How to know God's will

We are not talking about daily behaviour, or the problems of the daily lives that we live at the moment.

• We are talking about the question of GUIDANCE.
  • Even a Christian living a godly daily-life faces such problems as :-
  • should I change my job?
  • does the Lord want me to be a missionary?
  • should I marry him/her?
  • where should I live?
• We can expect God to guide us, He has a plan for us.
  • He planned to bring the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan, so guided them on the journey. Exodus 13:21-22.
  • He planned to bring them from Babylon to their homeland, so guided them again - see Ezra and Nehemiah.
  • He planned before the foundation of the world, to bring us safely to heaven. 2 Thess 2:13-17.
  • It is not possible that we should go without guidance on our journey
• The Bible contains many examples of definite guidance.
  • Philip was sent to the Ethiopian eunuch - Acts 8:26
  • Peter was told to accept Cornelius' invitation - Acts 10:19-20
  • Paul & Barnabas wcre sent out as missionaries - Acts 13:2, 16:6-10
  • Paul was told to stay in Corinth - Acts 18:9
  • God is no respecter of persons
  • It is not possible that we should go without guidance.
• God promises to guide us.
  • Psalm 25:9-12, 32:8. Isaiah 58:11, Romans 12:1-2.
• Other Bible truths lead us to expect guidance.
  • We are God's children. Matthew 7:11
  • We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit - 1 John 2:20, 27, Acts 15:28.
  • God seeks to glorify Himself in our lives - Psalm 23:3
  • YES - guidance is a reality.
  • it is intended for and promised to, every Christian.
• There is a wrong way and a right way to seek this guidance.
  • The wrong way
    • to think that because no Bible text can settle a matter, God will guide us through our feelings.
    • this often leads people to claim God's guidance for actions which the Word of God actually forbids.
  • The right way
    • Live a godly life of the sort previous talks have dealt with.
    • Prayerfully think ! God expects us to use our mind. 2 Tim 1:7
    • We can receive heavenly wisdom as we pray. James 1:5-7.
    • Think ahead - where will this road lead to? Deut 32:29
    • Take advice ! Proverbs 12:15. But test this advice 1 Thess 5:21.
    • Suspect yourself. WHY do you 'feel' a certain course of action is right?
    • Make Psalm 139:23-24 a constant prayer
    • Be willing to wait. "Wait on the Lord".
  • We walk by faith, not sight. God only usually reveals one step at a time.
• Some other things we should know.
  • Only those who are willing to be guided ORDINARILY can expect to be guided EXTRAORDINARILY.
  • God is not a jester. Those who really want to DO His will always come to KNOW what it is, John 7:17.
  • God is merciful. When we miss the way, He even brings good out of that) to those who love Him. Romans 8:28.

"This God is our God for ever and ever, He will be our guide even unto death". Psalm 48:14.