Discovering the Will of God for your Life.

Importance of the Scriptures

Discovering the will of God. The Scriptures are essential in relation to the will of God because they provide the foundation for discovering, discerning, submitting to, taking action on, teaching, and making known the will of God to others.

// D i s c o v e r i n g // the will of God

The Scriptures are the primary source of information concerning the will of God. Through reading and studying the Scriptures, believers can gain knowledge and understanding of God’s plans, purposes, and desires for their lives.

In 1 Timothy 3:15-16, Paul states that the scriptures are the foundation for the faith and that all who desire to serve God must have a good understanding of them. He also instructs Timothy to study the scriptures and to devote himself to them so that he may be able to give a defense of the faith and be equipped to do the work of an evangelist.

// D i s c e r n i n g // the will of God

The Scriptures help believers to discern what is the will of God for their lives. The Holy Spirit works through the word of God to guide and direct believers in making decisions that align with the will of God.

In 2 Timothy 2:15, Paul instructs Timothy to study the scriptures so that he may be able to discern what is true and what is false. He also teaches that the scriptures will provide Timothy with the tools he needs to resist false teachings and to stand firm in the truth.

// S u b m i t t i n g // to

The Scriptures help believers to submit to the will of God by teaching them to surrender their own will to God and follow his commands. Through reading and studying the word of God, believers can develop a deeper relationship with God and be transformed into his image.

In Titus 2:11-12, Paul instructs Titus to teach the older men to be sober, to love their wives, and to live in a manner that is pleasing to God. He also reminds Titus that the grace of God teaches us to live in a manner that is holy, just, and good.

// T a k i n g action // on

The Scriptures inspire believers to take action in accordance with the will of God. The word of God provides guidance and direction for believers to follow in order to fulfill the purposes of God in their lives. 

In 1 Timothy 4:12-16, Paul instructs Timothy to set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. He also encourages Timothy to keep a close watch on himself and to maintain his devotion to the faith so that he may be able to save himself and those who listen to him.

// T e a c h i n g others //

The Scriptures also provide a foundation for teaching others about the will of God. Believers can share their knowledge and understanding of God’s plans and purposes with others and help them to discover the will of God for their own lives.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the truth of the gospel to others who are able to teach it to others. He also encourages Timothy to be an example of a faithful servant of Christ and to be patient in suffering for the sake of the gospel. 

// M a k i n g it known to others //

By living out the will of God in their own lives and sharing their experiences with others, believers can make the will of God known to those around them. Through their witness, they can inspire and encourage others to seek and fulfill the will of God in their own lives.

In Titus 2:5, Paul instructs Titus to teach the younger women to be submissive to their husbands and to love their children. He also encourages Titus to live in a manner that is above reproach so that the message of the gospel may be more effectively communicated to those around them.

Here are some passages and examples that list the will of God clearly in the Scriptures. 

// S a l v a t i o n //

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

// T e n Commandments //

Exodus 20:1-17 provides the ten commandments that God gave to Moses.

// O t h e r commandments //: John 13:34 says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

// W h a t the Father has given to Christ: John 17:4 says, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.”

// W h a t Christ wants the church to do //: Matthew 28:19 says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Also, the will of God refers to the plans, purposes, and desires that God has for his creation and his followers. It is important for followers of Jesus Christ to understand and fulfill the will of God in their lives.

The Scriptures, including both the Old and New Testament, are an important source of information concerning the will of God. The ultimate will of God is salvation, which is the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ fulfilled the will of God by coming to earth, living a sinless life, dying on the cross for the sins of the world, and rising from the dead. He also commanded his disciples to do the will of God by following his commands, loving one another, and abiding in his love.

The Old Testament also references the will of God, including passages such as Deuteronomy 29:29, which says, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” This passage shows that God has revealed his will to his followers through the Scriptures, and it is important for them to follow it. 

*** Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

***Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”

*** Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

The apostles also taught concerning the will of God, including the apostle Paul who instructs the church to pray and seek God’s will (Ephesians 5:17) and to live a life pleasing to God (Colossians 1:10).

The apostles also gave instructions to the church for doing the will of God, including being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), living in accordance with God’s word (Colossians 1:9-14), and having a desire for all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4).

*** Colossians 1:9 says, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”

*** Ephesians 5:17 says, “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

*** 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

Scriptures that clearly state the will of God for the followers of Jesus Christ include passages such as Romans 12:2, which says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Additionally, Ephesians 5:10 says, “And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” These passages show that the will of God is revealed through the Scriptures, and it is up to the followers of Jesus Christ to seek it and do it.

A follower of Jesus Christ can take the following actions in pursuit of the will of God:

1. Study the scriptures: The scriptures, both the Old and New Testament, provide a foundation for understanding the will of God. A follower of Jesus Christ can study the scriptures regularly to gain a deeper understanding of God’s will. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
2. Pray for guidance: A follower of Jesus Christ can pray for guidance from God in order to know His will. Praying for wisdom, discernment, and understanding can help in discerning the will of God. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
3. Live in obedience: Living in obedience to the commands of God, as found in the Ten Commandments and other commandments found in the scriptures, is a way to align with the will of God. “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).
4. Seek wise counsel: A follower of Jesus Christ can seek the counsel of other believers, particularly those who are knowledgeable in the scriptures, to gain a better understanding of God’s will. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).
5. Focus on love: Jesus Christ commanded his followers to love God and to love one another. A follower of Jesus Christ can focus on putting love into action in their daily lives, as this is a key component of the will of God. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
6. Serve others: A follower of Jesus Christ can serve others, as Jesus commanded his disciples to serve one another. Serving others, particularly those in need, is a way to fulfill the will of God. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
7. Be an example to others: A follower of Jesus Christ can set an example for others through their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This can help others to understand the will of God and to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
8. Teach others: A follower of Jesus Christ can teach others about the will of God, particularly by sharing the message of the gospel with those around them. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14).

Some additional data.

1. Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
2. Colossians 4:2 – “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”
3. Ephesians 5:17 – “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
4. Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
5. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”