God's Will and Guidance

I. God's Will

a) The Meaning of God's Will

1. God's sovereign will ~ Isaiah 14:24, Eph 1:11b

2. God's commanded will

* The Great Commission ~ Matthew 28:20
** The Two Great Commandments ~ Matthew 22:37,39

b) The Nature of God's Will

c) Response to God's Will

1. How should we respond to God's sovereign will?

~ Provers 3:5-6, 1 Peter 4:19, James 4:13-15

2. How should we respond to God's commanded will?

~ Eph 5:17, Deut 29:29, Deut 11:1

II. Guidance

a) Meaning of Guidance

1. Lead (to shepherd; to bear to carry)
   ~ Psalms 78:52, 139:24

2. Guide (to show; to help understand)
   ~ Psalms 23:3, 73:24

3. Direct (to establish or prepare; to make straight)
   ~ Proverbs 16:9, 2 Thess 3:5

b) The Nature of Guidance

Direct Guidance:

* Spoken revelation from God
* Visions
* Dreams
* Prophet/Apostle speaking for God

Indirect Guidance:

* God's Word
* Consceince or conviction
* Providence (God is in control)
* Wisdom and counsel

1. Guidance through God's Word

   2. Guidance through conviction

   3. Guidance through God's providence

   4. Guidance through God-given wisdom