Knowing and Doing the Will of God

by David W. Jones

Christians rightly believe that within the pages of the Bible God reveals His moral will to His people. Indeed, by studying Scripture believers can learn to follow God’s moral standards, which address a wide range of life issues. Yet, many Christians wrestle with the idea of knowing and doing what they believe to be a special individual will of God for their lives. As commonly understood, this individual will is related to subjects such as what school to attend, whom to marry, which church to join, what career path to pursue, what purchases to make, and a host of other similar issues. In this book author David W. Jones examines the important concept of the will of God and suggests that Scripture alone is sufficient for Christian life and practice.In the process of looking at God’s will in Scripture this book helps readers to understand the meaning of major biblical passages that speak about God’s will. Topics that are explored and explained in this clear volume the difference between true and false prophets, the practice of casting lots, the biblical use of the Urim and Thummim, the place of dreams and visions in the Christian life, the idea of angelic visitation, as well as the use of supernatural signs to know the will of God. Additionally, this text includes discussions about the place of prayer in decision making, the role of the Holy Spirit in revelation, and suggestions for how so-called weaker and stronger brethren can interact regarding issues of Christian liberty.

Genres: Christian, Theology

158 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2017

Reviews

[Keith Skrdlant · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book waits until the halfway mark to give its main argument, which is the product of a number of assumptions and conclusion leaps. There's not a lot of discourse with the implications of each viewpoint, the critiques of the author's position aren't even acknowledged until the FAQ section (when the book is already over), and the overall structure and presentation of the information creates more confusion than clarity. I'm sure I'd be more agreeable with this book's argument if it had been written differently.

TLDR: it was the sovereign will of God for me to not like this book. 😂 (Disclaimer: this is a JOKE)

[Nate Jacques · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a great book, though I found that I disagreed at points. The general flow of the book provides an explanation of what the phrase “God’s will” means, a description and refutation of many contemporary practices relating to discerning God’s will, and a proposition for how a Christian ought to think of Gods will.

The book properly refutes the type of “will-ology” popular with many contemporary Christians. I fear that the author leans a little too heavily against this though, almost reaching a point where God seemingly does not have any revealed will for individuals except a set of moral principles to be followed. In my opinion, the author follows a pattern of interpreting the Bible with such a rigorous systematic approach towards ethics/God’s will that the conclusions he draws at times are wooden and out of tune with both the Christian experience and Scripture’s own view of itself.

I recommend this book to those seeking to better understand contemporary Christianity’s faulty views on God’s will, but would preface that recommendation with an acknowledgement of the author’s tendency towards a rigid and wooden framework of God’s will.

[Alex Stephenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Logan Maloney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of the most biased books I’ve ever read but somehow it was extremely intriguing! This book discusses essentially if it is Biblical to be seeking after an “individual will” from God for our lives. David Jones makes 101 assumptions in this book and jumps to conclusions very quickly but he also does a good job asking very tough questions.

[Delaney Keen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating : 2.5 (rounded up) The book was fine. Definitely could’ve been an article & could’ve done without a couple chapters. Also there could’ve been more nuances present in the discussion to make it more cohesive and well-rounded. But I agree with most of his points.

[Brady Boatwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jones gives a good overview on God's will, a good primer for a slightly more academically inclined reader. I do have a slight critique on his use of 1 Thess. 4:3, but overall a good read. It could be a great supplemental reading alongside of Whitney's Praying the Bible and DeYoung's Just Do Something.

[Clayton McKenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very little room for middle ground in the way he presents the two systems. Gives little actual explanation for the Spirit's role in the traditional view. Contemporary view is hyper-sensational. No room for healthy reliance on the Spirit while not looking for some hidden yellow brick road.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5/5) This is an extremely readable and helpful introduction to the discussion of God’s Will. My feelings are mostly positive toward this book, and I wouldn’t hesitate to hand it off to a Christian who is struggling with the concept of knowing and doing God’s Will. My main issues are somewhat nuanced. First, Dr. Jones presents the “traditional view” which may more accurately be termed the Reformed or Confessional Protestant view. It is a pet peeve of mine when Christians are quick to dismiss those who seem to believe Christianity began seventy years ago while themselves believing it began in the mid 1600s. Second, there is an occasional stacking of the deck in that the “contemporary view” is construed in a very mechanical way while the “traditional view” is shown in the most vibrant and organic way possible. That said, on the whole, Dr. Jones maintains a charitable tone and clearly does a lot of work to present alternative positions well.

Bottom line is: this book gives believers the tools to understand God’s will in the Scriptures and how to apply it to their daily lives. It is an excellent read for a Christian ready to enter into this discussion and also a quick refresher for those who have tread this path many times. At 95 pages, it is approachable and able to be read in one or two sittings.

[Jake Auton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A challenging short read, but very clearly biased even without an author's note. Jones did not state his bias clearly until the F.A.Q section, but it was clear throughout. I think the exegetical work and argumentation was amazing, but the brevity left me with more questions. Several of the F.A.Q points would have been excellent throughout the work with much greater detail. I really wish the question regarding being called into ministry was addressed more thoroughly than with a page. I also wish more practical advice would have been provided regarding how two approach a decision with multiple right choices. While I appreciate straightforward and direct writing, I needed/wanted more here.

[Hunter Ahlstrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. As many have previously stated, the book is a short and quick read. Just read the last chapter and you will be able to articulate the author’s argument and conclusion for the entire book. I felt like there were only two views to discern God’s will and I would have like to have read a little more on Dr. Jones thoughts on how the Holy Spirit plays a role in the traditional view other than “illuminating the scriptures.”

[Andrew Ivester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, direct, and biblical are necessary terms to describe this book. In a day where many in our congregations are asking what God’s will is, Jones gives a clear understanding of the will of God, and how often we can know what it is, and therefore, as believers, we must act accordingly. One of my favorite books from 2017.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic overview of how to approach understanding the will of God

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to better understand how to approach Gods will. I like that he wrote it in such a way that even a novice can understand it. As a pastor I have read 6 to 7 books on God’s will and this is probably my favorite.

[Alan Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

In KDWG Jones provides a helpful guide to understanding the historic, orthodox interpretation of God’s will for the Christian’s life. I highly recommend this work for its comprehensive and concise nature.

[Nathan Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very eye-opening book of flaws I’ve had in trying to discern the will of God in my own life. Thankful for this book helping me see Scripture more clearly and form a more biblical and orthodox view of discerning and doing the will of God. Very simple, short, wise, applicable, and biblical book.

[William Paul Cartmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accessible, handy guide to rightly thinking about the will of God

Accessible and practical steps to rightly understanding the Biblical approach to discerning God’s will. The chapter discussing the will of God for the individual was invaluable.

[RJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on understanding and applying the biblical will of God.

[Jon Beabout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well structured read on the comparisons of different interpretations of scripture regarding God's will

[Jacob Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pithy and Helpful

David Jones' analysis of the will of God and how we can know and do that will is helpful, well written, and winsome.

[Byan Biggerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for my ethics class with Dr. Jones as the professor. A very thought provoking book.