God’s will for us is revealed throughout Scripture, showing His desires for our salvation, sanctification, obedience, and purpose in Him. Below are key aspects of God’s will with supporting Scriptures:
1. Salvation Through Christ
God’s will is that all people come to repentance and receive eternal life through Jesus Christ.
• 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (AMP) – “This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.”
• John 6:40 (AMP) – “For this is My Father’s will and purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him [as Savior] will have eternal life; and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”
2. Sanctification and Holiness
God’s will is for believers to be holy, set apart for Him, and to live in righteousness.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (AMP) – “For this is the will of God, that you be sanctified [separated and set apart from sin]: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”
• Romans 12:2 (AMP) – “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”
3. Thankfulness and Joyful Living
God desires that we give thanks and live in joy, regardless of circumstances.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) – “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
4. Obedience and Doing Good
God calls us to walk in obedience, doing good and living righteously.
• Micah 6:8 (AMP) – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), and to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?”
• 1 Peter 2:15 (AMP) – “For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence [the ignorant and irresponsible criticisms] of foolish people.”
5. Being Led by the Holy Spirit
God’s will is that we walk in step with the Holy Spirit, not fulfilling the desires of the flesh.
• Galatians 5:16 (AMP) – “But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].”
• Ephesians 5:17-18 (AMP) – “Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is. Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.”
6. Seeking First His Kingdom
God’s will is that we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness in our lives.
• Matthew 6:33 (AMP) – “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
7. Endurance and Trust in His Purpose
God’s will is that we endure trials with faith and continue trusting Him.
• Hebrews 10:36 (AMP) – “For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.”
• James 1:2-4 (AMP) – “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
Conclusion
God’s will is for us to be saved, sanctified, obedient, thankful, Spirit-led, kingdom-minded, and persevering in faith. As we seek Him and walk in His ways, we fulfill His divine purpose for our lives.
Here are five key questions you can use to assess whether you are aligning yourself with the will of God:
1. Am I seeking God first in every area of my life?
• Matthew 6:33 (AMP) – “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
• Reflection: Am I prioritizing God’s will above my personal desires, career, relationships, and ambitions?
2. Am I walking in obedience to God’s Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit?
• John 14:15 (AMP) – “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.”
• Galatians 5:16 (AMP) – “But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].”
• Reflection: Am I consistently obeying God’s commands, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient?
3. Am I growing in holiness and Christlike character?
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (AMP) – “For this is the will of God, that you be sanctified [separated and set apart from sin]…”
• Romans 12:2 (AMP) – “And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind…”
• Reflection: Am I allowing God to shape my character, thoughts, and actions to reflect Jesus more each day?
4. Am I using my gifts, talents, and resources for God’s glory?
• 1 Peter 4:10 (AMP) – “Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].”
• Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP) – “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.”
• Reflection: Am I actively using my God-given abilities to serve others and expand His kingdom?
5. Am I displaying gratitude, faith, and perseverance in trials?
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) – “Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
• Hebrews 10:36 (AMP) – “For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.”
• Reflection: Am I responding to challenges with trust in God, gratitude, and endurance instead of fear, doubt, or complaining?
Final Thought:
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, it is an opportunity to realign with God’s will through prayer, repentance, and intentional action.
