Do you know God's will for your life? Do you want to? Do you know how to find out what it is?
In episode seven of the Truth to Freedom Podcast, I address the topic of knowing God's will. It is part of the How to Be Happy series. In the podcast I refer to a series I did several years ago on Discerning the Will of God. As you read this outline, keep in mind that, aside from God's Word, none of these means should stand alone.
1. We can discern God’s will by surrendering our lives to him (Rom 12:1-2; John 4:34; 5:30, 39-40; 6:38; 7:16-17; Luke 9:23-25).
2. We can discern God’s will by studying Scripture (Psalm 19:7-11; 1 Thess 4:1-6; 2 Tim 3:16-17).
3. We can discern God’s will by seeking him in prayer (Phil 4:6-7; 1 John 5:14-15; Jer 29:11-13; James 4:2b).
4. We can discern God’s will by waiting for him to lead us (Ps 25:4-5; 106:13).
5. We can discern God’s will by the testimony of the Spirit.
a. The Spirit has a ministry of witnessing to truth (Acts 5:32; 20:23; Rom 8:16; John 15:26; 16:7-11).
b. When we trust and walk with God, there is peace (Isa 26:3-4; Phil 4:6-9).
6. We can discern God’s will by observing our personal desires, convictions, and abilities (1 Cor 7:8-9, 36-38; Ex 25:2; 2 Thess 3:5; 1 Cor 12:4-7, 11).
7. We can discern God’s will by observing God’s work in our circumstances (James 4:13-17; 1 Kings 12:15; 1 Cor 16:8-9; 1 Pet 3:17; 4:19).
8. We can know God’s will by listening to the counsel of the church (Matt 18:15-17; Heb 13:17; 1 Cor 12:4-20; 14:29-33; Prov 15:22)
9. We can know God’s will by reasoning and testing (Prov 14:15; Rom 12:2; 1 Cor 1:20-21; 2:4; 4:6; 10:15; 14:; Acts 17:2, 11, 17; 1 John 4:1-6; James 3:17).
10. We can know God’s will by revelations and signs (Acts 8:26; 22:17-18; 2 Cor 11:13-15; Gal 1:8).