Discovering God's Specific Will

God's general will is that all come to know Him, His salvation, and eventually dwell with Him in heaven.

Acts 16:6-10 These directions were very specific.

2 notes before we begin:
#1 keep some balance - on one hand, the specifics in Acts 16 listed above are not the norm. The apostles were led men; these were directions for ministry; this was outstanding even for Paul!!
On the other hand, it doesn't mean we will never know His specific will.

#2. look beyond the obvious
Which means God chose to reveal and they were sensitive to the Holy Spirit

We overlook a lot of scriptural principles that can direct our lives.

So: point being - there were additional, non-obvious factors that enabled them to determine His specific will.

They discovered His Specific Will :

#1. by seeking His will. Deut. 4:29 - with sincerity and effort.
Paul and company were deliberate and intense on living life for Christ and seeking Him. They were engaged in intense seeking. They were prepared in advance.

#2. by doing His will.
By acting upon His known will you are more likely to discover additional will. John 7:16-17

#3. by being surrendered to His will - in advance.
Even though there must be some light and revelation before a commitment
but, God requires commitment before fuller revelation!

#4. by being sensitive to circumstances. 1 Cor. 16:8-9 - "open door", but also "opposition".
We must measure by multiple criteria and use it all together to make a determination.

#5. by examining thing in the light of God's (previously) revealed will - ie: His Word. 2 Tim. 3:16-17, 1 John 4:1
The majority of decisions are answered in His Word.

#6. by counseling together. Acts 16:10 - "we concluded"
Don't leave other people out - we need each other in making decisions and determinations.

#7. by combining these factors together.
Don't decide based on just one criteria.