Discovering God’s Will When Not in Writing Graphical sermon notes by, Rev. Ed Whitman Sunday, October 12, 2014 Evangelical Congregational Church in Dunstable Massachusetts © Copyright 2014 by the author, Rev. Ed Whitman, with permission to freely redistribute.

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Discovering God’s Will When It’s Not in Writing Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5 -6

Past 147 Days: Many Decisions

The Will of God Romans 8: 28 NIV And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who (1) love him, and who (2) have been called according to His purpose.

The Will of God Romans 8: 28 NIV The Living Bible And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who (1) love him, and who (2) have been called according to His purpose. All that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and if we are fitting into His plans.

But What are His Plans?

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

The Holy Spirit: Our Helping Counselor How?

The Holy Spirit: Our Helping Counselor How? The Bible Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

The Bible is Clear About CHARACTER Romans 12: 1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God…

The Bible is Clear About CHARACTER Romans 12: 1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God… Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.

God’s Universal and Specific Will “Living Sacrifices” VERY CLEAR! Commandments Big Ten - “Love God, Love People” Examples: Positive Negative Goal: Holy, Christ-like life

God’s Universal and Specific Will “Living Sacrifices” VERY CLEAR! “Serving God” Decisions GENERAL GUIDANCE Commandments Big Ten - “Love God, Love People” Examples: Positive Negative Goal: Holy, Christ-like life o Go to College? Which? o Job? What Ministries? o Who should I marry? o Where should I live? o Vacation ? Car? o Songs? o DECC’s pastor?

How To Find the Specific Will of God? When it is NOT in Writing?

Let’s Pray

How To Find the Specific Will of God? Won’t be From Using:

Old Testament Mechanical Methods Urim and Thummim

Old Testament Mechanical Methods Urim and Thummim Before Pentecost: Acts 1:26 So they nominated two men…Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen…Then they cast lots…

Additional Special Revelation

Extra-Terrestrial Experiences Voice from Heaven Touched by an Angel

Answers in the Sky

Devious Devices of Man

How To Find the Specific Will of God? When it is NOT Specifically Written in the Bible?

How To Find the Specific Will of God? Using General Guidelines from Scripture

Three Navigational Lights: F B Meyer

Inner Hunches Jeremiah 29: 13 Daily Walk-Life You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Searching for God in planned Bible reading Ongoing prayer contact Looking for evidences of God’s presence Regular time-outs for reflection and meditation Praying for specific guidance

A Word of Caution: Feelings The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

Study of Circumstances Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Mt 22:37

A Word of Caution: Arrogance Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. NASB

A Word of Caution: Arrogance Jeremiah 10:23 Proverbs 14: 12 I know, O LORD, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. NASB There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Words of Counsel Proverbs 11: 14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. NKJV Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed. Prov. 15:22 HCSB

A Word of Caution: People-Pleaser Jeremiah 50:6 My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place.

What Lights Mean

Green is Positive

When They Line Up – Go!

Red is Negative

When They Line Up – No!

When They Don’t?

When They Don’t – Wait!

True or False for You? God is far more interested in your knowing His will than you are in consistently wanting to discover it.

Three Navigational Lights  Walk consistently close with God  Think intentionally and think ahead  Seek and take good counsel

Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 (paraphrased) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and listen for inner hunches… Lean not exclusively on your own thinking in the study of circumstances and the words of counsel from others— But use all these navigational ways and He will show you His will.