0042. How May We Ascertain God's Will?

How May We Ascertain God’s Will?

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom_12:1-2).

1. We must know His Word. David said, "Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee". He also said, "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path".

To stand perfect and complete in the will of God, we should never do anything contrary to His Word. We should seek to know what the Word says on every salient point.

2. We should not be conformed to this world. If we are to know the will of God, we must keep our ears closed to the calls of the world.

The words and thoughts of the world are as far from the words and thoughts of God, as the heavens are far above the earth, as the east is far from the west.

If we would know His will, we must "be not conformed" to the world, but transformed by the renewing of our mind.

3. If we are to know the will of God, we must be taught by His Spirit. Jesus Christ was led of the Spirit, and we, too, may be led of the Spirit. We will know His leadings, by the still, small, inaudible voice within.

We will also be assured that we have the leadings of the Spirit, when, in the performance of His will, we have rest of mind and are established in our hearts.

4. If we should know the will of God, we must pray as Epaphras prayed. Hab_2:1 says: "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me".

We will never know the will of God in those things not specifically set forth in the Bible, unless we labor in prayer.

5. If we should know the will of God, we must weigh every "open door" in the light of what has just been said. It is true that many doors may open which are not of God.

Jonah found a ship going to Tarshish, as he supposed, but in reality, it led him to a whale’s belly.

We must be careful to know that the open door is in the line of duty and not in the pattern of disobedience.

6. If we would know the will of God, we must be quick to obey when He speaks. Hos_6:3 : "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord".

The man who hears God’s commission, and delays obedience, will be in danger of getting into the midst of doubts. It is when we do His will, not when we discuss it; that we know of the doctrine (Joh_7:17).

When God spoke, Abraham obeyed.

When God spoke, Philip arose and went into the way to Gaza, which was desert.

When God spoke, Paul immediately obeyed. He was not disobedient to the Heavenly vision.

If we would know His will, we must pursue promptly each command He gives.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR