I. Accept Three Essentials for Knowing God’s Will

1. Decide to trust Jesus Christ as Savior

2. Delight in God

“I desire (delight) to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

-- Psalm 40:8

Knowing the character of God is the basis for understanding and enjoying the will of God. 

The character of God:  

            - Unchanging

            - All-knowing

            - Everywhere

            - Wise

            - All-powerful

            - Holy, righteous, faithful

            - Loving, merciful and gracious

A proper response to the character of God leads us to the experience of learning God’s will.

3. Determine to do the will of God

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”

-- John 4:34

II. Understand the Four Dimensions of God’s Will

1. Preceptive Will (Intentional; Moral/Ethical)

What God desires for our lives that is set forth in the Bible.

a) God desires that all would be saved

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

--2 Peter 3:9

b) God desires all to be sanctified and sexually pure

“It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.”

--1 Thessalonians 4:3

2. Permissive Will

Allows us to obey or disobey; human freedom; accept Him or reject Him. 

3. Providential Will 

This is what happens as God overrules evil to accomplish His purposes. 

God’s preceptive will guides us into His desires, and His providential will gives us a ground of trust. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

-- Romans 8:28

4. Personal Will

Individual will for each person.