A Series of Studies on the foundational Doctrines of the Gospel

Part II He Chose Us (Ephesians 1:4)

II.3. The Experiential Will of God

If there is an eternal plan, how do I discover the will of God for my life?

1. Understanding the Will of God

a) The Revealed will of God: Scripture

It doesn’t tell me whether I should buy a Mazda or a Toyota, but it does tell me that I should not steal either!

b) The Decreed will of God: Secret

We know God’s directive will ahead of time, but we only ultimately know his decreed will after the fact.

2. Discovering the Will of God

a) The Revealed will of God: Obedience

b) The Decreed will of God: Choices

“In God’s greatness, His children often find themselves in the enviable position of choosing among two or more rights! Both are options within the area of God’s directive will.” Jay Adams

Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18 We are “led by the Spirit” to obey the revealed will of God rather than to discover the decreed will of God.

(i) Counsel

(ii) Faith

3. Appreciating the Will of God

The revealed and the decreed will of God are both good; there is no such thing as “second best” with God.