Guidance: What are we told about finding God’s will?
How is this that seems to be such an important question to be answered? How is it that people can know God’s will in a matter? Because I’m someone who greatly desires for believers to know the answer to this, I’ve written many articles and recorded many videos to help people with this. In this first verse I’ll cite you’ll see that it was not only the apostle Paul but his companions who desired to know God’s will for them.
Colossians 1:9
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of HIS WILL in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [Emphasis added]
It is THIS “knowledge of HIS WILL in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” that is available to all of us today. However, if you’re wanting to know His INDIVIDUAL will regarding some personal situation of your own, it is NOT going to be provided. Regardless of anything you’ve ever heard or read otherwise, it just doesn’t happen. In our time there won’t be a voice, signs from Heaven or any other kind of personal encounter with God that will provide you with such guidance. Again, regardless of what you’ve heard otherwise, and maybe heard multiple times, it does not happen that way in our time. It is very important that you realize that. There are today no “Burning Bush” experiences as Moses had [Exodus 3] or “Damascus Road” experiences as the apostle Paul had [Acts 9]. There was a time in the past when such things did happen. You should believe every one of those you’ve read about anywhere in the 66 books of the Bible, but these things do not happen in our time. We learn this from the information that was provided for our time through this which is called in Scripture The Dispensation of the Grace of God.
Ephesians 3:2
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me [Paul] to you-ward: [Emphasis added]
Such miraculous events ceased when the revelation given to the apostle Paul ended. Furthermore, you don’t need to put out a fleece as Gideon did in his day to determine God’s will [Judges 6:36-40]. God’s will for us today has all been put into the writings of Scripture. It is there in this book called the Bible that you find all the reliable instructions you need regarding all kinds of things.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God [THEOPNEUSTOS = God-breathed], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect [ARTIOS = complete (brought to maturity)], thoroughly furnished unto all good works. [Emphasis added]
If you want to know God’s will pertaining to something, you’ll have to deduce it from the general principles He has provided for us and especially those you’ll find in the writings of the apostle Paul. I’ll give you two simple examples of this—
- If you’re unmarried and believe you have fallen deeply in love with someone who is unsaved, should you marry that person?
Answer: No!
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial [a term used to describe the forces of evil]? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel [someone who is unsaved]? [Emphasis added]
This principle would apply in marriage but also in other contractual relationships.
- If you as a believer are married to an unbeliever, should YOU initiate a divorce with them?
Answer: No!
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife [or husband] depart from her husband [or wife]:
11 But and if she [or he] depart, let her [or him] remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband [or wife]: and let not the husband [or wife] put away his [or her] wife [or husband]. [Emphasis added]
In other words, God does not want there to be a divorce. Divorce is not His will for the matter! He in some cases allows it but such is not His will for the two involved.
1 Corinthians 7:15
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. [Emphasis added]
You don’t have to even pray for guidance about such matters; just do as you’ve been commanded in the Bible. In this case [1 Corinthians 7:10-11] it is God’s desire that there be reconciliation between the two and that they remain married.
1 Corinthians 7:20
20 Let every man abide [MENO = remain] in the same calling wherein he was called. [Emphasis added]
You certainly should pray about God seeing you safely through the situation, but you don’t have to ask for God’s will because it has already been provided it in the writings of Scripture. God may allow the divorce to happen, but it is not His desire.
1 Corinthians 7:10-13
10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. [Emphasis added]
People often completely disregard such simple but important instructions. They’ll even go with their “heart-felt feelings” about the matter instead of what has been plainly stated in their Bible. They need to be mindful of the various warnings about this.
Jeremiah 17:9
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [Emphasis added]
All decisions have consequences.
Galatians 6:7
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [Emphasis added]
Yes, we find that even our own heart will deceive us, creating self-deception. Our own ever-present sinful nature as well as Satan and his vast organization of demons is certainly something to be concerned about in our work to determine God’s will in any matter. The apostle Paul clearly warns us about this. He lets us know that we need to work at becoming wise to our deceptive sinful nature as well as Satan’s strategy and tactics.
2 Corinthians 2:11
11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we [those believers who’ve learned God’s teachings] are not ignorant of his devices. [Emphasis added]
Satan’s “devices” have been revealed through the Scriptures, but we must learn them if they’re to be helpful. I even have an article about this on this website. Here’s the link to it—
Ignorance: Could this be the primary problem?
The most important thing Satan blinds people to is the gospel message through which people can gain everlasting salvation. And if he can do that, we need to realize that he can do this with things of less importance.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [Emphasis added]
It is ignorance to God’s teaching or even to apply what is known that creates so many problems for both believers and unbelievers. We all need to take the initiative to be faithful students [disciples] of our Lord and the Bible, so we’ll be familiar with His stated will on all kinds of things. This enables us to avoid many expressions of foolishness and instability in our decision-making. The apostle Paul warns us as believers about this.
Ephesians 4:14-15
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: [Emphasis added]
It is when we take the initiative to learn the GENERAL principles given in Scripture that we can become equipped to know what to do in individual life situations. That sentence you just read is of primary importance for you to avoid many foolish decisions. If you’ll heed this next important command that’s been provided for you, you’ll find yourself living the life God wants you to live.
2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study [SPOUDAZO = be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [Emphasis added]
A major problem in every generation concerning the will of God is the extensive ignorance about the meaning and application of that one verse you just read. Please work hard about not being such a person. You’ll find numerous articles about this on this website—
Bible: How eager are you to study it?
Bible: How should one study it?
Bible: Do you have time to study it?
There are these and more. What you do or don’t do about this will tell you how important knowing God’s will for your life is to you. It is in your Bible that you’ll find the answers you need for all your decision-making.
Bible: How important is it to you?
Those who would come to know and perform God’s will should learn that He does not provide direct statements about His will in certain situations but one’s pertaining to God’s purpose and program revealed to us through the apostle Paul’s writings. Because it is a command of God that we all do this, we’ll all be held accountable for how we respond. Please note what God told the man Ananias to tell Paul about this.
Acts 22:12-15
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest KNOW HIS WILL, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. [Emphasis added]
What God told Paul about His will for him was to do with not only Paul but even us today. There’s Scripture that clearly confirms this.
Galatians 1:4
4 Who [Jesus Christ] gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: [Emphasis added]
Ephesians 1:5-11
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [Emphasis added]
A major part of this was the revelation of this which is spoken of as the mystery. It is stated clearly that it is God’s will that all His people should become familiar with it and explain it to others.
Ephesians 3:1-3
1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given ME to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto ME the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [Emphasis added]
There are passages in Paul’s writings where we see that God gave Paul His individual will for him, but often what was given to him was to do with God’s will for ALL people.
Colossians 1:9-10
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [Emphasis added]
It is this message spoken of as one having been a mystery [MUSTERION = a secret] that God gave Paul when it became clear that Israel had rejected her promised Messiah.
Acts 28:27-28
27 For the heart of this people [Israel] is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. [Emphasis added]
These verses and what was going on at that time remain practically unknown in Christendom today. But Israel as God’s people representing Him were then temporarily set aside with the church which is the body of Christ having now become the ones performing this work as His ambassadors.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20
19 To wit, [that is to say] that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. [Emphasis added]
This very important fact is well-documented in the Scriptures.
Romans 11:32
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. [Emphasis added]
It is confusion about this that is the main reason for all the division in denominationalism. The right division of Scripture and what is called dispensational theology is almost completely unknown to believers today. It is an ongoing battle with so many, having Satan and his angels fully involved in this war. It is much like it was in the times of the apostle Paul. There’s a real sense in which people are a problem concerning this, but it is who’s promoting their thinking that is the main problem.
Ephesians 6:12
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [Emphasis added]
But most of those sitting in church pews are very much in the dark about all this. And that statement is not against the local church but what is often taught there.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of LIGHT.
Did you notice that statement? Satan is here said to be “an angel of light” NOT darkness as so many have been led to believe. As you’ll see in this next verse, they’re called “ministers of righteousness.”
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. [Emphasis added]
Yes, Satan promotes human or “religious” righteousness as a substitute for the perfect righteousness of God.
I have other articles about Satan on this website—
Satan: What are the basics about him?
Satan: Who are the principalities and powers?
Satan: How is it that he gains an advantage over us?
It is Satan who is clearly the author of the confusion so many have been hurt by.
1 Corinthians 14:33
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. [Emphasis added]
Should we not all be concerned about learning God’s will for us? Of course! But the only way that’s going to happen is by one’s willingness to be diligent in studying the Scriptures rightly divided and working to apply what we learn in the situations that come before us.
Again, 2 Timothy 2:15
15 Study [SPOUDAZO = be diligent] to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. [Emphasis added]
It is only when we do this that the details we need to know about God’s will quite naturally fall into place for us. It is when this is happening that we can live confidently, knowing we’re pleasing our Savior as we perform HIS will for us.
Again, Colossians 1:9-10
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of HIS WILL in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [Emphasis added]
You’ll learn a lot about believers if you’ll learn not only that they pray but what they spend most of their time praying about. Yes, we’re all to be praying about many kinds of things. But the prayer time of most believers centers around temporal things—health, money, position and other such things pertaining to their present earthly, material, and temporal circumstances. Did the apostle Paul pray about these things? Yes, he certainly did! But what else? For the answer to that, I now refer you to my article that’ll give you all the details about that—
Prayer: What are our best examples?
Do you want to pray like a private or a general in God’s army? If you pray like a private, your prayers will center around you and the lesser details of your life. But if you pray like a general, you’ll pray some about those temporal things all right, but most of your prayers will be centered more around spiritual things. For instance, you’ll pray over your food, but you’ll also pray regarding your spiritual food and that which others are getting.
2 Timothy 2:1-3
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. [Emphasis added]
All together you can have some temporal and eternal impact on the lives of people that somehow directly or indirectly become a part of your life. And all this will reap not just temporal but eternal rewards.
Rewards: For what will God wish to reward you in eternity?
Most people believe God’s will should accommodate their fluctuating experiences. These same people are weak and prone to worry and panic when things aren’t going the way they believe they should. They then seek Him, wanting Him to show them His will in what’s before them. It’s good that they seek Him but it’s not good at all that they’ve not studied His teachings faithfully. While it is true that God is concerned about our concerns but it’s the full scope of His Word with which He wants us to become familiar with. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record on this, but it is our familiarity with God’s Word rightly divided that’s going to give us the wisdom and relaxed mental attitude we need whether in times of prosperity or times of adversity. Again, God is concerned about whatever concerns us. But HIS “concerns” need to become our “concerns.” And His concern is that we would come to know His will fully. And now for the third time in this article, let’s note again what He wants us to know about His will for us—
Again, Colossians 1:9-10
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the KNOWLEDGE of HIS WILL in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [Emphasis added]
If a person is unaware of these more important things, he’s missed the mark in terms of knowing and applying God’s will for his own life. It is such a person who’ll miss out on the greater blessings God very much wants him to have and enjoy. Waiting for inner promptings, a voice from above, using a “promise box,” or flipping one’s Bible open and pointing to a verse to find God’s will are totally unacceptable substitutes for what will come to be known about the will of God in any situation to the person who faithfully studies the Scriptures rightly divided.
Prayer should be the function of every believer when they’re faced with a situation where they’re searching to be sure they have an accurate understanding of God’s will in a matter. Fortunately, as believers we have this promise I’ll mention next and last that assures us of something very important about our prayers as we seek God’s will regarding any matter at any time.
Romans 8:26-27
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to THE WILL OF GOD. [Emphasis added]
God always honors faith that’s directed toward Him. So, even when you don’t know or you’re not sure about His will, PRAY! Trust in Him to lead you through the whole situation. You will NOT be disappointed! Such has always been the case—
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and HE shall direct thy paths. [Emphasis added]
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be careful for nothing [stop worrying]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [PHULASSO = guard or keep watch over] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [Emphasis added]
What a wonderful promise we can all claim as ours!
For more information about this, you can order my book. It will answer many questions for you about God’s will for you. Here’s the link to it—
