Knowing God’s Will
How Can You Know God’s Will for your Life?
The topic of God’s will for your life is a popular one among Christians. I know that I myself, many times in the past, have wondered about it and even once considered taking a class on it. I used to think, “If only I knew what God’s will was for my life then I would really be focused on him.” I know this is a common train of thought because I’ve often heard people talk about God’s will for who they will marry, what job they should take, where they should live, even whether or not they should tell someone about the gospel. So, how can you know the will of God for your life?
I think the most obvious, but most overlooked place to start is in the Bible. If God has a will for your life and mine, isn’t it important? And if it’s important, wouldn’t he want us to know what it is? And if he wanted us to know what it is don’t you think he’d tell us? He did, and it’s written right where the rest of the important stuff he wanted us to know is found….in his Word; the Bible.
My study right now is in the book of Colossians. I just started reading there and it’s so exciting. The chunk of scripture that I’m looking at tonight deals with the three things that take place in a Christian’s life once they are “filled with the knowledge of God’s will”. So while the majority of my post will be on those three effects I’d like to mention three things talked about elsewhere in scripture that help answer the “God’s will for my life” question.
Three Things that are the Will of God for Your Life
I learned what I’m about to share from a sermon by John MacArthur and there is so much more to it than the brief summary that I’m listing here; however, if you take the time to look up the accompanying scriptures it will be so helpful and inarguable that these three areas truly are God’s will for all who genuinely believe.
1. It is God’s will that you be saved (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4)
2. It is God’s will that you be filled with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9, Ephesians 5:17-18, 1 Corinthians 12:13)
3. It is God’s will that you be sanctified (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
I’d also like to add that it is God’s will for you to share the living hope of your faith in Christ with all of humanity, to “shout it from the rooftops”, so to speak. For evidence that this is God’s will for you (that you share the gospel) just look at Matthew 28:16-20.
Three things that will happen when we Know God’s Will for our Lives
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, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 ESV
When we are “filled with the knowledge of his will” (which means that we understand what God’s will is for our lives) three effects will take place. First of all we will begin to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord“. Why? Because when our minds and hearts are filled with thoughts of God with concern and passion for His plans, and we no longer strive to accomplish our own plans, then we will live our lives differently than when we belonged to the world. We won’t live to please ourselves, but to please God. We won’t be consumed with seeking out comfort, entertainment, and pleasure for ourselves but rather seeking out ways to fulfill God’s will and serve him each day and not ourselves.
When we are filled with the knowledge of his will we will be constantly thinking about ways to actively serve him and it will affect the way we live, move, speak, and act. So, how are we able to understand God’s will? By the Holy Spirit. (“..that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”)The word “spiritual” in this context means, “given by the Holy Spirit.” So the Holy Spirit is the one who opens our minds to understand God’s Word, and through his Word we learn his will.
Although Christians are completely justified from the moment of initial saving faith, they are not fully sanctified, and they can do things that either please or displease God every day. So it is important to understand what “a manner worthy of the Lord” means. It means living our lives in such a way that we make God look glorious. When our words and actions, and even our private thoughts, glorify God and show that he is to be treasured above all else, then we are walking in a manner worthy of the Lord because he IS worthy to be glorified, treasured, and adored!
Secondly….
This passage from Colossians also says that when we understand God’s will for our lives we will be “bearing fruit in every good work..”. This can be connected to the parable of the sower that Jesus told in Matthew 13:1-23 which revealed the effect of the gospel on a person who receives it with true faith (just like the good soil), they bear fruit “thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundred fold.”
So when we are full of the knowledge of God’s will we can expect to bear fruit in every good work because we will not be doing good works in a self-seeking or self-righteous manner, trying to make ourselves look good, but we will practice good works as an outpouring of our love and obedience towards God which will in turn cause the good works to bear good fruit, as opposed to “filthy rags” fruit that comes from good works done on our own strength. (See Isaiah 64:6)
When God’s will is top priority in my life then my good works will be for the purpose of bringing him praise, which automatically bears fruit for his kingdom. If God’s will for your life was limited to your personal desires and concerns it would be a pretty shallow existence. There is a bigger picture here and I will soon be blogging on this verse, “…all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16b), so I’ll just say this, God’s will for your life and mine is to bring Himself much glory through you and me. Our happiness is secondary and is ultimately found in Him alone and in His promise of eternal life.
Thirdly…
Finally, when we are “full of the knowledge of his will”, we will “increase in our knowledge of God” because as we dwell on him and his plans, as we draw near to Him, he will draw near to us. As we are cleansed by the Son, as we repent and believe the gospel, and as we say “not my will, but Your will” to God, He will draw near and we will KNOW Him.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8 ESV
So God’s will is a thing to be KNOWN, and KNOWING God’s will comes by the Holy Spirit and by faith, and once we KNOW it and are filled with it and dwelling on it each day we will:
1. Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord (What a privilege!)
2. Bear fruit in every good work (Amazing!)
3. Increase in our knowledge of God (The Creator of the Universe!)
Why Do You Want to Know God’s Will?
Please, as you finish reading this, think about your motive in wanting to know God’s will and pray that He will make His will your will. In this you will find much joy and peace.
“When your will is God’s will, you will have your will.”
-Charles H. Spurgeon
Preparing the Way,
Danae Martin
I just listened to C.H. Spurgeons message titled Repentance unto Life. I have to say between that sermon and a few of the blog posts I’ve read here and Ray Comforts sermons. I have really been struggling with where I am at with God. I feel God has been breaking me down over the last few months, and have been struggling to know his will in my life. Seems as though the more I look into the teaching of Way of the Master, and Mr. Spurgeons sermons, and follow along in my Bible through those teachings I know I’ve fallen victim to the prosperity gospel my whole life. Why do I know that because my whole life I’ve always wondered why I don’t really have a passion for the things of God and now I know why. Also as I watch the on the street witnessing and using the principle of the law to convict someones conscience as Jesus did and the verses to substantiate those tactics, it makes more sense. I know I’m a lying thief, a murderer and adulterer at heart, and have coveted. I don’t want to go to hell, I believe everything the bible says and now that I’ve been reading your blog as well as pouring into Gods word because I feel that he’s used circumstances in my life this year to lead me to where I’m at now. I have heard the Gospel message all my life, and just now have learned about the error of the prosperity Gospel, even though I always felt that there just wasn’t something quite right about it. Never having a real father or any spiritual leadership never cultivated any true understanding of what using the Law to prepare the way for the Gospel really meant. My question/concern is this. Am I know Apostate have I been given over by God to a debased mind since I’ve heard some form of the Gospel all my life. I don’t want to be that!!! I want to be drawn of God to the Cross, to be genuinely a true reflection of Jesus Christ and bear fruit to Glorify God. I’m sorry if I seem to be rambling but I am desperately looking for answers and the more I look into it the more I feel that I’m lost. I’ve been earnestly searching for answers. I know what God wants from me you said it yourself that it is his will for all to be saved. Is God drawing me now? (i know you can’t answer that). There’s alot more to this I’m sorry that I’ve just gone on for so long, I want to do Gods will, but I am unsure if he’s drawing me or if I’m apostate and just have knowledge of right but God hasn’t drawn me to true repentance yet. This is where I’m stuck, it keeps me up nights any prayer, or insight will be helpful feel free to send me an email, i don’t care at this point if any of this is public. I lastly want to say that I really enjoy reading your posts. Its very refreshing to get a dose of common sense, and truth for a change. May God bless all your endeavors Living Waters is a superb ministry and I have a deep thanks for all of you for impacting me so greatly. Again sorry for the length.
Best reply I have ever read. Most people would read a reply like this and freak out thinking that they have caused you confusion. I say that there is nothing better than to be in a place where you are examining yourself to see if you are really in the faith.
I don’t want you to doubt your salvation, but the message you posted above gives me reason to believe that God has in fact drawn you or is drawing you to Himself. The reason you are asking these questions I believe is because He is drawing you.
Please listen to this message by Paul Washer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky8dTyPpiAo
Also consider the Blind Beggar on the side of the road, He knew Jesus was close and that all He needed to do was to get His attention. He called as loud as He could and He didn’t stop calling until He received His sight. People tried to shut him up and he continued to call. And Jesus answered His call and gave Him sight. We are all blind beggars on the side of the road, the problem is when blind people think they can see that destroys them.
My friend I believe that you are in a place for grace, you have seen your sin exposed by the law and now you are calling for grace and sight. I was in your spot 3 years ago and I got on my face one night and begged God to save me. AND HE DID!
Please watch/listen to the Paul Washer message and get back to us. We want to know how you are doing my friend.
Grace & Peace.
Shane & Danae Martin
Thank you for the words of encouragement, definitely gonna listen to that I guess that since i’m such an emotional person that maybe I should have more of an emotional response towards repentance. But repentance is more than emotion, as i’m sure you know it means a change of direction/ways to which I would conclude a change of mind and heart. Therefore putting into action the knowledge of the things of God, emotions come and go knowledge stays with you. Thank you!! Please pray for me My name is Paul (seriously)…lol
Thanks Paul. We are praying and I know that the wall will break and you will see with new eyes, or you’ll find out that you already are seeing with new eyes.
Remember when God does the saving, He does the keeping, meaning He will keep you safe in His care.
Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Grace, Shane
I listened to that Sermon again powerful, authoritative and so informative on examining yourself from 1John…all I can think about is Hebrews 4:12. I have put down my last cigarette, because it is not honoring to God…now my flesh does not want to and I know I will crave it after 15 years. But I don’t wanna do it anymore because I feel its dishonoring to the Lord. I feel like I am a babe in Christ even though I’ve known about him all my life. I have a burden to share this with my own church even, I see so much apathy that God has shown me within myself and after reading Gods Word, all these sermons, and encouragement here I see it in alot of churches, and how Satan has krept in unawares and has done what he does best LIE!!! I don’t know how to go about trying to reverse the trend set here in American Churches. I do know I have a desire!!! and my only resource is God and His Word. Since I am a babe I don’t really know how to proceed, but with my desire there is also fear of the unknown, and I have to rely on God, and trust that as long as I am focused on him trusting him, being steadfast and immovable in the conviction he has given me. He will provide resources, tools and people to aid his work through me. I’m tired of putting God in a box and have never had either a real father or a Godly mentor. I must rely solely on God. I feel he is prodding me out of my comfort zone, while unfamiliar, I have no desire to be lukewarm any longer and only though Him and his precious Son can he ever use me like a Paul, or Stephen, Spurgeon, or Moody. Its really exciting and really perplexing and scary, but that is my flesh speaking, I need prayers I feel like I’m by myself here even in a church full of people. And fully trusting God is the only way he will ever accomplish his goals through me. I plan to purchase The way of the Master course (when I find work) to dive into it and learn from great men who are already making an impact for Christ. So that I may shed light and be salt in a land where Christ is hidden, I don’t want my fervor to go away, to which Proverbs 4:26-27 gives me encouragement to be determined and the verse you gave me last night in Philippians. I don’t really know how to express my gratitude for the small amount of encouragement you have been, I truly believe it was Gods design for me silly as it may seem to some. Never the less THANK YOU for staying faithful. And pray for God to use me as he sees fit and that I will stay repentant from ever returning to a lifestyle which does not include glorifying God. And pray that God will send me some help, he always sent the disciples out in two’s, I will do it myself if need be but I am confident in Philippians 1:6.
My friend.
Thanks so much for following this through, you need to experience breakthrough in and you need to be assured of your salvation. You are doing the right thing by staying in touch.
((You are NOT Alone))
1 Kings 19:9-18 ESV
There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place. And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Here’s another translation that will help understand the last part of the text I posted, and the crux of what I’m saying to you:
“Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel–all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”
POINT: There are people out there who understand the Gospel, the worst thing we can do is think that we are all alone. God has reserved for Himself a people who have not bowed to the idol of self, prosperity and who have not embraced (or have come out of) false gospels. God is God.
Notice how the text says that “God Reserves them” in other words He is the one who saves and keeps people from bowing down to false messages, it’s by His electing power and without His intervention to keep us from falling we would surely fall.
Trust in Christ alone to keep you from falling and when you do fall don’t beat yourself up but run to the cross and be confident in His finished work not on your failures. Christ is our advocate and He will keep you from falling and when you do fall He is your legal advocate to the Father.
1 John 2:1 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Lord Bless you my brother. Trust in Him not in your own abilities to follow Him. If you trust in His ability and His finished work, you will never fall my friend.
Grace, Shane Martin
Preparing The Way
http://www.preparingtheway.net
Thank you for your continued words of encouragement and guidance.
You’re welcome, keep reading our posts and stay in touch. Also get into the word like your life depends on it. Get a good study Bible, I recommend the ESV
http://vimeo.com/6389473
I have a study Bible already, its an NKJV and i have found it invaluable during the last month or so, and it has lots of study material I have been bringing my Bible with me everywhere for the last month or so.
That’s good news. NKJV is great.