1. God’s Will

2. We have seen how God accomplishes His transcendent will. Sovereignty and Providence God ’ s dealing with nature and man (believer/unbeliever) Relationship between God and evil in the world NEXT UP: The relationship between God ’ s will and the believer.

3. Believers are commanded to know and do the will of God. Ps. 143.8 & 10: 8 Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in Thee; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to Thee I lift up my soul. 10 Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground.

4. Believers are commanded to know and do the will of God. Romans 12.2: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Ephesians 5.17: So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

5. What do we typically mean when we say we want to know God ’ s will? To tell me what to do in a matter. How does he want me to make a living? Does He want me to go to college? Does He want me to go to work? Does He want me to take/apply for that job? Who does He want me to marry? Does He want me to have children? How many?

6. What do we want to know about God ’ s Will? Future outcomes of my present decisions. Future outcomes of the things He is urging me to do. To be told what to do through signs, circumstances, feelings, impressions, etc. putting out fleece Typically, I am interested in God ’ s will as far as it solves my problems and answers my questions.

7. “ Not everyone who says to Me, ‘ Lord, Lord, ’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. ” One of the most powerful verses regarding the relationship between the believer and God ’ s will is Matthew 7.21:

8. Christ - Like? John 4.34: Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.” John 5.30: “I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6.38: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” Luke 22.42: “Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.”

9. What if knowing His will is not by signs and circumstances, but by how well I know Him? Does a husband know the will of his wife? Do we treat knowing Him like a pearl of great price, or something to be cast before swine? If we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, His will begins to come into view. Psalm 37.4: Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.