HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT GOD'S WILL IS?
We can spend too much time trying to figure out the will of God he doesn’t expect us to know, and too little time following the will of God we do know.
Notes And Next Steps
James 4:13-17 + Part 5 of the series “Dear God..."
How do you know what God’s will is?
You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. (James 4:14)
We put too much pressure on ourselves to know what God does not expect us to know. Or want us to know.
How do you know what God’s will is?
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” You boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:15-17)
God’s will for everyone (John 6:40). How to please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1,3).
How do you know what God’s will is?
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
God knows. We seek. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
FOR DISCUSSION
- What have you heard someone say is God’s will and you wondered, “Really?”
- Read Psalm 37:3,4. Agree or Disagree—Doing God’s will is more about faith than knowledge.
- What is a new insight God brought you today that will help you improve your prayer life?
- Read John 6:40, 1 Thessalonians 4:1,3, and Jeremiah 29:11-14. Choose a word or phrase in each that would help you explain God’s will to a curious or confused friend.
- What is the difference between God’s moral and providential will? How is it pictured in a parent-child relationship?