What is the Will of God?

Introduction:

We all want to know the will of God for our lives. We are concerned that we may not be obeying God, but sometimes it can feel like God’s will is a mystery. We are going to take a look at what is meant by the will of God in order to see what God’s will is in a given situation.

1. The Decretive (Sovereign) Will of God

Genesis 1

Genesis 1:3 ESV

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Genesis 1:6 ESV

6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.”

2. The Preceptive (Moral) Will of God

What does God want me to do to be holy and righteous?

God’s Rules and Commandments

We can see these summarized in places like the 10 Commandments

3. God’s Will of Disposition

2 Peter 3:9 ESV

9 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.

If this were referring to the Sovereign will of God, no one would be in hell.

If it was referring to the preceptive will of God, it would mean that God does not allow anyone to perish.

What it means is that God does not disposed to or delighted that any should perish, but he does allow it.

4) The Personal (Individual) will of God

What is God’s will for my life?

Who should I marry?

What job should I get?

Should I purchase something or not?