God's Will For Us
The Universal Question: What is God's Will?
Many people—believers and non-believers alike—have asked with anxiety, "How do we know the will of God? What is God's will for me?" This question can bring distress as we navigate life, facing turmoil and trials. The purpose of this message is to bring clarity, remove anxiety, satisfy curiosity, and put our minds at ease regarding God's will, no matter our situation.
Three Key Propositions About God's Will
From Scripture, we see three truths:
- God desires His people to know His will and has clearly revealed it—not secretly like a game of Marco Polo or an Easter egg hunt.
- This clear revelation is found in the Bible itself; we need go no further.
- God's will is first concerned with what pleases and glorifies Him, not a man-centered approach.
God's Will for the Unbeliever: Salvation
For anyone who has not believed in Jesus Christ, Scripture plainly states God's will.
John 6:40
For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.
Simply put, God's will for you is to behold the Son, believe in Him, and receive eternal life. Christ promises to raise you up on the last day. This is the starting point—salvation through faith in Jesus.
Questions about jobs or marriage as an unbeliever miss the priority: your path leads to eternal punishment without Christ. Focus first on reconciliation to God.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Beholding the Son means sustained attention and trust in His work. God even delays judgment for your repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
[God is] not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
The gospel is God's will—not just entry into salvation, but the foundation for all else.
God's Will for Believers: Sanctification
For believers, God's will continues in sanctification—a lifestyle of abstaining from sin, repenting, dying to sin, and living for righteousness.
1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God.
This is pursuing godliness, holiness, and self-control—possessing your vessel in honor. You have everything needed for life and godliness through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers you to do God's will (Ephesians 1:13). Repentance opens the door for the Spirit to make God's will obvious—it's not hidden or mystical.
Apathy quenches the Spirit; active pursuit of righteousness reveals the path.
God's Will Includes Suffering
God's will also encompasses suffering for doing right, countering prosperity teachings that promise health, wealth, and ease.
1 Peter 4:19
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
It has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but to suffer for Him (Philippians 1:29). Suffering produces maturity.
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
If you repent, grow in Christ, and suffer while obeying, you are in God's will. Suffering removes distractions, fostering dependency on and satisfaction in God alone—where He is your supreme joy.
Practical Steps: Specific Decisions
With salvation, sanctification, and acceptance of suffering in place—be content and active. Step out in faith: God directs busy saints.
Psalm 37:1-5
Do not fret because of evildoers... Trust in the Lord and do good... Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.
Proverbs 16:9
The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Plan your way (job, marriage, mission), delight in the Lord, and He opens/closes doors. Live a gospel-displaying life wherever you are—your lifestyle evangelizes (Acts 28:19). Activity glorifies God; He guides the obedient.
