Review “The Will of God” (Acts 4:28)
I. The Meaning of God’s Will
A. God’s sovereign decree or purpose. (Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:9; Hebrews 6:17)
B. God’s plan or purpose for individuals.
1. God’s will or purpose is at times revealed to us. (A mystery) (Ephesians 1:9)
2. God wants us to understand His will or purpose. (Ephesians 5:17)
3. God expects us to do His will or purpose. (Hebrews 10:36)
4. God gives us the ability to do His will or purpose. (Hebrews 13:21)
II. The Importance of God’s Will
A. Negatively God’s will is important because many have …
1. Ignored that God has a will for each person.
2. Misunderstood how to find God’s will.
3. Rejected God’s will.
4. Abused the expressions “The Will of God.”
B. Positively God’s will is important because it will …
!. Make us wise (Ephesians 5:17)
2. It is the goal of the Christian life. (Colossians 4:12)
3. Help us in our prayer life. (1 John 5:14)
4. It is God’s created purpose for us. (Revelation 4:11)
III. How to Determine God’s Will in Our Lives
A. God’s will on many matters is clearly taught in the Bible.
1. Specific Biblical statements showing what God wills. (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 5:18)
2. Other clear truths from the Bible are clearly God’s will.
a. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
b. Study of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15)
c. Witnessing (Acts 1:8)
d. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14)
e. Fleeing youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22)
f. Many clear statements in the Bible
B. God’s will on other matters id governed by Bible Principles.
1. The meaning of a principle:
Online definition: A principle is a fundamental truth or position that serves as the foundations for a system of belief or for a chain or reasoning.
Dr. Tony Miller stated that a principle is different then a precept.
A precept is a specific fact/statement/rule in the Bible.
A principle is a basic truth that applies to all areas of life.
2. Examples of principles in the Bible.
a. The 10th Commandment (Exodus 20:17)
b. David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17)
c. The two greatest commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40)
3. Biblical principles when determining proper conduct.