Following God's Guidance
Introduction
- Warren Wiersbe makes an interesting point at the beginning of his chapter on guidance in the book of Proverbs when he says…raising this topic will undoubtedly bring different thoughts into the minds of different people.
- some will hear it and be frustrated, believing that the issue of knowing the will of God is practically an impossible thing.
- others will hear it and be encouraged, remembering a time of trial / difficulty when they knew that holding on to the will of God was about all they had left, but it was enough.
- still someone else might view this topically more analytically, thinking about a particular framework through which the will of God can be determined, or the different ways of viewing this topic.
- what we'd like to point out today is that the book of Proverbs has a lot to say about this subject, and we can therefore approach the study with great hope.
- let's begin with what is probably the best known verse on this subject in the book, Proverbs 3:5-6 - READ
- Warren Wiersbe suggests that knowing the will of God in the book of Proverbs involves six elements:
I. Faith
- the passage says that we're to trust in the Lord…
- seeking to determine the will of God, and attempting to follow the will of God, is first and foremost a matter of trust.
- in what senses…
A. That we belong to Him.
- cf. the way unbelievers are described in Ephesians 2:1-3
- INPUT - What characteristics of the unbeliever are listed in Ephesians 2;1-3 that would prevent such a person from knowing and following the will of God?
B. That the Lord has a plan for our lives.
- Proverbs 19:21 - Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the Lord will stand.
- Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
C. That this plan is the best thing for us.
Warren Wiersbe - How could a holy God will for His children anything less than His best, and how could a loving God plan anything that would harm us? We have no reason to fear the will of God, because His plans come from His heart. “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11, NKJV). Unless we see the will of God as the expression of the love of God, we’ll resist it stubbornly, or do it grudgingly, instead of enjoying it. Faith in God’s love and wisdom will transform our attitude and make the will of God nourishment instead of punishment (John 4:34).
INPUT - List several characteristics of the person whose approach to discovering and doing the will God meets this requirement of "trust". Characteristics of the person who doesn't?
II. Commitment
- cf. the words in Proverbs 3:5-6 - "all your heart" and "all your ways".
- Agree/Disagree - "The will of God isn’t a curiosity for us to study, it’s a command for us to obey; God isn’t obligated to reveal His will unless we’re willing to do it."
- Proverbs 3:1 - My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
- Proverbs 6:20 - My son, observe the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
- the point is that repeatedly the writer calls his son to a point of commitment. It might be good for each of us to ask, how committed am I to doing the will of God?
- INPUT - How does John 7:17 fit into this discussion?
III. Instruction
- we can't trust God without knowing His Word.
- His will is not a mystical thing to be learned through promptings, etc.
- It is an objective thing to be discovered through applying concrete biblical principles to whatever situation we might be facing.
- Proverbs 19:27 - Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
- Proverbs 8:34 - Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts.
- recommend Jay's book on guidance.
[could develop ideas from the CC guidance lecture --- teachers --- see copy of notes at the end of this lesson]
IV. Counsel
- Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
- Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
- Proverbs 27:9 - Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
- INPUT - Why is receiving counsel an important part of determining the will of God?
V. Plans
- Proverbs 13:16 - Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays folly.
- Proverbs 14:8 - The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, but the foolishness of fools is deceit.
- INPUT - What is the relationship between planning in these verses and not "leaning on our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6)?
VI. Obedience
Warren Wiersbe - “In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Prov. 3:6) means, “Do God’s will in every area of life. Seek to honor Him in everything.” Note verse 7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (NKJV). Pride and disobedience in any area of life can get us on dangerous detours, so we must stay humble before Him. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (11:2–3, NKJV).
The assurance is, “and He shall direct your paths.” Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said: “Not always in easy or pleasant paths, but always in right paths. Not always in those I would have chosen, but always in paths which lead to success. . . . The paths that He directs lead always through mist and mystery, through battle and through bruising, to the fulfillment of the meaning of life.”
1/30/98
“How Do I Know the Will of God?”
First prepared for 1998 Missionary Training Conference
Saved as “WilofGod.doc” on Counseling Lectures #2 disk and Viars’ hard drive (coun. lec. sub)
- This afternoon we’re coming to one of the more challenging topics of our conference.
- I say “challenging” in the sense that what I’m about to say is different than many have said, taught, and believed.
- please remember what we said when we began this week....
- when someone asks a question or disagrees with us, we don’t automatically assume that person is an adversary.....
- you may not agree with some or all of what we have to say on this....and I’ll still let you buy me lunch!
- another point we’ve been trying to emphasize throughout the week is that nouthetic ministry is a “package deal”.
- in other words, we’re presenting an approach to ministry that affects a lot more than just counseling.
- part of that package is your view of how the Will of God is determined.
Introduction
1. I’m sure you know that there are a lot of ideas out there.
- Its interesting to listen to sermons, read books, or listen to people on the radio who are talking about this subject....and to see that many times those voices don’t agree.
- Whenever that’s the case, the natural question is....”Is everybody reading out of the same book?”
- why is it that there would be so many views if the Word of God is our standard?
- that’s the rub, isn’t it?
- because often times there is very little attempt to build one’s approach to these subject of careful exegesis of the scriptures.....
- more often that not its testimonials.....”let me tell you what happened to me.”
2. Problems counselors face.
- Its not unusual at all for a counselor to hear someone’s story and recognize, “this person is in the position they are in, in part, because of a wrong view of determining the Will of God.”
a. Dawson Trotman used to like to tell the story of four different men who told him, “God is leading me to marry a particular person”....and the problem was, it was the same person!
- what would you conclude from that?
- at least three of those guys were wrong....and maybe all four.
b. I think of a man who was convinced that God called him to Germany (to serve as a missionary)
- well, he didn’t slow up long enough to get input or evaluation from his local church...
- he didn’t ask anyone to evaluate him in light of I Timothy 3 or Titus 1....
- no one had examined his spiritual giftedness or lack thereof.....
- he didn’t know the language....knew nothing about the culture....
- but he had this feeling....this experience that God was calling him to Germany......
- so he sold his car to pay for the ticket to Germany.....
- making no provisions whatsoever for the care of his wife or children....
- now I ask you, was God calling him to Germany?
- Was that God’s will for his life?
c. I think of a church that was growing and reaching people in their community for Christ....
- it came time to do something to handle the number of new folks that were coming.....
- they either needed to start a second service, add on to their auditorium, or start another church......
- but different men had different views.....and the deacons finally came to this conclusion.....we don’t have unanimous peace about any of these options.....some have peace about a building program, some have peace about starting a second service.....
- but since we don’t have unanimous peace about any one option....we believe its God’s will for us to do nothing!.....and that’s what they did.
- now, we’ll have a lot more to say about “peace” a little later on....but you can see even from that short list how this issue of how to know the will of God dovetails with counseling.
- now, let’s start with:
I. Excuses for Not Using the Bible in Decisions
A. What they are.
- some folks take the position that:
1. The Bible has nothing to say about decision making.
- the problem with that position is that it the concept of “decision making and the will of God” only to the “big ticket” items.
- i.e. who you’re going to marry, or what job you’re going to take.
- 99% of God’s will for your life has nothing to do with those kinds of matters.
- the Bible has something about decision making on every page.....
- people who are practiced at applying God’s Word to specific situations in daily life have much less difficulty knowing His Will when one of the big ticket decisions comes along.
2. Additional revelation is available in the form of visions, dreams, feelings, circumstances, fleeces, etc.
- you know, we get upset with the charismatics and the way they talk about how God is working today through tongues, healings, and other aspects of special revelation....
- the truth of the matter is...many Baptists and other conservative evangelicals sound pretty charismatic when they get on this subject.
- perhaps the most insidious thing about this part of the discussion is when people swear that God “told” them to do something that actually violates the will He has already laid down in the Scriptures.
- a key issue that you need to decide is whether you believe that God is still giving special revelation or not.
- Pastor Goode and I knew a young lady who was convinced that God wanted her to marry a particular young man.
- the problem was---God wasn’t telling the young man...or at least he wasn’t listening.
- one day she told Pastor Goode.....I have my answer from God....I know he wants this young man and I to be married....
- Oh, why is that?
- I looked our names up in our mother tongue.....
- my name means “prison”, and his means “prisoner”!
B. Why they are wrong.
1. II Peter 1:3
- we’ve talked a lot about this concept this week....but it has clear implication to our topic.
- Is the Bible sufficient or not?
- Did God give us what we need in His Word or is He still giving us a “new update” every morning.
- To hear some of us talk, its almost like that TV program where the guy gets a copy of tomorrow’s newspaper every morning.
- We know that can’t be true, because a cat is the one that leaves the paper....
- but seriously, phrases like “God led me...” or “God is telling me...” have been used to justify about every form of foolishness known to man.
2. II Timothy 3:16-17 - ....that the man of God may be perfect.....
Revelation 22:18-19 - Don’t add anything to the Bible, don’t take anything away
- so the excuses that are given for not using the Bible is decision making are wrong!
- one of the most important points to keep straight in this discussion is:
II. Different Aspects of God’s Will
- when a person starts talking about God’s will, its imperative that we try to find out which facet of God’s will they’re speaking of.
A. Directive will.
- also known as His:
1. moral will.
2. what He has already revealed to us.
3. can only be found in the Bible.
4. what He wants us to do.
- for example --- Thou shalt not steal......God does not want you to go to Cracker Barrel, eat a big dinner, and then walk out without paying.....
- I don’t have to know you personally...I don’t even have to know your name to be able to say with confidence.....that is not God’s will for you.
- if you told me that you’re single and that you’re planning to marry an unbeliever next week....I can say with confidence that that’s not God’s will for you....
- I don't have to think about it any more.....
- I don’t need to pray about it.....
- I don’t need to hear any more of the story.....
- God’s directive will is very obvious.
- the other aspect of God’s will is his:
B. Decreed will.
1. “sovereign” will.
2. ultimate, eternal, determined will.
- some like to refer to this aspect as God’s permissive will.
- what He allows to come to pass.
- for example, in Luke 22:32 --- when our Lord is talking to Peter about his upcoming denial......
- was it God’s will for Peter to deny Christ? (yes and no)
- it was not God’s directive will.....it was sinful for him to do that.
- but it was God’s decreed will....because if it was not part of God’s decreed will it would not have come to pass.
- otherwise you have a God who is not sovereign.
- here’s the real issue.....
3. Can only be determined after the fact, cannot be known in advance.
- now, what are the implications of this to our topic?
- often when people talk about knowing the will of God, they want to know the decreed will of God, and the decreed will of God cannot be known in advance.
- let’s look at some passages and ask the question....
“Is the writer speaking of the directive will of God, or the decreed will of God?”
Psalm 40:8 - I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart. (Directive)
Mark 3:35 - For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother. (Directive)
Ephesians 5:17 - So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Directive)
Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Directive)
James 4:15 - Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." (Decreed)
1 Corinthians 4:19 - But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power. (Decreed)
- now, what are some implications to this subject?
- often, when someone is talking about knowing the will of God, they are talking about wanting to know “category B”, and that can’t be known in advance.
- now, let’s pull over there and park for a minute.....
- what are some reasons that would explain why we’re so insistent on knowing God’s decreed will ahead of time?
1) We think by doing so, we’ll be guaranteed freedom from trouble.
- If I get in the center of God’s will, they’re be no problems.
- and, if problems arise, I must be out of God’s will.
2) If He (God) makes the decision, we’re freed from responsibility for the consequences.
- “God told us to borrow 4 million dollars for this building program.”
3) If He makes the decision, the pressure is not on us to get all the facts necessary to make a good decision.
III. Place of the Bible in Decision-Making
A. Understand the difference between the Bible speaking directly and indirectly.
- in many cases, the Bible gives a clear, direct statement....
- “Thou shalt not....”
- in other cases, the Bible gives a universal principle....
- these principles may allow you to rule out certain options, but it may not result in only one option being left.
- its very possible that people do not know the principles because of a lack of diligent study.
B. Know three “Propositions about Biblical Guidance.”
1. There is no way to know God’s will and receive guidance apart from the Scriptures.
2. There are scriptural principles to cover all areas of life.
3. The Scriptures speak directly and indirectly by implication. They help us make yes/no choices or a they give us a limited number of equally legitimate choices.
cf. Christian musician...the Lord speaks to me and tells me what song to sing.
- cf. The Sensuous Christian.
C. Steps for good decision making.
1. Gather all facts - list pros and cons.
2. Search out all principles, examples, etc. of Scripture that have a bearing on the decision.
3. Apply these to the pros and cons and the various options.
(some pros may become cons and vice-versa)
4. May need to seek godly counsel.
5. If narrowed down to two equally good decisions (based on biblical principles), may decide on the basis of preference.
6. If question of possible sin is involved, use “holding” principle.
- Romans 14:23 - Whatever is not of faith is sin.
D. Diagram
- 2 boxes
- outer box --- direct statements
- cf. car - don’t covet
- don't overspend....
- inner box --- indirect principles
- bring glory to God....
- communicate with spouse....dwell with her in an understanding way....
Points:
1) Some principles will help you narrow options down more than others.
2) May be more than one biblically legitimate option.
E. Illustration of the principles - marriage.
1. Take a biblical look at single life.
2. Define biblical standards for marriage partner.
3. Evaluate person’s sensitivity to biblical authority and influence.
4. Look for evidence of spiritual growth, obedience to God’s Word.
5. Look for principles of solving problems biblically.
6. If more than one option remains, choose preference.
F. Misunderstanding God’s Will.
1. Leading
Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18
- some say, “led by Spirit” means “guide you in decision making”
- neither passage has anything to do with decision making...
- the context is dealing with a believer’s growth....
- led means “motivated” in these passages.....
- its an evidence of one’s salvation....
- its a contrast to the old way of life
2. Peace
- Col. 3:15
- some say peace is an umpire, or arbitrator in decisions....
- problem is, the context is violated.....
- Paul is talking about corporate relations among members of the church......
- when believers are living consistent with their position in Christ, there will be harmony, PEACE, and unity in the church.
3. Circumstances
- have to be very careful here....
- not saying that we ought to ignore circumstances.....but have to recognize that we are good at reading circumstances through a preconceived grid....and often that grid can be seriously flawed.......
IV. Holding Principle
Romans 14:23
How Do I Know the Will of God?
Introduction
I. Excuses for Not Using the Bible in Decisions
A. What they are.
1. The Bible has nothing to say about decision-making.
2. Additional revelation is available in the form of visions, dreams, feelings, circumstances, fleeces, etc.
B. Why they are wrong.
1. II Peter 1:3
2. II Timothy 3:16-17
II. Different Aspects of God’s Will
A. Directive will.
1. moral will.
2. what He has already revealed to us.
3. can only be found in the Bible.
4. what He wants us to do.
B. Decreed will.
1. “sovereign” will.
2. ultimate, eternal, determined will.
3. can only be determined after the fact, cannot be known in advance.
In the following passages, is the writer speaking of the directive will of God, or the decreed will of God?
Psalm 40:8 - I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy Law is within my heart.
(Directive)
Mark 3:35 - For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.
(Directive)
Ephesians 5:17 - So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
(Directive)
Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Directive)
James 4:15 - Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that."
(Decreed)
1 Corinthians 4:19 - But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power.
(Decreed)
III. Place of the Bible in Decision-Making
A. Understand the difference between the Bible speaking directly and indirectly.
B. Know three “Propositions about Biblical Guidance.”
1. There is no way to know God’s will and receive guidance apart from the Scriptures.
2. There are scriptural principles to cover all areas of life.
3. The Scriptures speak directly and indirectly by implication. They help us make yes/no choices or a they give us a limited number of equally legitimate choices.
C. Steps for good decision-making.
1. Gather all facts - list pros and cons.
2. Search out all principles, examples, etc. of Scripture that have a bearing on the decision.
3. Apply these to the pros and cons and the various options.
4. May need to seek godly counsel.
5. If narrowed down to two equally good decisions (based on biblical principles), may decide on the basis of preference.
6. If question of possible sin is involved, use “holding” principle.
Romans 14:23 - Whatever is not of faith is sin.
D. Diagram
Points:
1) Some principles will help you narrow options down more than others.
2) May be more than one biblically legitimate option.
E. Illustration of the principles - marriage.
1. Take a biblical look at single life.
2. Define biblical standards for marriage partner.
3. Evaluate person’s sensitivity to biblical authority and influence.
4. Look for evidence of spiritual growth, obedience to God’s Word.
5. Look for principles of solving problems biblically.
6. If more than one option remains, choose preference.
F. Misunderstanding God’s Will.
1. Leading - Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:18
2. Peace - Col. 3:15
3. Circumstances
IV. Holding Principle - Romans 14:23
Adult Bible Fellowship
Following God’s Guidance
Proverbs Series #43
Introduction
I. ____________
A. That we belong to __________.
INPUT - What characteristics of the unbeliever are listed in Ephesians 2;1-3 that would prevent such a person from knowing and following the will of God?
B. That the Lord has a ___________ for our lives.
• Proverbs 19:21 - Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.
• Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
C. That this plan is the __________ thing for us.
Warren Wiersbe - How could a holy God will for His children anything less than His best, and how could a loving God plan anything that would harm us? We have no reason to fear the will of God, because His plans come from His heart. “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11, NKJV). Unless we see the will of God as the expression of the love of God, we’ll resist it stubbornly, or do it grudgingly, instead of enjoying it. Faith in God’s love and wisdom will transform our attitude and make the will of God nourishment instead of punishment (John 4:34).Jeremiah 9:24
INPUT - List several characteristics of the person whose approach to discovering and doing the will God meets this requirement of "trust". Characteristics of the person who doesn't?
II. _________________
• Agree/Disagree - "The will of God isn’t a curiosity for us to study, it’s a command for us to obey; God isn’t obligated to reveal His will unless we’re willing to do it."
• Proverbs 3:1
• Proverbs 6:20 - My son, observe the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother;
INPUT - How does John 7:17 fit into this discussion?
III. _________________
• Proverbs 19:27
• Proverbs 8:34 - Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts.
IV. _______________
• Proverbs 12:15
• Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
• Proverbs 27:9 - Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
INPUT - Why is receiving counsel an important part of determining the will of God?
V. ____________
• Proverbs 13:16
• Proverbs 14:8 - The wisdom of the sensible is to understand his way, but the foolishness of fools is deceit.
INPUT - What is the relationship between planning in these verses and not "leaning on our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6)?
VI. _________________
Warren Wiersbe - “In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Prov. 3:6) means, “Do God’s will in every area of life. Seek to honor Him in everything.” Note verse 7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (NKJV). Pride and disobedience in any area of life can get us on dangerous detours, so we must stay humble before Him. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (11:2–3, NKJV).
The assurance is, “and He shall direct your paths.” Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said: “Not always in easy or pleasant paths, but always in right paths. Not always in those I would have chosen, but always in paths which lead to success. . . . The paths that He directs lead always through mist and mystery, through battle and through bruising, to the fulfillment of the meaning of life.”
Adult Bible Fellowship
Following God’s Guidance
Proverbs Series #43
Introduction
I. Faith
A. That we belong to Him.
INPUT - What characteristics of the unbeliever are listed in Ephesians 2;1-3 that would prevent such a person from knowing and following the will of God?
B. That the Lord has a plan for our lives.
• Proverbs 19:21
• Jeremiah 29:11
C. That this plan is the best thing for us.
Warren Wiersbe - How could a holy God will for His children anything less than His best, and how could a loving God plan anything that would harm us? We have no reason to fear the will of God, because His plans come from His heart. “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations” (Ps. 33:11, NKJV). Unless we see the will of God as the expression of the love of God, we’ll resist it stubbornly, or do it grudgingly, instead of enjoying it. Faith in God’s love and wisdom will transform our attitude and make the will of God nourishment instead of punishment (John 4:34).Jeremiah 9:24
INPUT - List several characteristics of the person whose approach to discovering and doing the will God meets this requirement of "trust". Characteristics of the person who doesn't?
II. Commitment
Agree/Disagree - "The will of God isn’t a curiosity for us to study, it’s a command for us to obey; God isn’t obligated to reveal His will unless we’re willing to do it."
Proverbs 3:1
Proverbs 6:20
INPUT - How does John 7:17 fit into this discussion?
III. Instruction
Proverbs 19:27
Proverbs 8:34
IV. Counsel
Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 23:22
Proverbs 27:9
INPUT - Why is receiving counsel an important part of determining the will of God?
V. Plans
Proverbs 13:16
Proverbs 14:8
INPUT - What is the relationship between planning in these verses and not "leaning on our own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6)?
VI. Obedience
Warren Wiersbe - “In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Prov. 3:6) means, “Do God’s will in every area of life. Seek to honor Him in everything.” Note verse 7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil” (NKJV). Pride and disobedience in any area of life can get us on dangerous detours, so we must stay humble before Him. “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (11:2–3, NKJV).
The assurance is, “and He shall direct your paths.” Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said: “Not always in easy or pleasant paths, but always in right paths. Not always in those I would have chosen, but always in paths which lead to success. . . . The paths that He directs lead always through mist and mystery, through battle and through bruising, to the fulfillment of the meaning of life.”