pass … the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously

Jeremiah 23:21   I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied

Jeremiah 23:26   They are prophets of the deceit of their own heart

Ezekiel 13:6–7   Ye say, The Lord saith it; albeit I have not spoken

Galatians 1:8   Though we, or an angel … preach any other gospel … let him be accursed.

  (See also Matthew 24:4–5,11,23–26)

7. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH GODLY COUNSEL:

A. Counselling with others who know God and His Word well:

Exodus 18:25–26   Able men … judged the people

Deuteronomy 17:8–11   If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgement … matters of controversy … come unto the … judge

Proverbs 11:14   In the multitude of counsellors there is safety

Proverbs 15:22   In the multitude of counsellors [purposes] are established

Proverbs 20:18   Every purpose is established by counsel

2 Corinthians 13:1   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 unto us, being assembled with one accord

Acts 15:28   For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us

C. Warnings about not seeking (or not heeding) godly counsel:

Proverbs 15:22   Without counsel purposes are disappointed

2 Chronicles 10:1–15  And Rehoboam … forsook the counsel which the [wiser] old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men

Acts 27:9–15,21,41   [The sailors rejected Paul’s counsel, based their decisions on natural reasoning (27:12–13), and were shipwrecked]

D. Be willing to change plans if God leads otherwise:

2 Samuel 7:1–13   [Nathan agreed to David’s plan to build a temple, but changed his mind after God showed him otherwise]

8. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL BY OBVIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES:

A. God often sets up circumstances to show His will:

2 Samuel 5:22–25   [God gave David a specific sign as to when to rise and attack the Philistines]

Mark 14:12–16   Go into the city and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher … follow him (See also Luke 22:7–13.)

B. Sometimes circumstances indicate God’s leading:

Luke 10:8–9   Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat

  (See also Matthew 10:11.)

1 Corinthians 16:9   A great door and effectual is opened unto me

2 Corinthians 2:12   When I came to Troas … a door was opened unto me of the Lord

Revelation 3:8   I have set before thee an open door … for thou … hast kept my word

Luke 10:8–9   Into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat

  (See also Matthew 10:11.)

C. Examples of obvious circumstances:

Acts 8:30–35   [Ethiopian eunuch requested an explanation of Isaiah 53]

Acts 13:7   Sergius Paulus, [governor of Cyprus] called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God

Acts 13:14–16   If ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on

Acts 17:18–22   May we know what this new doctrine … is?

John 2:1–11   There was a marriage … Jesus was called, and his disciples [His miracle there caused many to believe]

D. Gauging circumstances and conditions, and acting accordingly:

1 Kings 17:1–9   [When the brook Cherith dried, Elijah knew it was time to move on, and God told him where to go]

Matthew 12:14–15   Pharisees … held a council … how they might destroy him

Luke 10:10   In whatsoever city they receive you not, go your ways

  (See also Matthew 10:14.)

John 7:1   He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him

John 11:53–54   Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but went

Acts 8:1,4   [God uses persecution and adverse circumstances to make you obey if you won’t otherwise] (See also Acts 1:8.)

Acts 14:5–6   There was an assault … they were ware of it, and fled

Acts 20:3,6   [About to sail to Syria, Paul learned of an ambush and travelled another route instead]

Acts 27:9–10   When sailing was now dangerous … Paul admonished them

Acts 27:12–15   [Warning regarding wrongly judging conditions]

E. Circumstances are not always an indication of God’s will:

Exodus 14:9–16   [The Red Sea seemed to be an impassable closed door]

2 Kings 7:1–2,18   If the Lord would make windows in heaven [to provide food], might this thing be? … And it came to pass

Ecclesiastes 11:4   He that regardeth the clouds shall not reap

Jeremiah 1:6–7   [Youthful Jeremiah knew the elders might not listen to him, but was commanded to prophesy anyway]

Matthew 14:15–21   This is a desert … and the time is now [late]; send the multitude away [But Jesus fed them miraculously]

Matthew 15:32–38   Whence should we have so much bread [to feed them]?

F. Have faith and don’t “look at the waves” and conditions:

Matthew 14:30–31   When [Peter] saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid … Jesus … said unto him, Wherefore didst thou doubt?

Mark 2:2–5   When they could not come nigh to him for the [crowds] they [broke up] the roof … and let down the bed

Luke 5:5   Master we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will

Luke 8:49–50   Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. [Jesus] answered … Fear not: believe only

John 11:39–40   By this time he stinketh … Jesus saith … If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God

2 Corinthians 5:7   For we walk by faith, not by sight

Hebrews 11:23–27   By faith Moses [obeyed God] … not fearing the … king

9. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH THE “WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT”:

A. Sometimes God leads by giving a strong desire:

Psalm 37:4   Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Proverbs 16:1   The preparations of the heart in man … from the Lord

Proverbs 21:1   The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord … he turneth it whithersoever he will

Judges 14:1–4   [Samson desired a Philistine woman] It was of the Lord

B. Beware about insisting on something you want:

Numbers 22:12–22,32   [Balaam—greedy for gain—went with wicked king Balak’s messengers]

2 Kings 5:15–16,20–27  [Elisha refused to accept gifts from Naaman, but Gehazi covetously took some and was struck leprous]

Psalm 106:14–15   He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul

Acts 21:4,10–14,27,33   [Paul determined to go to Jerusalem despite the Holy Spirit’s warning, and was imprisoned]

James 4:3   Ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts

10. GOD SOMETIMES REVEALS HIS WILL THROUGH CONFIRMING SIGNS:

A. Setting a condition for a specific confirming sign:

Genesis 24:14   [Abraham’s servant set a specific requirement to let him know who was to be Isaac’s wife]

Judges 6:36–40   [Gideon and the “sign” of the wet and dry fleeces]

1 Samuel 14:8–10   But if they say thus … this shall be a sign unto us

B. Requiring a “sign” often indicates unbelief:

Matthew 12:39   An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign

John 4:48   Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe

11. SOMETIMES GOD’S WILL AND PLANS ARE CONDITIONAL:

A. What God does often depends upon man’s actions and reactions:

1 Kings 21:17–29   [Judgement delayed because Ahab repented]

2 Chronicles 7:13–14  [If the people repented, God’s judgements turned away]

2 Chronicles 34:24–28   [Judgement delayed because Josiah repented]

Jeremiah 26:2–3,13   Turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them

Matthew 10:13   If the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it

Hebrews 4:6   Some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief

  (See also Hebrews 3:10–12,18–19.)

B. Examples of God changing His mind:

Exodus 32:9–14   Moses besought the Lord … and the Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do

  (See also Genesis 19:17–21; 2 Kings 20:1–6; Amos 7:1–6; Jonah 3:4–10.)

12. GOD OFTEN GIVES HIS PEOPLE ALTERNATIVE CHOICES:

A. He lets us choose within the boundary of His overall will:

1 Samuel 10:7  Do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee.

2 Samuel 24:11–15   [David allowed to choose his punishment]

1 Kings 3:5,9–10   [Solomon told to ask God for whatever he wanted]

1 Corinthians 7:36   Let him do what he will, he sinneth not

1 Corinthians 10:27   If any … bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go

B. Our plans should be subject to the will of God:

James 4:13–15   Ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall

Acts 18:21   I will return again unto you, if God will

Romans 1:10   Making request, if … I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

  (See also 1 Corinthians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 16:7; Hebrews 6:3.)

C. Be sure you’re right before going ahead:

Romans 14:23   For whatsoever is not of faith is sin

D. Lovingly consider the effects of your actions on others:

Romans 14:15   If thy brother be grieved … walkest thou not charitably

1 Corinthians 8:9   Lest … this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock

1 Corinthians 8:13   If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh

13. WHAT TO DO WHEN GOD DOES NOT REVEAL HIS WILL:

A. God sometimes conceals His will from the unyielded and disobedient:

1 Samuel 28:6,15–16   [When rebellious Saul prayed and enquired of the Lord, He didn’t answer him]

1 Kings 22:5–7,19–23   [God sent a lying spirit to deceive wicked King Ahab and hide His true plans from him]

Jeremiah 4:10   Thou hast greatly deceived this people … saying, Ye shall have peace; whereas the sword [comes]

Micah 3:4,6–7   He will not hear them … there is no answer of God

Luke 10:21   Thou hast hid these things from the [worldly] wise

2 Thessalonians 2:10–12 Because they received not the love of the truth … God shall send them strong delusion (See also Isaiah 66:4.)

B. How not to try to find God’s will:

[Avoid divination, séances, and all occult-related mediums: See Leviticus 20:6; Deuteronomy 18:10–11,14; 2 Kings 21:6; 1 Chronicles 10:13–14; Isaiah 8:19; Ezekiel 21:21; Daniel 2:27–28.]

14. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DESPERATELY REQUIRE SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS:

Psalm 73:24   Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel (See also Psalm 16:7.)

Proverbs 4:11   I have taught thee … I have led thee in right paths

A. God promises to tell you exactly where to go:

Psalm 32:8   I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye

Psalm 37:23   The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord

Isaiah 30:21   And 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:

Jeremiah 10:23   The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps

Psalm 25:4–5   Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths

Psalm 31:3   For thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me

Proverbs 4:26   Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established

C. God sends His angels to guide you:

Exodus 23:20   I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared

Exodus 32:34   Go … mine Angel shall go before thee

  (See also Genesis 24:7.)

D. You must seek and pray for His leading:

Psalm 25:4   Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths

Psalm 143:8   Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee

Proverbs 3:5–6   In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths

E. Let God lead, even if you don’t know where you’re going:

Hebrews 11:8   Abraham, when he was called to go out … obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went (See also Genesis 12:1.)

15. YOU CAN COUNT ON GOD’S LEADINGS EVEN WHEN …

A. You’re discouraged and at wits’ end:

Psalm 23:4   Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death … thou art with me

Psalm 142:3   My spirit was overwhelmed … thou knewest my path

B. You feel lost:

Isaiah 42:16   I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known

C. You desperately need guidance in time of danger:

2 Kings 6:8–12   [Elisha warned the king of Israel of the enemies’ plans]

Psalm 27:11   Teach me thy way … lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies

Psalm 78:43–52   [Though Egypt suffered plagues, God] made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them

D. You need a place to stay or eat:

Psalm 107:6–7   They cried unto the Lord … and he led them forth by the right way … to a city of habitation.

Mark 14:12–16   Go into the city and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water, follow him (See also Luke 22:9–13.)

E. You’re in a faraway, strange land:

Psalm 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 and does whatever He wills:

Psalm 75:6–7   God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Daniel 4:17   The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men

Daniel 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

Romans 9:15–18   Not of him that willeth … but of God that showeth mercy

Ephesians 1:11   [God] worketh all things after the counsel of his own will

B. Even seeming bad things happen only by God’s will:

Job 2:3–6   [In order to test and purge Job] the Lord said unto Satan, He is in thine hand

Acts 2:23   [Jesus] delivered by the … foreknowledge of God

1 Peter 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:

Matthew 7:21   He that doeth the will of my Father [shall enter the kingdom]

Matthew 12:50   Whosoever shall do the will of [God] is my brother

John 9:31   If any man … doeth [God’s] will, him he heareth

John 15:14   Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you

Hebrews 10:36   After ye have done the will of God … receive the promise

1 John 2:17   He that doeth the will of God abideth for ever

1 John 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 Matthew 18:14; John 1:13; 6:39–40; Ephesians 1:5; 1 Timothy 2:4; James 1:18; 2 Peter 3:9.)

B. Verses on different aspects of God’s will in a Christian’s life:

(See 1 Corinthians 12:11; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 2:4; 10:10; 1 Peter 2:15; 3:17; 4:2,19.)

C. The will of God is the path of life:

(See Psalm 16:11; 23:3; 25:10; Proverbs 2:8,13,20; 4:11,18; 12:28; Micah 4:2.)