Gods Will and Guidance

God is sovereign and has a purpose for all of His creation. He has a plan or “will” for each of us, though we often make His will more difficult to respond to than it really is.

In this lesson we will explore God’s will and how we are guided into it.

I. GOD’S WILL

The Bible portrays two aspects of God’s will: sovereign will and commanded will.

In God’s sovereignty, He has a plan that covers all aspects of creation and time.

He also has a commanded will that He legislates to His people.

A. The meaning of God’s will

1. God’s sovereign will

God’s sovereign will involves His ultimate, complete control over everything.

Nothing happens that is not in God’s plan.

History is really the unfolding of God’s purposes, which happen exactly as He planned.

Look at each of the following verses, and write out the key thought about God’s sovereign will.

a. Isaiah 14:24 “Surely, just as I have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand.”

Isaiah 14:24 ESV

24 The Lord of hosts has sworn: “As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand,

b. Ephesians 1:11b “who works all things after the counsel of His will.”

Ephesians 1:11b ESV

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

“I am God, and there is no one like Me … ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’ ”—ISAIAH 46:9–10

2. God’s commanded will

God’s commanded will is revealed throughout the Bible as laws or principles.

It is that aspect of His will to which men are held accountable.

a. According to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:20), what are new believers to be taught?

all that He commanded them

b. God gave two great commandments. List them below.

Matthew 22:37 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Matthew 22:39 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

B. The nature of God’s will

God’s sovereign will and commanded will are better understood in light of their respective characteristics.

SOVEREIGN WILL

1. Secret; known only to God except as revealed through history or revelation

2. Cannot be resisted or thwarted

3. Encompasses both good and evil (sin)

4. Comprehensive; controls all aspects of life, time, and history

5. The believer is not commanded to know or discover what God has not revealed

COMMANDED WILL

1. Revealed in the Bible

2. Can be resisted or disobeyed

3. Involves only that which is good and holy

4. Specific; provides principles for living

5. Believers are exhorted to know, understand, and obey all that God has revealed

C. Response to God’s will

1. How should we respond to God’s sovereign will?

a. Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

b. 1 Peter 4:19 “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.”

c. James 4:13–15 “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”

2. How should we respond to God’s commanded will?

a. Ephesians 5:17 “do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

b. Deuteronomy 29:29 “observe all the words of this law.”

c. Deuteronomy 11:1 “keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.

God Instructs; We Obey

“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies.”—PSALM 25:8–10

II. GUIDANCE

Because of His great love, God has predestined, called, justified, and will glorify all believers.

He also guides us.

A. Meaning of guidance

Guidance is God’s active role in our lives, accomplishing His purposes.

The following words are used in the Bible to describe guidance.

1. Lead (to shepherd; to bear or carry)

a. Psalm 78:52 “But He led forth His own people like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.”

b. Psalm 139:24 “lead me in the everlasting way.”

2. Guide (to show; to help understand)

a. Psalm 23:3 “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

b. Psalm 73:24 “With Your counsel You will guide me.”

3. Direct (to establish or prepare; to make straight)

a. Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

b. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”

B. The nature of guidance

The chart below outlines ways that God guides people directly and indirectly.

Direct Guidance

1. Spoken revelation from God

2. Visions

3. Dreams

4. Prophet/apostle speaking for God

Indirect Guidance

1. God’s Word

2. Conscience or conviction

3. Providence (circumstances controlled by God)

4. Wisdom and counsel

Direct guidance was experienced during the Old Testament and early New Testament time periods.

Today, we see God guiding indirectly.

The Holy Spirit is active in all areas of indirect guidance as part of His ministry in the believer.

1. Guidance through God’s Word

How does the psalmist describe God’s Word (Psalm 119:105)?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

2. Guidance through conviction

How was Paul stimulated to action in Athens (Acts 17:16)?

“His spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols.”

3. Guidance through God’s providence

What can the believer be confident about regardless of the circumstances (Romans 8:28)?

“God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.”

4. Guidance through God-given wisdom

Read Proverbs 2:1–11. What four things will wisdom allow you to discern (verse 9)?

(1) righteousness

(2) justice

(3) equity

(4) every good course

What is the result of seeking counsel (Proverbs 13:10)? wisdom

III. APPLICATION

A. List one area in which you are wrestling with a decision.

B. Does this issue involve:

○ God’s sovereign will?

○ God’s commanded will?

○ I don’t know which one.

C. What should your response be if it involves:

1. God’s sovereign will (Proverbs 3:5–6)?

2. God’s commanded will (John 15:10)?

3. You are unsure (James 1:5)?

What action are you going to take?