Divine Design Study Guide Adult VBS • Study Series
Divine Design
Discerning and Aligning with God's Will
Classroom Records
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PART 1
The Two Horizons: Sovereign vs. Revealed Will
Few concepts in the Christian walk provoke more questions than "discerning God's will." Does God have a precise blueprint for every small decision we make, or has He given us freedom within established boundary lines? To understand God's will, theologians historically divide it into two primary dimensions: His Sovereign (Decretive) Will and His Revealed (Preceptive) Will .
1. Sovereign (Decretive) Will
Also called God's hidden or secret will (Deut. 29:29).
• Definition: God's ultimate purpose and divine plan that is guaranteed to pass.
• Characteristics: It is absolute, immutable, and cannot be thwarted or stopped by human actions.
• Our Role: Trust, rest, and active submission to His providence, even in adversity.
Scripture Reference Ephesians 1:11, Isaiah 46:10
2. Revealed (Preceptive) Will
Also called God's moral or preceptive will (Micah 6:8).
• Definition: God's commands, standards, and moral laws clearly expressed in His Word.
• Characteristics: Humans have the capacity to disobey, resist, or reject these instructions.
• Our Role: Study, obedience, application, and alignment of our hearts.
Scripture Reference Romans 12:2, 1 Thess. 4:3
Guided Analysis & Theological Check
Complete the following reflections to cement your understanding of these theological concepts.
1. Deuteronomy 29:29 states: "The secret things belong to the LORD... but the things revealed belong to us..." How does this distinction help relieve anxiety when making a life decision?
2. Read Romans 12:2. In your own words, are we trying to discern God's Sovereign Will or His Revealed Will when deciding moral conduct? Explain your thinking.
VBS Study Material Page 1
Adult VBS • Study Series
Scripture Discovery
Unpacking Romans 12:2 and Matthew 18:10-14
SESSION ONE
Romans 12:2 (NIV) Renewing the Mind
"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."
Romans Greek Word Study & Reflection
Metamorphoo (Transformed)
To change the essential nature or outward appearance. It occurs from the inside out, contrary to outward worldly pressure.
Dokimazo (Test and Approve)
To verify, scrutinize, or examine to prove genuine. Like assaying metal to prove its absolute purity.
Based on these definitions, what must happen FIRST in our inner lives before we can accurately test and approve (discern) God's will?
Matthew 18:10-14 (NIV Selection) The Shepherd's Design
"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? ... In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. "
Analyzing the Shepherd's Heart
1. The context shows a Father who seeks the lost. What does this tell us about the ultimate design or desire of God's revealed will?
2. If His will is that "none should perish," how does our own evangelistic urgency align (or conflict) with His divine heart?
VBS Study Material Page 2
Adult VBS • Study Series
Aligning the Heart
Daily Discernment and Reaching the One
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
PART 3
A Framework for Daily Discernment
How do we test and approve God's will in real-time? Use the four filters below to weigh your decisions. If a decision clashes with any of these columns, it is likely out of alignment with God's Revealed Will.
Scripture
Does it align with clearly revealed biblical commands and morals?
Counsel
What do wise, mature believers and spiritual mentors say?
Circumstance
Are doors opening or closing providentially in your path?
Spirit
Is there inner conviction and peace through deep prayer?
Personal Alignment Worksheet
Think of a decision or area in your life where you currently seek discernment.
• What is one specific decision you are carrying that needs God's wisdom right now?
• Applying the Matthew 18 context: Who is "the wandering sheep" in your personal circle of influence that God may be asking you to actively seek?
Peer-to-Peer Discussion Prompts
Form a group of 2-3 people. Choose at least one card to discuss openly with your group mates. Keep information shared in confidence.
Card A: Mind Transformation
What are some specific patterns of this world (Romans 12:2) that frequently attempt to squeeze and mold our decision-making?
Card B: Seeking the Lost
Why is it so easy for us to focus entirely on the "99 safe ones" rather than actively looking for the "1" who has drifted? How can we shift our focus?
VBS Study Material Page 3
Divine Design Slides VBS Adult Study | Session One
Romans 12:2 • Matthew 18:10-14
Divine Design
Discerning, testing, and aligning our decisions with the heart of our Creator.
Press Space or Arrow Keys to Advance
SLIDE 1
Theological Foundations
Sovereign vs. Revealed Will
Sovereign Will
God's absolute, unchangeable, ultimate decree and purpose.
Deuteronomy 29:29 / Ephesians 1:11
Revealed Will
God's preceptive commands and guidelines in Scripture.
Romans 12:2 / Micah 6:8
Can we thwart His sovereign will? No. His revealed will? Yes.
SLIDE 2
Romans 12:2 Analysis
The Mind Transformation
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
"Do not conform... but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will test and approve..."
METAMORPHOO (Transformed)
Slow, deep, inner change of character driven by the Holy Spirit.
DOKIMAZO (Test & Approve)
Scrutinizing, examining, and proving genuine through life practice.
How does renewing our mind happen daily?
SLIDE 3
Matthew 18:10-14 Close-Up
The Shepherd’s Urgency
"Your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."
God's revealed design and desire is actively evangelistic, seeking the wandering soul.
99
The Safe Sheep
Secure in His fold on the hills, but not the priority of rescue.
1
The Lost Sheep
The one who drifted. The object of the Shepherd’s active search.
Who is the "one" that has drifted in your circle of influence?
SLIDE 4
Discerning Daily Decisions
The Four Filters
1. Scripture
Bedrock moral compass. If it violates Bible commands, it is out.
2. Counsel
Wisdom from mature, spirit-led mentors in your church.
3. Open Doors
Providential doors. Does God open/close pathways?
4. Spirit
The inner quiet peace and conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Always test counsel, doors, and impressions against Scripture.
SLIDE 5
VBS Collaborative Forum
Group Discussion Prompt
Interactive Reflection
Form a small circle. Open your Study Guide to
Divine Design Teacher Guide Teacher Resource • VBS Series
Divine Design Facilitation Guide
Instructional Blueprint & Theological Notes
Session Leader
Lesson Overview & Pacing
This lesson is designed for a 60-minute VBS session for adults. Your objective is to move adults from a passive, anxiety-ridden view of "finding" God's hidden blueprint to an active, joyful alignment with His clearly revealed moral and evangelistic desires.
Time
Phase
Instructor Focus & Student Handout Alignment
00-10m
1. Welcome & Intro
Introduce Sovereign vs. Revealed Will. Direct students to name/date on Study Guide (p. 1) .
10-25m
2. Theological Dive
Unpack the definitions of Sovereign (Decretive) vs. Revealed (Preceptive). Review Deut. 29:29.
25-45m
3. Text Analysis
Read Romans 12:2 and Matthew 18:10-14. Complete Greek word-study questions on Study Guide (p. 2) .
45-60m
4. Application & Prayer
Facilitate 4-part filter and peer discussion on Study Guide (p. 3) . End with the "One Lost" prayer.
Theological Commentary for Leaders
The Sovereignty of Decree vs. Precept
Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other historical theologians spent considerable effort distinguishing between Deus Absconditus (the hidden God) and Deus Revelatus (the revealed God). When adults suffer "decision paralysis" (e.g., career moves, relationship dilemmas), it is almost always because they confuse these two. God's Sovereign Will is His master-plan for history. Because it is secret and guaranteed, God does not expect us to figure it out beforehand. His Revealed Will, however, is clear: love others, remain pure, seek justice, and go make disciples. Our focus must remain on the precept, trusting Him with the decree.
Hermeneutical Note: Matthew 18:10-14 Context
In Matthew 18, the Parable of the Lost Sheep is sandwiched between lessons on avoiding pride (v. 1-9) and dealing with sin in the church community (v. 15-20). The context shows that "these little ones" refers specifically to members of the household of faith who have drifted due to sin, wounding, or offense. Seeking the "one" is not just global evangelism; it is pastoral reclamation of a hurting sister or brother.
Leader Instruction Pack Page 1
Teacher Resource • VBS Series
Classroom Pedagogy & Key
Handling Misconceptions and Student Responses
TEACHING INSIGHTS
Common Adult Misconceptions
Divine Design Scripture Cards VBS Study Companion
Scripture Memory Cards
Cut along the dashed lines. Place in your Bible, car, or workspace to review this week.
ADULT DEVOTIONAL
Romans 12:2a
Be Transformed
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Romans 12:2 NIV Card 1
Romans 12:2b
Test & Approve
"Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2 NIV Card 2
Matthew 18:14
The Father's Will
"In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish."
Matthew 18:14 NIV Card 3
Matthew 18:12
The Shepherd's Pursuit
"If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine... and go to look for the one?"
Matthew 18:12 NIV Card 4
PRACTICAL PATH
Discernment Filter
Scripture: Is it righteous?
Counsel: What do mentors say?
Circumstance: Are doors opening?
Spirit: Is there prayerful peace?
Daily Wisdom Alignment Card 5
ACTIVATION
Reaching the One
"Lord, show me the single wandering sheep in my circle of work, home, or neighborhood this week. Help me to search, welcome, and love them back."
Active Shepherd Prayers Card 6
Printable VBS Resource 6 Cards Per Sheet
Divine Design Homework Sheet Weekly Devotional • Homework Sheet
Daily Alignment Journal
Putting VBS into practice: Five minutes a day to seek, test, and align.
Weekly Growth
Name:
PART 1
The 5-Minute Morning Filter
Each morning this week, pause and evaluate one key decision, interaction, or attitude using the four filters we discussed: Scripture, Counsel, Circumstances, and Spirit . Use the checkboxes to track your commitment.
Day 1 MON
Scripture
Counsel
Circumstance
Spirit
Day 2 TUE
Scripture
Counsel
Circumstance
Spirit
Day 3 WED
Scripture
Counsel
Circumstance
Spirit
Day 4 THU
Scripture
Counsel
Circumstance
Spirit
Day 5 FRI
Scripture
Counsel
Circumstance
Spirit
PART 2
Reaching the "One" Active Challenge
In class, you were challenged to think of a wandering sheep in your sphere of influence. This week, make a small, non-threatening step of connection (a text, coffee invite, phone call, or card) to demonstrate God's seeking love.
• What specific action step did you take to connect with your "One" this week?
• How did they respond, or what did you learn about God's heart through the attempt?
Weekly Heart Alignment Focus
Write down a short prayer of surrender, yielding your plans to God's revealed desires. Ask him to break your heart for the things that break His.
VBS Personal Growth Companion Homework
