Discovering and Exploring God's Will: Understanding His Preceptive and Declarative Will

One of the central quests of a Christian life is discerning God's will. This endeavor is not just about making the right choices but understanding how our decisions align with God's ultimate plan and purposes. To navigate this complex terrain, it is helpful to grasp the distinctions between God's preceptive will and His declarative will, while also considering the role of our free will.

Understanding God's Preceptive Will
God's preceptive will is essentially His revealed commandments in the Bible, the "precepts" or rules He wishes us to follow. These include directives about how to live, how to treat others, and how to maintain our relationship with Him. These commandments are not hidden but are clearly set out in Scripture. For example, Micah 6:8 succinctly captures a significant aspect of God's preceptive will: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Exploring God's Declarative Will
God's declarative will, on the other hand, encompasses those things He has ordained to happen, whether or not we understand or agree with them. This can include everything from the rise and fall of nations to the details of our personal lives. This aspect of God's will is typically hidden from us until it unfolds or is revealed through prophecy. Isaiah 46:10 illustrates this: "I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'"

The Role of Our Free Will
Central to the Christian understanding of human nature is the concept of free will—the freedom to choose. God has bestowed upon us the capacity to make choices. This freedom is powerful and reflects God’s image in us. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility to choose wisely, in a way that aligns with God's preceptive will. While God’s declarative will invariably comes to pass, how we live within that framework—and whether we obey His preceptive will—is up to us.

How Do We Know God’s Will?

1. Scripture: The primary way we know God’s preceptive will is through the Bible. It provides comprehensive guidance on how God wants us to live. Regular study and meditation on God’s Word illuminate our paths and decisions.
2. Prayer: Prayer is our direct line of communication with God, a way to seek His guidance and wisdom directly. It's not just about presenting our requests, but also about listening for His responses.
3. Community and Counsel: God often reveals His will through the wisdom of other believers. The community can provide confirmation and counsel, helping us to see blind spots and confirm our understanding of God’s Word.
4. Circumstances: While we must be cautious not to interpret every circumstance as divine directive, God often uses our situations to guide us toward His will. This requires wisdom and discernment, often gained through prayer and reflection.

Next Steps
Discovering and exploring God’s will is a dynamic process that requires a heart tuned to God’s voice, a mind saturated with Scripture, and a will ready to obey. As we navigate the complexities of life’s decisions, let us strive to align ourselves with God’s preceptive will while trusting in the sovereignty of His declarative will. In doing so, we honor God and live out the freedom He has graciously given us.

As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." This scripture not only encourages us but also provides a method for discerning God’s will in our lives. I hope to share more on this in an upcoming class in September.