Divine GuiDance
B. A. Ramsbottom
Course DGU
(complete)
Name: _______________________________ Student ID: ________ Date: _________
Mount Zion BiBle institute
2
Course Instructions
The reading material for this course is Divine Guidance by B. A. Rams-
bottom, which is included in this study guide. All materials you need to
take this course are included in this study guide, except for a Bible and
answer sheets.
Before each lesson: pray for God to give a teachable heart and un-
derstanding.
Begin the lesson by reading the related sections in this study guide.
⇓
Answer the questions for the lesson in this study guide.
Use the required answer sheet format, putting your name and course
information on each sheet (sample after the Table of Contents). Use
any standard note paper (or the answer booklets if provided).
Try to be as clear and concise as possible.
Please do not rush! Meditate on what God wants you to learn.
Don’t go to the next question until completing the current one.
If, and only if, you are taking the course as correspondence study
(with written feedback from others):
After completing both lessons, send the completed answer sheets to
your course coordinator.
Only mail your answer sheets, not other materials.
All sent answers are handled confidentially.
Label the envelope’s lower left with:
student, course, and lesson numbers.
Two months are allotted for course completion. Extensions may be
granted upon request.
⇓
Your answer sheets are returned to you after review.
Keep all materials and returned answers together for future reference.
DIVINE GUIDANCE
Course DGU – Contents
Lesson One
The Problem, Promise, and Pitfalls
1. The Problem .......................................................................................... 3
2.
God’s Promise
A. Guidance in the Old Testament ..................................................... 4
B. Some of God’s promises to guide His people ............................... 5
C. Some prayers for guidance ............................................................... 6
3. Pitfalls and Mistakes
A. Opening the Bible randomly ........................................................... 6
B. Acting on a sudden impression of a text ........................................ 7
C. Acting on a sudden impression ....................................................... 7
D. Acting on whether we feel liberty in prayer .................................. 8
E. Casting lots ........................................................................................ 8
F. Choosing the thing you like least .................................................... 9
G. Asking for the fleece wet and dry ................................................... 9
Study Questions ............................................................................................ 10
Lesson Two
How to Know God’s Will
4. How May I Know God’s Will?
A. The Word of God .......................................................................... 12
B. Personal exercise before God ........................................................ 13
C. Openings in providence ................................................................. 15
5. Conclusion ............................................................................................. 17
Study Questions
............................................................................................ 18
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Sample Answer Sheet
___________ ________ DGU ______ _____
Your name Student ID Course Lesson Date
number number
Question Answer
___ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
skip a line between questions
___ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
B. A. Ramsbottom has served as pastor of Bethel Chapel, Luton, England, since 1967. He is
also editor of the Gospel Standard magazine, and has written numerous books, including
Bible Doctrines Simply Explained.
© Copyright 1990 B. A. Ramsbottom: text.
© Copyright 2015 Chapel Library: annotations and study questions.
All rights reserved. No paper or electronic reproduction may be made by any means with-
out express permission from the author, except for online downloads from the Chapel
Library website.
Originally published ISBN 0 903556 88 X, by
Gospel Standard Publications • 12(b) Roundwood Lane
Harpenden • Herts AL5 3DD • United Kingdom
This edition reprinted by Chapel Library, Pensacola, Florida, USA. Used by permission.
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3
DIVINE GUIDANCE
“The meek will he guide in judgment:
and the meek will he teach his way.”
—Psalm 25:9
Lesson One
The Problem, Promise, and Pitfalls
1. The Problem
How often there are times in our lives when we do not know what to do!
A decision has to be taken; a choice has to be made.
It is not always easy to know what is right. Here is a girl. A boy has writ-
ten to ask her to go out with him. She feels happy, she likes him; but she
does want to know whether it is God’s will for her.
Here is a boy. He is looking for a job. Perhaps there are two different
jobs that are both offered to him. Which one is he to take? How can he
know? He does want to be sure.
It is not always easy to discern God’s will for usin a great matter or a
small. And then there are times in our lives when everything seems so
clear, and other times when nothing at all seems clear.
If there were either a clear command or a clear prohibition, we should
know. For instance, if it is an ungodly boy who asks the girl out, she knows
immediately (or should know) that the answer cannot be “Yes.” God has
clearly said, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers” (2Co
6:14). Or if one of the jobs the boy is offered involves unnecessary Sunday
work, the boy knows (or should know) that he cannot say “Yes.” God has
clearly said, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” (Exo 20:8).
But the problem lies in those matters where neither the one way nor the
other is specially right or wrong. There seems to be no moral principle in-
volved. There is not a clear command, nor a clear prohibition.
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Perhaps the matter is very important. So much hangs upon it. And per-
haps it cannot be left; an answer is required soon.
What shall I do?
2. God’s Promise
God has promised to guide His people. He has promised to lead them by
the right way among all the uncertainties of life (Isa 42:16; Psa 107:7).
It is vital that we should understand this. God has a plan for the lives of
all His people, and it is not His will that they should go the way of their own
choice. Most certainly it is not His will that their decisions shall be guided
by such things as “How much money shall I get?” or “Will I be really hap-
py?”
A. Guidance in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament God clearly guided His people. In the wilderness
the children of Israel were led by the pillar of cloud and fire (Exo 13:21). In
the day time they could see a dark cloud in the sky. At night they could see
the same cloud, but now fiery and bright. If it moved, they were to move. If
it did not move, they were to stay where they were. If it stayed motionless
for several months or even a year, they must not move. But if they had only
just pitched camp in the wilderness the day before and now they saw the
cloud moving again, they must immediately pack their belongings and fol-
low.
For forty years in the wilderness, God’s people were to have no will of
their own. They were God’s peoplea chosen, redeemed people. Every de-
cision, when to move and when to stay, was God’s, not theirs. They were to
be completely dependent.
Are we to think that God would so clearly lead His people in Old Testa-
ment times and leave them to their own devices now?
Also, we read of the Urim and the Thummim (Exo 28:30; Num 27:21;
1Sa 28:6); it is made clear that an Israelite, in doubt as to what he should
do, could appeal to the Urim and the Thummim for an answer. So we find
David inquiring of the Urim and the Thummim, and receiving his answer.
Solemnly, we find the opposite with Saul when God rejected him. He in-
quired of the Urim and the Thummim, but God gave him no answer.
What were the Urim and the Thummim? This is an interesting subject,
and there does seem to be some obscurity. The actual words mean “light
and perfection.” The Urim and Thummim were closely connected with the
high priest’s breastplate, either part of it or attached to it. If inquiry was
made, answer was given. How?—we are not told. Some have thought that
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God spoke with an audible voice from heaven. Others have thought that
God so controlled the high priest’s thoughts that he infallibly gave the right
answer. Yet others have thought that the letters on the high priest’s breast-
plate lit up, spelling out an answer. But we do not know. All we know is that
God promised to guide by the Urim and Thummim.
Again, are we to think that God would so clearly lead His people in Old
Testament times and leave them to their own decisions now?
It is very interesting that one of the longest chapters in the Bible is de-
voted to the subject of divine guidance. This is Genesis chapter 24 (67 vers-
es). It tells us how Abraham’s servant went to seek a bride for his master
Isaachow he had to pray his way along and how he was most clearly led.
There are more verses in Scripture concerning God’s guidance in the mat-
ter of choosing a wife for Isaac than there are about the creation of the
world!
Right at the beginning of the New Testament, we find the wise men led
by a star. Seeing a beautiful star in the sky, its purpose was revealed to
them—and, following the star, they were led to “where the young child
was” (Mat 2:9).
God does not now guide His people by a pillar of cloud and fire, or by
Urim and Thummim, or by a star; but He has promised to guide them by
His Word and Spirit.
B. Some of God’s promises to guide His people
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way”
(Psa 25:9).
“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will
guide thee with mine eye” (Psa 32:8).
“And the Lord shall guide thee continually” (Isa 58:11).
“I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths
that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and
crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake
them” (Isa 42:16).
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk
ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” (Isa
30:21).
“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with his
arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with
young,” i.e., those with an inward burden (Isa 40:11).
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Pro 3:6).
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“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa 119:105).
“When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (Joh
16:13).
“As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom
8:14).
C. Some prayers for guidance
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths”
(Psa 25:4).
“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation;
on thee do I wait all the day” (Psa 25:5).
“Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine
enemies” (Psa 27:11).
“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust:
cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto
thee” (Psa 143:8).
“Neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2Ch 20:12).
3. Pitfalls and Mistakes
Though God has so kindly promised to guide His people, many of them
(at least at times in their lives) find it difficult to discern God’s will. No
doubt this is due to the darkness and blindness of our minds. Sometimes,
also, we fall under the condemnation: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the
Lord will not hear me” (Psa 66:18). Undoubtedly, too, there are times when
our faith needs to be tried (Jam 1:3).
Yet it is a fact that a person who at one time has clearly discerned God’s
will for him, at another time seems to be in the dark; and also that a person
spiritually may be enjoying God’s blessing in his soul, and yet cannot feel
clear concerning God’s will for him in some decision he has to take.
It is now necessary to warn concerning pitfalls into which some have
fallen [especially at times such as those just described].
A. Opening the Bible randomly
Opening the Bible and believing that the first word the eye falls on is the
word of guidance is a grave error. We need to be very careful, as God is sov-
ereign and has at times condescended to lead in this way. But it was never
God’s intention that His holy Word should be treated thus. Some of us re-
7
member the “promise boxes”tiny rolls of paper neatly contained in a
beautiful box, each one with a text on it; and a pair of tweezers to help one’s
self to a promise!
But many seriously-minded people do seek guidance in this way. After
much earnest prayer for guidance, the Bible is taken down, opened at ran-
dom, and the finger placed on the page without looking. But God has given
no authority for this. The heathen in ancient days used their sacred books
like this.
The story is told of a person, following this method, who opened on:
“Judas went out and hanged himself.” Feeling that this would not do, he
tried again, only to be met with: “Go, and do thou likewise!” We have even
seen it stated that a third attempt produced: “What thou doest, do quickly.”
Obviously this is not the way to discern God’s will!
B. Acting on a sudden impression of a text
Acting on a sudden impression of a text on the mind is also a serious er-
ror. Again we have to be careful, however, for God does speak by applying
His Word to His people’s hearts. How many have been grateful for this, not
only in seeking guidance, but also when some sweet promise comforts the
heart in the day of trouble!
But how careful we need to be! For instance, if we are praying about
something (especially if it is something we should specially like to do), it is
not unlikely that a text like, “This is the way: walk ye in it,” will flash into
our minds (Isa 30:21).
Solemnly, so often people have spoken of having a clear word from the
Lord to do a certain thing, and have lived to prove that the sudden word
never came from God. We need grace to discern whether a word is from
God, or from our own imagination, or even from Satan.
A boy was once praying about a friendship with a girl named Maryand
in his heart of hearts he wondered if it was not right. But very suddenly and
unexpectedly the word came: “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.”
Mercifully, he realized immediately that that word never came from God.
Also, many have acted on the word, “Do all that is in thine heart; for the
Lord is with thee,” forgetting that when that word was spoken in Scripture
(by Nathan, 2Sa 7:3), it was a mistake, and he had to go back and tell David
not to do all that was in his heart!
C. Acting on a sudden impression
Acting on a sudden impression, but not a text of Scripture, is another
serious error. This is even more dangerous than the former. “Lord, deliver
us from false exercises,” prayed an old preacher.
We do have sudden impressions, sometimes very powerfully; sometimes
they are right, but often they are wrong. How many a godly man has had
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the impression that he should preach, and yet has lived to prove how mis-
taken he was!
“Beware of impressions!” said J. K. Popham.
The subject of dreams fits in here. What about dreams? It is clear in
Scripture that God did guide His people through dreams. However, it seems
equally clear that this was usually in special circumstances (e.g. Joseph,
Mary’s husband, and the Apostle Paulin times of crisis) and is not the
standard for today.
There are records of remarkable leading through dreams (we think of
Sovereign Grace O’er Sin Abounding, the life of Alfred Dye, 1901)but we
need to be very, very careful. “A dream cometh through the multitude of
business” (Ecc 5:3).
D. Acting on whether we feel liberty in prayer
Some godly people have judged a matter according to the degree of lib-
erty they have felt in laying it before the Lord. Again, this is dangerous.
If we are truly blessed with liberty in prayer, then it is a good sign that
God will answer. But we are not good judges of ourselves and our feelings.
“The heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer 17:9). Carnal liberty can often
be mistaken for gracious liberty. And if there is something we badly want,
on which our hearts are set, it is not unlikely that somehow or other we
shall find a wonderful amount of liberty in asking for it.
E. Casting lots
Today we hear little about casting lots, but in former days it was quite
common. The matter was not treated lightly, but only after solemn prayer
and exercise (and perhaps fasting) was the lot cast. In this matter, appeal
was made to the casting of lots in Scripture as the authority for it.
But God has given no commandment. True it is that in the Bible there
were occasions when lots were cast, but these were occasions of peculiar
solemnity (e.g. the scapegoat on the day of atonement, Lev 16:8; the choos-
ing of an apostle to take the place of Judas Iscariot, Act 1:26). We have no
warrant for following this practice in seeking to know God’s will.
Perhaps the person most renowned for casting lots to discern God’s will
was John Wesley.
1
He even had an apparatus to use, which he carried round
with him. But what a sorry position it brought him into! When George
Whitefield
2
nobly stood forth in defense of the doctrines of grace, and espe-
1
John Wesley (1703-1791) – Anglican minister and theologian; largely credited, with his
brother Charles, in founding the
English Methodist movement and open-air preaching.
2
George Whitefield (1714-1770) – well known evangelist of the 18
th
century and an itiner-
ant preacher whom God greatly used in England and the American colonies during the
“Great Awakening.”
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cially election, John Wesley cast lots whether to take up his pen and oppose
him.
3
And the lot said, “Yes.”
F. Choosing the thing you like least
Some years ago there was a popular belief which ran something like
this: If you have to make an important choice between two things, always
choose the one you like least, the one most painful to the flesh.
This belief for a time was very popular. But there are grave defects in it.
True it is that God often leads His people in painful paths, that He over-
turns their longings and desires and leads in a way the flesh hates. But it is
most dangerous for us to make this the ground of our choices.
Permit a personal word here. When I first came to preach in Bedford-
shire, I was confronted by this teaching and asked what my opinion of it
was. My reply was that I could not receive it. Why?—for a simple reason. If
a boy were offered two jobs, is it right to say “Yes” to the one with no pro-
spects and uncongenial surroundings and hours? And to say “No” to the
one he had been training for? That would be the result of choosing the
most painful wayobviously a foolish choice.
G. Asking for the fleece wet and dry
There is scriptural justification for setting out a fleece, but O how care-
ful we need to be! Gideon was given faith to make this his request, and God
honored him in it. And the author personally remembers feeling clearly led
on one occasion to ask for the fleece wet and dry, and was honored by the
Lord in it. But what care is needed!
You remember that Gideon, in a time of great need, requested a sign
that God would be with him. He prayed that a fleece of wool he placed out-
side would be wet with dew next morning, but all the ground around it
dry—and then the next day the opposite: that the ground would be wet but
this time the fleece dry. And God honored his faith (Jdg 6:39).
Sometimes people ask for a sign. “Let such-and-such a thing happen and
I will know it is right.” For instance, “If I am right, let it stop raining im-
mediately.” Dangerous ground!
Have you noticed that Abraham’s servant asked for a special sign in
Genesis 24? But what did he request? If the girl he spoke to welcomed him,
offered him a drink of water, and for his camels also, may she be the ap-
pointed wife for Isaac. But it was not a foolish sign, a silly token requested.
If it came to pass, she would be a hard-working girl, one who served her
parents well, one who was courteous and kind.
What would be the equivalent to such a request concerning a girl today?
Not something foolish like, “If she is wearing blue, let her be the one,” but
3
See Whitefield’s Letter to Wesley, available from CHAPEL LIBRARY.
10
rather, “If I speak to her about the things of God, and she answers me gra-
ciously, then let this be a sign that I may continue to seek her friendship.”
Beware of the pitfalls!
Lesson One: The Problem, Promise, and Pitfalls
Study Questions
Please read sections 1 to 3 before answering these questions.
Very Important Note: We ask you to always use your own words in
your answers. The answers to most questions are found in the reading
text, but please do not merely quote the text for your answer. Rather,
read what the text says, think about the meaning of what it says, and
summarize its meaning in your own words for your answer. In this
way, you will learn much more than simply a “search, find, quote”
method for answering the questions.
The Problem (1)
1. When is knowing God’s will easy, and when is it difficult?
God’s Promise (2)
2. Write the reference and key point for each of the following verses.
a. Isaiah 42:16
b. Psalm 107:7
Note: By key point we mean: “key”—the phrase in the verse that re-
lates to the topic at hand; “point”—do not merely rewrite the printed
words; rather, tell in your own words what the text means, the basic
meaning behind the words (i.e., a paraphrase).
3. List two issues that are clearly not God’s guidance for decisions.
Guidance in the Old Testament (A)
4. Describe the degree to which God led His people in the wilderness.
5. Making It Personal Do you think God would lead His people in Old
Testament times, and leave them to their own devices now? Why
or why not?
Some of God’s promises to guide His people (B)
6. Which verse mentioned in this section…
a. Uses the figure of a lamp for guidance?
b. Gives hope as well as promises guidance?
c. Promises instruction as well as guidance?
d. Uses the figure of a shepherd for guidance?
7. How does a shepherd guide his sheep?
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8. Making It Personal….Of the verses listed in this section, which one
stands out to you as most meaningful? Why?
Some prayers for guidance (C)
9. a. Rewrite Psalm 143:8 in your own words, inserting your own name
instead of “me” and “I.”
b. Making It Personal Have you prayed something like this prayer to
the Lord before?
Pitfalls and Mistakes (3)
Opening the Bible randomly (A)
10. Why should we be very careful about this method of knowing God’s
will?
Acting on a sudden impression of a text (B)
11. When you are seeking guidance and a particular text of Scripture
comes into your mind, what are the three possible sources for it?
Acting on a sudden impression (C)
12. Why might it be a mistake to think that a dream or a sudden impres-
sion is guidance from God?
Acting on whether we feel liberty in prayer (D)
13. Why is it dangerous to judge a matter according to the freedom we
have in praying for it?
Casting lots (E)
14. Why should we not throw dice or flip a coin in order to determine
God’s will in an important decision?
Choosing the thing you like least (F)
15. a. Why do some advocate to choose the thing you like the least when
making a decision?
b. Why is it dangerous to do this?
Asking for the fleece wet and dry (G)
16. a. Briefly describe what it means to “put out a fleece.”
b. Why is this an error today?
12
Lesson Two
How to Know God’s Will
4. How May I Know God’s Will?
Having given a few warnings, we must now come to the vital question:
how may I know God’s will?
First of all, whatever else, I need to pray: to ask God to teach me His
way, to keep me from my own way, to guide me aright.
There are some most beautiful prayers in Scripture where God’s people
have asked the Lord to lead them. Like Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24,
seeking God’s guidance, we need to pray our way alongall the way. “I be-
ing in the way, the Lord led me...” (Gen 24:27).
Some years ago, on a very dark night, a ship’s captain was steering his
ship into the harbor. It was well known that the entry to this harbor was
very dangerous, especially because of hidden rocks. Knowing this, one of
the passengers went up on deck and asked the captain a simple question:
“How do you manage again and again to steer the ship safely into the har-
bor?”
The captain’s answer was equally simple. “You see those three red
lights?” he said. “I have to maneuver the position of the ship until all three
lights are in line. Then I can sail straight forward. But not till then! If I
tried to go forward before I have the lights in line, it would be disaster.”
There is a lesson here for us. God has given us three red lights. We must
wait upon God till the three lights are in line. Then, and only then, can we
go forward with safety.
The three red lights are: the Word of God, personal exercise before God,
and openings in providence.
A. The Word of God
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa
119:105). What does it teach us? What has it to say on the matter that con-
cerns us?
1). Direct command
If a thing is clearly commanded, then there is no need to ask for further
guidance. Likewise if a thing is clearly forbidden, then we must not ask the
Lord if we have permission to do it or not.
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As a young man, J. C. Philpot
4
was a minister in the Church of England.
After a time he became convinced that, in his position, he was being com-
pelled to do things which were forbidden in Scripture. He was burying peo-
ple of whom he had no hope, yet was saying “in sure and certain hope of a
glorious resurrection.” He was administering the Lord’s supper and saying,
“The blood of Christ, shed for you,” all the time knowing that some of the
partakers were openly ungodly and one even was suspected of murder.
So he began to pray. His prayer was that God would show him what he
had to do. But though he prayed, God was silent.
After many months of this prayer for leading, it was as if God said to
him, “My Word is very clear. It tells you what you have to do. There will be
no further light.”
As a boy or girl grows in the knowledge of the truth, so will they realize,
on so many occasions and in so many situations, that God has already spo-
ken in His Word.
2). Waiting on God
But here the “three lights” come in. There are some matters in which
there is no definite teaching in Scripture, and there are other things that
are neither right nor wrong in themselvesfor instance, the choice be-
tween two jobs, or which house to buy, or whether to stay on at school or
not, or whether to go to university or begin work.
Then pray that God will in a special way impress His Word upon your
conscienceboth when you read it in secret and when you listen to the
preaching of the Word. God does speak through the preaching of His Word.
Sometimes it is wise to try to think of all the things for and all the
things against. They may be equal in number. Pray over them, and seek
grace to bring them to the light of God’s Word. After a time you will find
that God, speaking through His Word, will one by one cancel some of the
things on the one side and confirm some of the things on the other.
It is a very profitable and humbling experience to wait on God in this
way, and to see the light and power of God’s Word scattering the reasons for
one course of action and sweetly confirming the reasons for the opposite.
But remember! sometimes it will be the very opposite of what you are ex-
pecting (or perhaps what secretly you would have liked).
B. Personal exercise before God
This, of course, is closely linked with what has gone before.
4
Joseph Charles Philpot (1802-1869): born at Ripple, England as a pastor’s son, educated
at Oxford. He served in the Church of England, but became a Baptist in mid-life. He was
editor of the Gospel Standard digest from 1849.
14
1). Distrust self
The vital thing is to exercise the greatest distrust of self. How deceitful
are our carnal hearts if there is something we should really like!
Be sure that you really do want to do God’s will. Sometimes we pray for
God to show us His will, and our carnal hearts think, “If I do not like it, I
have no need to do it!”
2). Ask counsel
Sometimes it is wise to ask counsel from an older, godly friend. So
much is said about not leaning on an “arm of flesh” (2Ch 32:8)and, of
course, we never must. But sometimes there is pride: we are too proud to
ask another’s opinion. Sometimes someone else can throw light on our
pathway, sometimes quote an apt Scripture, sometimes speak from person-
al experience in a similar situation (Pro 11:14). Also, sometimes talking to a
friend helps to make things clearer in our own minds.
3). Follow Christ’s example
A most important point in personal exercise is seeking to follow the ex-
ample of the Lord Jesus. Never forget that Christ has left you an “example,
that ye should follow his steps” (1Pe 2:21).
4). Will it help or hinder spiritually?
When there is no clear direction in Scripture, a good question to ask is:
will this help me spiritually or will it hinder? Does it honour the Lord? A
hobby or interest, does it have a good effect, or does it draw me from the
Lord? A move in providence (for instance, a change of jobs): will it make it
easier for me to attend the services of God’s house? or harder?
The story of William Romaine
5
has often been told. In his day he was
perhaps the most popular preacher in London. Even worldly people visited
London to see Garrick
6
act and to hear Romaine preach! On one occasion
Romaine was with a group of people and they suggested a game of cards. He
appeared to be in agreement; at least he said nothing, and the cards were
dealt. Just before the game began, however, he said, “Let us first seek God’s
blessing on the game.” His companions were amazed. At length one of
them said, “You can’t ask God’s blessing on a game of cards!” “Well,” was
the reply, “if I cannot ask God’s blessing first, then I cannot take part!”
There is a vital principle here: can I ask God’s blessing upon it (1Co
10:31)?
5
William Romaine (1714-1795) – educated at Oxford. He served many parish churches in
the Church of England and rose to serve in prominent churches in London. He preached
evangelical doctrine to large crowds despite the opposition of church hierarchy.
6
David Garrick (1717-1779) – English actor, playwright, and producer who influenced
nearly all aspects of theatrical practice throughout the 18
th
century.
15
5). A tender conscience
One of the best things ever written on the subject of divine guidance is
John Newton’s
7
beautiful letter, written to a friend who had consulted him
on the subject.
8
One point he emphasizes: the importance of a tender con-
science. In fact, he lays more stress on this than anything else. If my con-
science is kept tender in the fear of God, then I will not walk contrary to
God’s will. John Newton felt that this had more value than any amount of
imaginary words or visionary experiences.
Take a skillful musician; his ear is very sensitive. If he hears a discord,
he immediately knows something is wrong; it jars upon his spirit. Even so,
if my conscience is very tender in the fear of the Lord, if I begin to walk in a
wrong way, my conscience will jar; I will know something is not just right.
When I turn back into a right way, there is a sense of divine approbation.
9
So we have the interesting case of Apollos (Act 18:27). How did God lead
him to Corinth, where it was His purpose he should be abundantly blessed.
No clear word—no vision—nothing remarkable. “He was disposed” to go.
And it proved right.
May we seek to walk tenderly in the fear of God. “Not unwise, but under-
standing what the will of the Lord is” (Eph 5:17). This is vital in the person-
al experience of divine leading. It is the very opposite of what we sometimes
hear, often glibly spoken: “I felt led to do…”
C. Openings in providence
1). False openings
Always watch the hand of God in providence. “He shall open, and none
shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open” (Isa 22:22). But do be
careful of one thing: an opening in providence is not in itself God’s leading.
Take, for instance, Moses. If ever a man had “a wonderful opening in
providence,” it was Moses. He never sought his position at the court of
Pharaoh. God in a most amazing way ordained that he should be found in
the bulrushes by Pharaoh’s daughter, brought to court, and be “learned in
all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Act 7:22).
What a case could be made out! “Moses, what a wonderful opportunity
for good you have! What influence! How you will be able to help your breth-
ren! An Israelite, and yet a prince at Pharaoh’s court! You did not seek the
position. God gave it you!”
7
John Newton (1725-1807) – Evangelical Anglican minister, author, and hymn writer;
began his life as a profligate slave trader and then dramatically converted to Christ. His
hymns include How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds and Amazing Grace.
8
John Newton, The Works of John Newton (The Banner of Truth Trust; Edinburgh, Scot-
land) Vol. 1, 324-331. This also appears on pages 368-372 in Gospel Standard, 1989. Avail-
able as How to Know the Will of God from C
HAPEL LIBRARY.
9
approbation – official approval.
16
But, no! This was not God’s will for Moses. “By faith Moses, when he was
come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing
rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleas-
ures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches
than the treasures in Egypt” (Heb 11:26).
So we issue this word of warning: a wonderful opening is not always
God’s leading.
2). Closings
But then, on the other hand, if we feel we are being led in a certain path,
and God finally shuts the door, then this cannot be God’s will for us. Of
course, sometimes there is the trial of faith: sometimes God keeps us wait-
ing. But how often we have heard people speak of being clearly led in a cer-
tain matterand yet it has never come to pass, proving their exercises were
wrong! We do need to be delivered from false exercises. A finally closed door
proves it was not God’s will.
3). Positive leading
But also God sometimes leads positively by opening and closing doors.
Acts chapter 16, verses 6 to 10, are a beautiful example of this: closing
doors, and then opening the right door. Paul and his companions “were
forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia”a closed door.
“They assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them
not”another closed door. Then in a most remarkable way the Lord
opened a door (it would seem to be one that Paul was not expecting): “And a
vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and
prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he
had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, as-
suredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto
them” (16:9).
What leading Paul received from open and closed doorsand, of course,
point B, “personal exercise,” also comes in. In his spirit he “assuredly gath-
ered” what was God’s will for them. (We cannot separate point C from point
B, or B from A.) But sometimes it is a good prayer for us: Lord, close wrong
doors! Practically, a boy may be applying for a job. There are three possibili-
ties. He prays about them. From no point of view does one seem preferable
to the others; he can gain no light. So he commits the matter to the Lord.
And what happens? He is offered one post, and refused the othersthis is
God’s will for him. Or, it may be, all three are closed. Then his exercise
must begin again.
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5. Conclusion
Years ago, when in deep concern as to what was God’s will, I ventured to
ask a very godly old man how he would discern God’s will. Somewhat in
amazement he looked at me and said, “Why, I’d ask Him, and He’d tell me!”
The dear old man meant it. He was not being presumptuous. He lived
very close to the Lord and always seemed to have the mind of the Spirit.
However, with most of us it is not as simple or straightforward! That is why
we have tried to give the few hints in the preceding pages on how to discern
the will of God.
But what if after much prayer, much waiting on the Lord, we still can-
not see our way. What have we to do? Well, sometimes our darkness is our
light. That may seem a strange thing to say. What do we mean? We mean
this: Sometimes a person just cannot see what he has to do. And that is
God’s voice to himtelling him to do nothing. Because he cannot see
which way to move, God is saying to him that he must not move. So his
darkness is his light.
But sometimes a decision has to be taken. Perhaps today or tomorrow. It
must be either yes or no. But we are still undecided, still not sure. Has God
failed us? No. But sometimes His dealings are very mysterious. What, then,
must we do? Cast ourselves completely on the Lord and plead with Him
that whatever we do will be right.
10
Often it is in looking back that we see God’s handleading, guiding,
opening, closing, restraining, constraining. But at the time all seemed dark.
Now all seems so clear: everything in its place, everything right. Then,
“We bless the hand that guided
We bless the heart that planned.”
In conclusion, we firmly believe that when anyone in honesty and sin-
cerity, in the fear of God, wants to do what is right, God will not let him do
wrong.
10
The editors further suggest that, in this case, we specifically ask God to prevent us in a
mistake. We lay out to Him what we are thinking to do in our lack of certainty, and ask
Him to prevent it if it is not His will.
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Lesson Two: How to Know God’s Will
Study Questions
Please read sections 4 and 5 before answering these questions.
Always use your own words, in order to indicate your understanding of what you
have read.
How May I Know God’s Will? (4)
1. a. What is the first thing to do when seeking God’s will for a particular
decision, whatever else may follow?
b. Making It Personal Why do you think this is so important?
The Word of God (A)
Direct command (1)
2. How is “direct command” to be used for guidance?
Waiting on God (B)
3. a. When is waiting on God to be used for guidance?
b. What does the author mean by “waiting on God” in order to receive
guidance?
c. How does God often work when we wait upon Him for guidance?
Personal Exercise before God (B)
Distrust self (1)
4. a. Why is distrust of self so vital?
b. What motive is so important? Why?
Ask counsel (2)
5. a. List two reasons that we sometimes do not seek counsel.
b. List four benefits that can come when we do seek wise counsel.
Follow Christ’s example (3)
6. How is it helpful to follow Christ’s example when there is no direct
command for the area in which we are making a decision?
Will it help or hinder spiritually? (4)
7. How does this principle work?
8. State this principle in other words, but still as a question.
A tender conscience (5)
9. a. Explain the analogy of a skillful musician and how it applies to un-
derstanding the Lord’s will for a decision.
b. How is it different from “I felt led to do this”?
Openings in Providence (C)
False openings (1)
10. What is the point regarding “false openings” in decision making?
19
Closings (2)
11. a. When a door seems to close, what are two possibilities for interpret-
ing God’s leading in the decision?
b. When a door finally closes, what does this tell us about God’s will?
Why?
Positive leading (3)
12. Explain the example in Acts 16:6, 10, and 9 regarding the way God does
use the opening and closing of doors to guide us into His will.
13. What is sometimes “a good prayer for us” in decision making? Why?
Conclusion (5)
14. What does it mean: “Sometimes our darkness is our light”?
15. What must we do if things remain dark and the decision must be made
now?
16. Describe how the “three red lights” must be aligned before we can go
forward with safety to know God’s will.
See the beginning of section 4 if needed.
17. Write the reference and key point for each of the following verses.
a. Jeremiah 17:9
b. 1 Peter 2:21
c. 1 Corinthians 10:31
d. Ephesians 5:17
e. Isaiah 22:22
f. Psalm 25:9
18. Making It Personal
a. What are the main lessons you have learned during this course?
b. How valuable has this course been to you?
______________________
Thank you for taking this course.
Please contact your course administrator
now for your next course.
Put into practice the new insights from your study. Re-read the
main headings and your notes; then review these main
lessons regularly during the next month.
20
Notes
