John 7:17 “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”
The Lord Jesus tied knowing the will of God to the Word of God. They are inseparable. It is impossible to know God’s will apart from the truths and principles of the Bible, and from obedience to what you know the Bible says to do. The Word of God is God’s will for New Testament believers, giving us precepts, patterns, and instruction.
It also means that the better you know the Bible, the more accurately God can guide you in everyday life. Doctrine is very important because knowing God better will enable you to know His will better.
God’s will for you is never going to contradict anything in the Bible. His principles and commands, particularly in the New Testament, are given for believers to follow. They are eternal, but the context must be understood.
Some things never change in God’s plan. Just because some churches, pastors, or teachers may permit something, does not justify it if God says no. Some of those things the Bible (God) is against include:
- Marrying someone that is not a believer
- Creating a business partnership with an unbeliever
- Dishonoring parents
- Not working at a job when you are able
- Women preachers
- Teaching false doctrine
- Not tithing
- Disobedience to God’s clear commands.
- And many more.
If you wonder about some issue in life, see what the Bible says about it first. If you do not understand it or know where to look, seek out a Sunday School teacher or a pastor. Ask him or her to show you what the Bible says – which will give you more than mere opinion.
Remember what the Bible is capable of doing for you, according to II Timothy 3:16,17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” This means that you are made ready to do His will through His Word, and it can make you pleasing in His sight as you follow its instruction.