Daily Journal: 4 September

Knowing the Will of God

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

It is foolish not to understand God’s will. It is wise to understand God’s will.

So, how do we know what God’s will is?

The rest of Ephesians 5 gives parameters on how to live. As it carries on from the instruction to know God's will, knowing how to live is part of God's will.

In relative terms, Ephesians 5 goes on to say we are not to alter our state of mind with drugs of any kind but be filled with the Holy Spirit – who, therefore, is the one to transform (or alter) our state of mind. Nothing, and no one else. Treat others with respect; love and honour those we need to, and finally be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Ephesians 6 gives us the armour of God so that we will remain standing strong, always giving thanks, always praying. This is God’s will on how we should live.

What else does the bible say about the will of God?

Foundationally, God’s will is that we know His deep saving love; that we should not die in our sin; that we should acknowledge our sin and receive His saving love.

John 3:16 (GNT)

For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.

God’s will is that we know His personal love for us. Everything else in our life – our emotions, our view of our circumstances, our choices – either flourishes or dies on this one understanding. God loves me. God loves you. Personally. Profoundly. Utterly.

It is God’s will that we know right from wrong. He gave us the ten commandments so that we know what sin is (Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21). It is His will we make right choices over wrong choices, that cause us to flourish.

It is God’s will that we love Him and those around us with all our heart.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.

It is God’s will that we live a life filled with good works, embracing ourselves as He has made us.

Ephesians 2:10 (GWT)

God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do.

It is God's will that we use the talents and gifts He’s given us (and whatever we do, to do it with excellence: Ecclesiastes 9:10).

1 Peter 4:10 (TLB)

God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings.

It is God's will that we serve others, bless others, and that anything we do be done in love, embodying the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Nothing we do that is God’s will, serves ourselves over others (selfish ambition: Philippians 2:3-4).

1 Corinthians 16:14 (AMPC)

Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us).

It is God's will that we do everything with 100%, and we do it for Him.

It is God's will to reward us.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

It is God's will to lead and direct us along the right path for our lives, step by step (Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 30:21, Isaiah 58:11).

It is God's will to satisfy us for doing good, and to strengthen and sustain us.

Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)

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.

Knowing the will of God means we know we have been created, marked, chosen, and given a purpose by God. Knowing the will of God means we know we are received and will be rewarded by God. Knowing the will of God is to know we have an everlasting relationship with God.