Good parents wish to guide their children in a path of wisdom. They love them and want to help them. At the same time the children must be willing to receive and follow their direction. When this is so, things will go much better for all. Our Father in heaven is the best parent of all. Although we were created for His pleasure, not our own (Philippians 2:13), He wants nothing but good for us (Jeremiah 29:11). The wise child of God will want to know God’s will for his daily life (Ephesians 5:17). God has the advantage of knowing the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). We can know His guidance.
1. In John 7:17 Jesus said that if anyone were willing to do the Father’s will he would know if His teachings were of God. In respect to this verse, what is the first question to ask yourself?
2. What should be your first concern? (Matthew 6:33)
3. How should you begin to seek His will? (James 1:5)
4. What will He do? (Psalms 32:8)
5. How can we be sure? (1 John 5:14-15)
6. Where can we look for guidance or principles? (Psalms 119:105)
7. To whom shall we look to teach us? (1 Corinthians 2:12; John 14:26; John 16:13)
8. What is the problem with simply doing what seems best to us? (Isaiah 55:8)
9. What will help in experiencing His direction? (Proverbs 3:5-6)
10. In what other way can you know the right path? (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22) Who should these “counselors” be? (Hebrews 13:17)
Ask yourself these questions:
What might hinder you in really desiring to do God’s will in your daily life?
What will motivate you to follow godly counsel if the direction is not what you would prefer?
In general, what course will you take if you are still not sure of God’s will?
What part do feelings have in obeying God’s will?
Review Romans 10:9; 1 John 5:13; Acts 2:41; Matthew 28:19; Joshua 1:8; Mark 1:35; Matthew 7:7; John 10:10b; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 6:46; Acts 2:42; 1 John 5:12; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9; Ephesians 5:18
Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”