As my wife and I prepare to move across the country for the second time to embrace the new chapter God has planned for us, we find ourselves constantly seeking His guidance and wisdom. In the midst of packing boxes and planning for the future, we are reminded of a profound truth: the clarity and direction we need can only be found in Scripture. In these times of transition, praying for God's will becomes paramount, and we rest assured that His revealed Word is our ultimate guide, providing the light we need for every step of the journey. In this article, I want to share some thoughts and insights that have been at the forefront of my mind over the past few months about finding God’s will, emphasizing that it is found solely in His Word.
In our quest to understand and follow God's will, we often face numerous voices and influences from the world around us. It's tempting to look for signs or guidance outside of what God has already provided. However, as believers, we must remember that God's will is found exclusively in His Word—the Bible. Let’s explore why we should seek God's guidance only through Scripture and how doing so anchors our faith.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
The Bible is God's revealed Word, given to us as the ultimate authority for our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work." This passage affirms that Scripture is sufficient for guiding us in all aspects of life, equipping us for good works, and providing the wisdom we need.
God's Will Revealed
One of the most profound truths of the Bible is that it reveals God's will for us. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." God's Word illuminates our path, showing us the way we should go. When we seek to understand His will, we must turn to the Bible, trusting that it provides the clarity and direction we need.
The Danger of Seeking Outside of Scripture
Looking for God's will outside of His Word can lead us into confusion and error. Proverbs 3:5-6 warns us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." When we rely on our own understanding or external signs, we risk straying from God's true path for us. This risk is particularly evident in movements that emphasize personal revelations and experiences over the authority of Scripture.
The Charismatic and Pentecostal Movements
The Charismatic and Pentecostal movements often emphasize the importance of personal experiences, such as visions, prophecies, and speaking in tongues, as a means of receiving direct revelation from God. These movements undermine the principle of “Sola Scriptura”—the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.
1. Subjectivity Over Objectivity
One significant danger of these movements is the reliance on subjective experiences over the objective truth of Scripture. When personal revelations are placed on the same level as, or even above, the Bible, the door is opened to a myriad of interpretations and doctrines that may not align with God's Word. This can lead to theological confusion and doctrinal errors, as individual experiences and interpretations vary widely.
2. Potential for Misinterpretation
Personal experiences and revelations are susceptible to misinterpretation and can be influenced by emotions, personal desires, or even external spiritual forces that do not align with God's will. Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Without the grounding of Scripture, individuals may be led astray by their own hearts, believing they are following God's will when they are not.
3. Undermining the Sufficiency of Scripture
The emphasis on new revelations can suggest that the Bible is insufficient for guiding our lives and that additional revelations are necessary to fully understand Scripture. This contradicts the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, as outlined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. When believers seek guidance outside of the Bible, they implicitly deny that Scripture is complete and wholly adequate for instructing us in righteousness.
4. Creating Division and Confusion
When personal revelations become the norm, it can lead to divisions within the church. Different individuals claiming different revelations from God can create factions and confusion, undermining the unity of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:33 states, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." A reliance on subjective revelations can result in the opposite, bringing disorder rather than unity.
5. Historical and Biblical Warnings
Throughout church history, many movements that have placed personal revelation on par with or above Scripture have led to heresy and schism. The early church dealt with similar issues, as seen in the warnings against false prophets and teachers in the New Testament. Galatians 1:8 warns, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!"
While the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements have a genuine desire for a deeper connection with God, the danger lies in elevating personal revelations above the authoritative and sufficient Word of God. As believers, we must be diligent in upholding Sola Scriptura, ensuring that our faith and practice are firmly rooted in the Bible. By doing so, we safeguard against the confusion and errors that come from seeking God's will outside of His Word. Let us commit to discerning His will through the Scriptures, trusting in their completeness and reliability.
Practical Steps for Seeking God's Will in the Bible
1. Daily Bible Reading: Make it a habit to read the Bible daily. Start with a structured reading plan that covers different parts of Scripture. This consistent exposure helps you understand God's character and His directives for your life.
2. Prayerful Reflection: As you read, pray for understanding and application. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in interpreting the Scriptures correctly and to reveal God's will for your specific situations.
3. Biblical Counsel: Seek advice from godly mentors who are well-versed in Scripture. Their insights can help confirm and clarify what you believe God is revealing to you through His Word.
4. Meditation and Memorization: Meditate on key verses that speak to your current circumstances. Memorize Scripture so that it becomes a natural part of your thought process, influencing your decisions and actions.
5. Obedience: Commit to obeying God's Word. James 1:22 reminds us, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." Living out Scripture in obedience is crucial to aligning with God's will.
Conclusion
In a world filled with distractions and conflicting messages, the Bible stands as the unchanging, reliable source of God's will. By immersing ourselves in His Word, we find the guidance, wisdom, and clarity we need to navigate life's challenges. Let us commit to seeking God's will exclusively through the Scriptures, trusting that He has provided all we need within its pages.
RFM encourages you to check out this brief booklet by trusted pastor and teacher John MacArthur as he answers vital questions about God’s will. “Found: God's Will” shares six powerful principles that will give you direction, fill you with purpose, and give you the confidence to live out God’s plan for your life.
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Finding God's Will