TOPIC 36 OF 47
Decision Making and the Will of God
Making wise choices in the freedom and guidance of God’s Word.
THE MAIN TRUTH
God reveals his will through his Word as the Holy Spirit enlightens our hearts to make God-pleasing decisions.
The teaching
From the book · pages 110–112
God reveals his will through his Word as the Holy Spirit enlightens our hearts to make God-pleasing decisions. God’s Law reveals his moral will and the kinds of good decisions we should make. The Gospel reveals God’s saving will in Christ Jesus, which frees us in faith and empowers us by the Spirit to make decisions that reflect the image of Christ.
God’s voice is not to be sought within our hearts, emotions, or experiences. God’s voice speaks through Scripture, and the Spirit echoes that voice in us as he inspires wisdom in our hearts and prompts new thoughts and desires in harmony with his will. We make decisions as we trust in God, praying for the Spirit’s wisdom and direction, seeking wise counsel, and thoughtfully considering what God has providentially arranged in our lives.
When necessary, God can guide us in supernatural ways, such as through an audible voice, a vision, or an angel. The decisions we make affect the course and consequences of our lives. When we make poor decisions, we confess our sin and receive Christ’s forgiveness. We continually pray that God’s will be done in our lives.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
The passages direct us to God’s revealed will, prayer, wisdom, and trust. His promises free us from the demand to discover a hidden blueprint for every decision.
16 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Psalm 119:105 ↗
“Your words are a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 02
Ephesians 1:17-18 ↗
“. . . the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, will give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowing Christ fully . . . that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened. . .”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 03
Colossians 1:9-10 ↗
“We keep asking that you would be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding . . . that you please him. . .”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 04
Romans 2:18; 7:12 ↗
“. . . you know his will . . . since you are instructed by the law . . .” “So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 05
Psalm 25:4-5 ↗
“Make known to me your ways, O LORD. Teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth and teach me. . .”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 06
Romans 1:16 ↗
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. . .”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 07
John 8:31-32 ↗
[Jesus:] “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples. You will also know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Book page 111
SCRIPTURE 09
Colossians 2:18 ↗
“This person goes into detail about what he has seen. He is puffed up for no reason by the attitude of his sinful flesh.”
Book page 112
SCRIPTURE 10
Hebrews 1:2; 3:7-8; 4:12 ↗
“In these last days, [God] has spoken to us by his Son . . .” “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says [in Scripture]: ‘Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts . . .” “For the word of God is living and active. . .”
Book page 112
SCRIPTURE 11
Hebrews 13:21 ↗
“. . . may he equip you with every good thing to do his will, as he works in us what is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ.”
Book page 112
SCRIPTURE 12
James 1:5 ↗
“If any one of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all without reservation and without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Book page 112
SCRIPTURE 13
Proverbs 15:22 ↗
“Plans fail without advice, but where there are many advisors they succeed.”
Book page 112
SCRIPTURE 14
Acts 11:12; 27:23-24 ↗
[Peter:] “The Spirit told me to go . . .” [Paul:] “. . . last night an angel . . . stood beside me and said. . .”
Book page 112
SCRIPTURE 16
Matthew 6:9-10,12 ↗
“Our Father in heaven . . . Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven . . . Forgive us our debts. . .”
Book page 112
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
How do God’s moral will and saving will guide decisions?
Why should inner impressions be tested by Scripture?
What decision could benefit from prayer, wise counsel, and careful attention to your responsibilities?
A prayer
Father, give us wisdom shaped by your Word. Guide our decisions, forgive our failures, and help us trust your gracious care in the paths before us. Amen.