Understanding the Will of the Lord

Understanding the Will of the Lord

Text: "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17, ESV)

Introduction
One of the most important questions a Christian can ask is: What is God’s will for my life? Many believers struggle with uncertainty, fearing they might miss God’s plan or make decisions outside of His purpose. Yet, Scripture makes it clear that God does not hide His will from those who seek Him.

Ephesians 5:17 commands us: "Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." This means God’s will is not a mystery—it is something we can and must discern.

In this message, we will explore:

What Is the Will of God?

How Can We Know God’s Will?

Why Should We Obey God’s Will?

Practical Steps to Walk in God’s Will

By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of how to align your life with God’s perfect plan.

1. What Is the Will of God?
God’s will is His divine purpose and plan for creation, humanity, and each individual. Scripture reveals two aspects of His will:

A. God’s Sovereign Will (What He Decrees)
This refers to what God has ordained to happen, regardless of human choices. Examples include:

The fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 46:10)

Jesus’ crucifixion (Acts 2:23)

The establishment of His eternal kingdom (Daniel 4:35)

We may not always understand this aspect of His will, but we trust in His sovereignty (Romans 11:33-36).

B. God’s Moral Will (What He Desires)
This is His revealed will for how we should live. It includes:

Salvation – "God desires all people to be saved" (1 Timothy 2:4)

Sanctification – "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Submission – "Submit to governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God" (Romans 13:1)

Unlike His sovereign will, we can choose to obey or disobey His moral will.

C. God’s Personal Will (His Plan for Individuals)
This relates to specific callings, such as:

Marriage, career, ministry (Jeremiah 29:11)

Guidance in decisions (Proverbs 3:5-6)

While not every detail of life is explicitly spelled out in Scripture, God gives wisdom to those who seek Him (James 1:5).

2. How Can We Know God’s Will?
Many Christians ask, "How do I hear from God?" Here are biblical ways to discern His will:

A. Through Scripture (The Primary Guide)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

The Bible reveals God’s character, commands, and principles.

If a decision contradicts Scripture, it is not God’s will.

B. Through Prayer (Seeking Divine Guidance)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given him." (James 1:5)

Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s heart.

Persistent prayer brings clarity (Luke 18:1).

C. Through the Holy Spirit (Inner Witness)
"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:16)

The Holy Spirit convicts, guides, and confirms (John 16:13).

Peace is often an indicator of God’s leading (Colossians 3:15).

D. Through Godly Counsel (Wisdom from Others)
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14)

Seek advice from mature believers.

Avoid isolating your decision-making.

E. Through Circumstances (Divine Providence)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good." (Romans 8:28)

God opens and closes doors (Revelation 3:7).

However, circumstances alone should not dictate decisions—they must align with Scripture.

F. Through a Submitted Heart (Willingness to Obey)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God." (Romans 12:2)

A rebellious spirit cannot discern God’s will.

Surrender precedes revelation.

3. Why Should We Obey God’s Will?
Some resist God’s will because they fear it will limit their freedom. But Scripture teaches that obedience leads to:

A. Divine Blessing
"Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" (Luke 11:28)

Obedience brings fulfillment (John 10:10).

B. Protection from Harm
Disobedience leads to consequences (Proverbs 14:12).

God’s will is our safeguard (Psalm 32:8).

C. Eternal Reward
"The world is passing away… but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (1 John 2:17)

Our choices have eternal significance (Matthew 6:19-20).

D. Glory to God
Jesus prayed, "Not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

Our submission reflects His lordship.

4. Practical Steps to Walk in God’s Will
A. Start with What Is Clear
Focus first on obeying God’s revealed will (love, holiness, evangelism).

Many seek "special guidance" while neglecting basic commands.

B. Take Steps of Faith
"The steps of a man are established by the Lord." (Psalm 37:23)

Move forward in faith, trusting God to redirect if needed.

C. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Presumption – Assuming God’s will without seeking Him.

Procrastination – Waiting for a "sign" instead of acting on wisdom.

Fear – Letting anxiety override trust in God.

D. Trust God’s Timing
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage." (Psalm 27:14)

Delays are not always denials.

E. Rest in His Sovereignty
Even if you make a mistake, God can redeem it (Romans 8:28).

His will prevails in the end.

Conclusion: Living in God’s Perfect Will
God’s will is not a puzzle to solve but a path to walk. As we seek Him through Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit, He directs our steps.

Final Challenge:

Examine Your Heart – Are you truly willing to obey?

Engage Scripture Daily – God speaks through His Word.

Step Out in Faith – Don’t let fear paralyze you.

"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

May we be a people who not only seek God’s will but do it—for His glory and our good.

Amen.