Frankly Answered Questions - FAQs

What is your view of godly counsel and determining God's will for your life?

Q: What is your view of godly counsel and determining God's will for your life?

A: There are a lot of different very good systems for knowing God's will. I have found the following guideline to be of help:

1. SCRIPTURE
2. SCRIPTURE
3. SCRIPTURE
4. The BIBLE
5. SCRIPTURE
6. Prayer
7. Advice of others (godly counsel)
8. Circumstances
9. Reason

Guidance COMES FROM THE BIBLE, prayerfully used. The Bible is God's Word. It is the only inerrant source of truth, so look for Biblical commands and Biblical principles in making your decisions. I remember R.C. Sproul of Ligonier Ministries saying the reason we have so much trouble making decisions is because we don't really know our Bible. The older I have grown, the more I believe that to be true. Almost all decisions can be made from commands or principles that are found in the Bible. If we know where to find it, the Scriptures speak to every area of life, not just spiritual things. (Did you know the Bible even tells you how to go to the bathroom? Deuteronomy 23:12-13). Unfortunately, most of us don't spend time studying the Bible, so we are lost when an issue of guidance comes around.

Concerning advice from others: we should seek godly counsel from the wise (Proverbs 12:15), but not for their opinions (e.g. Joshua 9:14). Instead seek godly counselors for their assistance in using the Bible to help you make a decision that honors God. Counselors have a lot of wisdom and Bible knowledge, but they are far from infallible. They are sinners just like the rest of us. Of course, I reject the whole "shepherding movement" where church leaders tell you what car to buy and who to marry. That is a cult, not the Scriptural form of church government. That is control, not spiritual leadership. Seek advice from wise men and women, but follow God and His Word, not men (Acts 4:19).

Circumstances affecting a decision must be evaluated within Biblical boundaries. An open door does not always mean "Go." After all, some "open doors" lead to elevator shafts! If it's not Biblical (for example, marrying an unbeliever), then an open door (such as her family giving their blessing to the marriage) is a temptation. In this case, an open door is not God saying "Go."

But if you are following Biblical commands and principles, then God will confirm His will by open doors. He is our providential Father - in control and in charge of everything. So look for God to validate guidance by open doors.

Reason must be used in moving from the Scriptures to the problem as you apply Biblical teaching to your decision, but the effects of sin on the human mind has been considerable. I remember a man who wanted to divorce his wife reasoning that it was okay to leave her because the Bible said, "If the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances." I asked him how that fit his situation and he replied that his wife was acting like an unbeliever and she had left him emotionally. Hence - according to his logic - he was free to divorce her! Our fallible "reason" can led us to great sin. Therefore, you must always check your reasonable conclusions with the rest of the Biblical principles that converge on the issue at hand.

Does it seem like I keep coming back to the Bible for guidance? ;>
I think that is what Jesus did too.

Hope some of this is helpful. Thanks again for writing. God's peace in Jesus be yours today.

Dennis Rupert