Review: 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.

2. Permissive Will

Allows us to obey or disobey

3. Providential Will 

What happens as God overrules evil to accomplish His purposes. 

4. Personal Will

Individual will for each person.

Much confusion in the matter of God’s will comes when there is a greater desire to know God’s will than to know God Himself.

I. God has a Distinctive Will for us

(John 5:19-20, 17:4; Ephesians 5:15-17)

II. God wants you to know His will 

(Philippians 2:12-13)

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both  to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

--Philippians 2:12-13

III. We find God’s will by making wise choices 

(James 1:5)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without  reproach, and it will be given him.”

--James 1:5

 IV. God’s will is always compatible with God’s character 

(Psalm 23:3)

“He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.”

--Psalm 23:3

 V. God’s will is usually compatible with my nature and basic personality

(Romans 12:6-8)

 VI. God’s will is known by continually pursuing God 

(Romans 12:1-2)

A. Motivation of love

B. Presentation of our bodies

C. Transformation of our lives

D. Revelation of God’s will

VII. God’s will is disclosed one step at a time 

(Psalm 119:105)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

--Psalm 119:105