OUTLINE
I. There are several meanings to the general phrase the will of God.
A. The English word will translates two different Greek words.
B. To clarify the possible meaning of will, several distinctions are necessary.
1. The “revealed will of God” is that which God has made clear.
2. The “hidden or secret will of God” is that which God has chosen not to reveal to us.
3. The “active will of God” refers to His bringing about certain events under His sovereignty.
4. The “passive will of God” describes cases in which He allows some things to take place.
5. The “decretive will of God” pertains to God’s sovereign decree, which is unchangeable.
6. The “preceptive will of God” pertains to the laws that God has ordained for men, but that we choose whether
or not to follow.
7. The “will of disposition” expresses God’s attitudes, desires, and delights.
C. To illustrate the importance of using the correct interpretation for a word, consider the sentence “God is not
willing that any should perish.”
1. “Willing” used in this way should be translated as “desiring.”
2. Any other translation directly contradicts other parts of Scripture.
II. It is wrong when Christians seek to discern God’s hidden will. Decisions should be based on what would be most
pleasing to God.
III. The “preceptive will of God” should be our focus. Our obedience to His commandments are of primary
importance.
A. We are to live by biblical principles.
B. It is also appropriate and legitimate to seek God’s leading for our lives, carefully moving according to His
precepts.
C. The more we make it a priority to know God’s precepts, desires, and Word, the more we will be able to make
decisions that are pleasing to Him.
I. There are several meanings to the general phrase the will of God.
A. The English word will translates two different Greek words.
B. To clarify the possible meaning of will, several distinctions are necessary.
1. The “revealed will of God” is that which God has made clear.
2. The “hidden or secret will of God” is that which God has chosen not to reveal to us.
3. The “active will of God” refers to His bringing about certain events under His sovereignty.
4. The “passive will of God” describes cases in which He allows some things to take place.
5. The “decretive will of God” pertains to God’s sovereign decree, which is unchangeable.
6. The “preceptive will of God” pertains to the laws that God has ordained for men, but that we choose whether
or not to follow.
7. The “will of disposition” expresses God’s attitudes, desires, and delights.
C. To illustrate the importance of using the correct interpretation for a word, consider the sentence “God is not
willing that any should perish.”
1. “Willing” used in this way should be translated as “desiring.”
2. Any other translation directly contradicts other parts of Scripture.
II. It is wrong when Christians seek to discern God’s hidden will. Decisions should be based on what would be most
pleasing to God.
III. The “preceptive will of God” should be our focus. Our obedience to His commandments are of primary
importance.
A. We are to live by biblical principles.
B. It is also appropriate and legitimate to seek God’s leading for our lives, carefully moving according to His
precepts.
C. The more we make it a priority to know God’s precepts, desires, and Word, the more we will be able to make
decisions that are pleasing to Him.