How Do You Discern God's Will?

[rapturefish]

How Do You Discern God's Will in a Situation? In the past when talking with people about this issue some say it is a very complicated process to know what God's will is in a situation of decision. Others simply have no one common answer to how one works it out.

So what is the bare bones of discerning God's will? Can you put it in simple, everyday terms? Or put it in a nutshell that people can use for any decision from which job to take to praying for healing/a painless death?

 

[DrWarfield]

So what is the bare bones of discerning God's will?

Discerning God's will is neither as difficult, nor as simple as some Christians (all theological persuasions) would have us believe it is! Here is my way of discerning God's will for my life:
1. Above all pray!
2. Then, study the Scriptures to see whether they address the issue specifically, eg. shall I marry a heathen.
3. Pray!
4. Then, study the Scriptures to see whether they address the issue prinicipially, eg. is it good to marry. Of course it is but then the question is which person shall I marry, now that is more difficult.
5. Pray!
6. Think!
7. Seek Godly counsel!
8. Pray!
9. MAKE A DECISION!
10. Pray some more!

Now you won't get a booming voice from heaven, so don't bother waiting for it. Decision making for Christians ought not to be a simple thing, but rather a prayerful, thoughtful endeavour.

My suggestion, which I use in my Christian walk, suits me and works for me. It is neither divorced from God, nor is it some mystical experience, divorced from reality.

I am open to Godly suggestions on how to refine the process. But whatever you end up deciding know that God foreordained that decision before the world was ever created.

Regards,
DrWarfield

 

[Proeliator]

Discerning God's will is neither as difficult, nor as simple as some Christians (all theological persuasions) would have us believe it is! Here is my way of discerning God's will for my life:
1. Above all pray!
2. Then, study the Scriptures to see whether they address the issue specifically, eg. shall I marry a heathen.
3. Pray!
4. Then, study the Scriptures to see whether they address the issue prinicipially, eg. is it good to marry. Of course it is but then the question is which person shall I marry, now that is more difficult.
5. Pray!
6. Think!
7. Seek Godly counsel!
8. Pray!
9. MAKE A DECISION!
10. Pray some more!

Now you won't get a booming voice from heaven, so don't bother waiting for it. Decision making for Christians ought not to be a simple thing, but rather a prayerful, thoughtful endeavour.

My suggestion, which I use in my Christian walk, suits me and works for me. It is neither divorced from God, nor is it some mystical experience, divorced from reality.

I am open to Godly suggestions on how to refine the process. But whatever you end up deciding know that God foreordained that decision before the world was ever created.

Regards,
DrWarfield

Wow, that was great, except for the one part that I highlighted myself there. That great booming voice from heaven comes in MANY ways, so we need to be open to hear it. It may come from some other person speaking on EXACTLY your same issue you are trying to make a decision on. If your not paying attention, you may miss it.

 

[inchristalone221]

It may come from some other person speaking on EXACTLY your same issue you are trying to make a decision on. If your not paying attention, you may miss it.

But if his/her advice is not good, you should not take even though they are speaking to the very issue. The process of decision making as we see it in scripture involves asking two questions about any given course of action:

Is it moral?
Is it wise?

I suggest the book Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen (simply brilliant book, check for it on Amazon).

 

[JimfromOhio]

What are God's desires (will)?
A true Christian praises God's glory: Psalm 18:1-3
A true Christian trusts in God's power: Psalm 31:23
A true Christian seeks communion with God: Ps. 63:1-3; Ps. 84:2-4
A true Christian enjoys God's peace: Psalm 119:165
A true Christian is sensitive to God: Ps. 69:9
A true Christian loves what God loves: Ps. 138:2; Psalm. 119
A true Christian loves whom God loves: First John 5:1-2
A true Christian hates what God hates: Matt. 26:75; 1 John 2:15
A true Christian longs for Christ's return: Second Timothy 4:8
A true Christian obeys God's commands: John 14:21; Rom. 7:22

Christian's Spiritual Growth and Knowing God Spiritual growth requires us to understand the Scriptures and get to know our God the Father, our Savior the Son, and our comforter the Holy Spirit.
1. Living in Spiritual Worship: Romans 12
2. Living in Love: 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 3
3. Living in Spirit: Galatians 5 and Hebrews 5 - 6
4. Living in Light: Ephesians 5 and 1 John 1
5. Living in the Armor of God: Ephesians 6
6. Living to know Christ: Phillipians 3 and 2 Peter 1
7. Living Spiritually Alert: 1 Thessalonians 5
8. Living in Faith: Hebrews 11
9. Living Close to God: James 4
10. Living in Holiness: 1 Peter 1
11. Living in Truth: 2 John

Offering my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
By holiness does not mean I will be sinless but I can be blameless. My life as a Christian takes work and requires the commitment of my heart, mind and body. During my training for righteousness along with my struggles with sin, I need to have a “Christ-like attitude” (1 Peter 4:1-2). Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ”. Christ is not outside of me but He is inside me. Since Christ is within me, I must listen to His Word and walk in His steps (2 Corinthians 4:10). I am no longer according to the flesh because Christ is in me therefore, He is my Savior and Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:16). With Christ inside me, God has granted me the ability to understand the truth and live accordingly (1 John 1:5-6). I am God's letter, written in my heart to be known and read by everybody. I am to show that I am a letter from Christ, the result of His ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of my heart (2 Corinthians 3:2-3). I am being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5). I am encouraged by God that I am to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is my Spiritual act of Worship. I will not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by renewing of my mind with the Word of God. By understanding the Word of God, I will be able to test and approve what God's will is; His good, pleasing and perfect Will (Romans 12:1-2).

 

[DrWarfield]

Wow, that was great, except for the one part that I highlighted myself there. That great booming voice from heaven comes in MANY ways, so we need to be open to hear it. It may come from some other person speaking on EXACTLY your same issue you are trying to make a decision on. If your not paying attention, you may miss it.

Booming voice from heaven.

Yes, the Lord does thunder his voice from the heavens. What I was refering to was an "audible voice" from heaven.

Regards,
DrWarfield

 

[DrWarfield]

But if his/her advice is not good, you should not take even though they are speaking to the very issue. The process of decision making as we see it in scripture involves asking two questions about any given course of action:

Is it moral?
Is it wise?

I suggest the book Decision Making and the Will of God by Garry Friesen (simply brilliant book, check for it on Amazon).

I have read Friesen's book and the fact that Friesen is not reformed nor does he come with Reformed presuppostions affects the whole book.

A better book, in my humble opinion, is Sinclair Fergusons book, Discovering God's Will. It is shorter for a start, it is clearly Reformed and finally we all know that Ferguson is thoroughly Reformed. Enjoy!

Regards,
DrWarfield

 

[CCWoody]

Well, if, for instance, I'm trying to buy a car, I pray about it, name it and claim it, and then, if I'm approved, it is obvious that God wanted me to have it.

If I'm not approved, I pray some more, name it and claim it again and summon up more faith. If I'm still turned down, I wonder what is wrong with me, my faith, why God is mad at me, etc...

Whine to everyone at church to get their help to figure out why God won't let me have my car and get the local Pentecostal to give me a comforting prophecy about getting my car before rebuking (in tongues) the demon oppressing me.

Then, I go back and inform the God opposing car dealer that it is God's will that I have this car and he just needs to quit thwarting God's will and being an obstinate tool for Satan robbing me of my health and wealth (cause I've lost a lot of sleep in this process and am really run down and on the verge of some kind of breakdown) and get me my car.

Eventually, through faith and perserverance and many fiery trials in the face of overwhelming odds, with the help of my church family, I'll eventually get the word of confirmation that it really was indeed God's will for me to have the car when the car dealer hands me my keys and informs me he never wants to see me again.

Bless me, but isn't God good? Can I have an AAAAAMEN?

 

[inchristalone221]

I have read Friesen's book and the fact that Friesen is not reformed nor does he come with Reformed presuppostions affects the whole book.

A better book, in my humble opinion, is Sinclair Fergusons book, Discovering God's Will. It is shorter for a start, it is clearly Reformed and finally we all know that Ferguson is thoroughly Reformed. Enjoy!

Well, reformed or not, his arguments are excellent and his exegesis masterful. What's more, I believe he may hold at least to the five points and to a reformed view of God's sovereignty. The chapter he included on God's sovereign will was quite good.

I also recommend Greg Koukl's lectures on the book (they come with his basic apologetics curriculum). I'll check out that book you mentioned though.

 

[inchristalone221]

Well, if, for instance, I'm trying to buy a car, I pray about it, name it and claim it, and then, if I'm approved, it is obvious that God wanted me to have it.

If I'm not approved, I pray some more, name it and claim it again and summon up more faith. If I'm still turned down, I wonder what is wrong with me, my faith, why God is mad at me, etc...

Whine to everyone at church to get their help to figure out why God won't let me have my car and get the local Pentecostal to give me a comforting prophecy about getting my car before rebuking (in tongues) the demon oppressing me.

Then, I go back and inform the God opposing car dealer that it is God's will that I have this car and he just needs to quit thwarting God's will and being an obstinate tool for Satan robbing me of my health and wealth (cause I've lost a lot of sleep in this process and am really run down and on the verge of some kind of breakdown) and get me my car.

Eventually, through faith and perserverance and many fiery trials in the face of overwhelming odds, with the help of my church family, I'll eventually get the word of confirmation that it really was indeed God's will for me to have the car when the car dealer hands me my keys and informs me he never wants to see me again.

Bless me, but isn't God good? Can I have an AAAAAMEN?

Freaking comic gold! Yet so tragic, because it's true of how most Christians see it.

 

[DrWarfield]

Well, reformed or not, his arguments are excellent and his exegesis masterful. What's more, I believe he may hold at least to the five points and to a reformed view of God's sovereignty. The chapter he included on God's sovereign will was quite good.

I also recommend Greg Koukl's lectures on the book (they come with his basic apologetics curriculum). I'll check out that book you mentioned though.

Masterful? I will leave that for your own discernment. If you are going to read Friesen at least also read Ferguson.

"It is better to have read and not thought much of it, than never to have read at all".

So in short read everything you can on the subject. But if you only want one book that is solidly Reformed (and of course this is the Reformed section of CF!) then Ferguson is your shot.

Regards,
DrWarfield

 

[CCWoody]

Freaking comic gold! Yet so tragic, because it's true of how most Christians see it.

I was inspired by watching my last church try to buy half a section of land they couldn't afford, then buy a portion of it that they couldn't afford, break ground when they appear to be "mortgaged to their eyeballs," and now last week when a went for a visit appeared to only be 20% along for their January building needs (at least that is how I read numbers), and were informed that if people didn't cough up some money they were going to have to quit building.

But, we have been told all along how this was God's plan.
(Truth be known, if they had bought the half section or whole section, they could have sold portions of it by now and paid cash for the whole affair, but unfortunately, they didn't have the capital or borrowing power to get it done.)

My personal advice is to follow blessed St. Agustine: "Love God and do what you will."

 

[inchristalone221]

My personal advice is to follow blessed St. Agustine: "Love God and do what you will."

Have you read Garry Friesen's book? This is a lot of his point. I agree with you whole-heartedly.

 

[Seaioth]

Though incredibly simple-The only way is to test it with God's Word

If it doesnt contradict, and you can do it with a clear conscience, He will let you know in His time. Pray for wisdom

James 1:5-6

 

[Carrye]

Practice silence.
Seek counsel.
Pray.

 

[McWilliams]

Just dont think that 'name it and claim it' theology(if it could be called such) would sell in Sudan or other third world suffering countries where poverty is rank!
When we pray and our will is conformed to God's will we then will humbly be most pleased with what God has in store for us! We must change our will to His and not the other way around!
As John Piper said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him!"
As we become more like Him we are then less prone to always be asking Him for something but are willing to be conformed to His image!

 

[rapturefish]

Ask God. Be attuned to His voice. Obey the answer.

Scripture shows what range of things are acceptable to God and which are not. If something is clearly not permitted, then there is no point in praying for it, e.g. can I steal music?

Within what is permitted from scripture however there is still a lot of scope. If faced with a decision where both choices are neutral or conform to God's will in appearance, one should ask God, and listen for an answer. God will answer in any number of possible ways, but the answer will always conform to God's character and can be affirmed by scripture. It could be circumstances falling into place, doors opening or closing, supernatural means such as impressions, words, dreams, etc. or it could be opportunities coming up.

If there is no reply one way or the other, then it is always possible that it is a case of "it seemed good to do so". Sometimes choices are good either way and don't require a specific word because either way it's good. It might even be a case of flipping a coin, or drawing lots as in the case of chosing Matthias - in this case, God impressed upon Peter through scripture, they chose two suitable candidates in accordance with commonsense criteria, then God chose when they drew lots.

cheers,

 

[inchristalone221]

Within what is permitted from scripture however there is still a lot of scope. If faced with a decision where both choices are neutral or conform to God's will in appearance, one should ask God, and listen for an answer. God will answer in any number of possible ways, but the answer will always conform to God's character and can be affirmed by scripture. It could be circumstances falling into place, doors opening or closing, supernatural means such as impressions, words, dreams, etc. or it could be opportunities coming up.

I do not mean to be divisive, but what support is there for this view? It seems to me that this is not what the apostles did, and no group of men could be said to be more in line with God's will.

 

[rapturefish]

I do not mean to be divisive, but what support is there for this view? It seems to me that this is not what the apostles did, and no group of men could be said to be more in line with God's will.

With which part do think differently? When Paul was sent on his first missionary journey it was as a result of God speaking to the church leaders. Other times they tried going to different place but were prevented from doing so (closing doors). Another time they had a vision of a man of Macedonia and so they went to Macedonia. Another time Agabus gave a prophetic word telling Paul that he would be bound if he went to Jerusalem, a warning he did not heed.

The apostles cast lots to choose Matthias, at other times Paul made decisions because "it seemed good to do so". Another time Paul and Barnabus disagreed over Mark's suitability for a mission trip and though they went diferent ways, one pair of missionaries became two and good was achieved anyway.

There is much evidence in the NT that decisions have been made by many ways. But all the good ones conform to scripture, all can have a basis in scripture, all are in conformity to God's character. That is why there is still so much scope for good and right choices.

 

[JJB]

Well, if, for instance, I'm trying to buy a car, I pray about it, name it and claim it, and then, if I'm approved, it is obvious that God wanted me to have it.

If I'm not approved, I pray some more, name it and claim it again and summon up more faith. If I'm still turned down, I wonder what is wrong with me, my faith, why God is mad at me, etc...

Whine to everyone at church to get their help to figure out why God won't let me have my car and get the local Pentecostal to give me a comforting prophecy about getting my car before rebuking (in tongues) the demon oppressing me.

Then, I go back and inform the God opposing car dealer that it is God's will that I have this car and he just needs to quit thwarting God's will and being an obstinate tool for Satan robbing me of my health and wealth (cause I've lost a lot of sleep in this process and am really run down and on the verge of some kind of breakdown) and get me my car.

Eventually, through faith and perserverance and many fiery trials in the face of overwhelming odds, with the help of my church family, I'll eventually get the word of confirmation that it really was indeed God's will for me to have the car when the car dealer hands me my keys and informs me he never wants to see me again.

Bless me, but isn't God good? Can I have an AAAAAMEN?

Or you could buy a car using biblical standards and pay cash. Then you'd be done a lot sooner, be paying only the sticker price for the car (no interest), be obeying God and end up being a much happier person.