God's Will

GOD’S GENERAL WILL

a. Salvation

2 PETER 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

The Lord’s patience reveals His gracious heart toward humanity. He is not slow in fulfilling His promise, but merciful, desiring that none should perish and that all should come to repentance. This verse clearly expresses God’s will—that people would be saved. His patience is an expression of love, giving time and opportunity for repentance and faith so that all may enter into a restored relationship with Him through Christ.

b. Obey Governing Authorities.

ROMANS 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

God establishes governing authorities to maintain order and justice in society, and believers are called to submit to them. Obedience to lawful authority is an expression of obedience to God and a testimony of humility and integrity. However, when human authority conflicts with God’s commands, believers must remain loyal to God above all. Submission, guided by wisdom and discernment, honors God and promotes peace.

c. Live Pure Lives.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality;

God’s will for every believer is sanctification—being set apart to reflect His holiness. Paul specifically emphasizes moral purity, calling believers to abstain from sexual immorality. Holiness is not about restriction, but devotion to God. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are continually shaped into Christlikeness, living lives that glorify God and reflect His character.

d. Make Disciples.

MATTHEW 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This Great Commission defines God’s will for every believer. Obedience to this command flows from a life surrendered to Christ, as God works through faithful lives to draw others to Himself and accomplish His redemptive purposes.

e. Give thanks in everything.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

God’s will for believers in Christ is a life marked by gratitude in every circumstance. Giving thanks does not deny hardship but expresses trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. Thanksgiving becomes an act of faith, anchoring the believer’s hope in God rather than in circumstances, confident that He is working all things according to His purposes.

GOD’S SPECIFIC WILL

As we walk in obedience to God’s general will, clearly revealed in His Word, our hearts become aligned with His purposes. Obedience creates spiritual sensitivity—it positions us to hear His voice and recognize His leading. When we faithfully follow what God has already made known, we grow in wisdom, discernment, and understanding.

God entrusts greater direction to those who are faithful in the basics. When we commit ourselves to His general will, we place our lives on the path where God can clearly guide, direct, and unfold His specific will—the unique plans and purposes He has prepared for each of us.

God’s specific will is not discovered apart from obedience; it is revealed through obedience. As we walk daily with Him, He leads us step by step into the future He has designed, in His perfect timing and according to His perfect plan.

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WILL

PSALM 25:4 Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.

These verses express the prayer of a surrendered heart that longs to know God’s ways and to walk in His truth. Rather than relying on personal understanding, the psalmist humbly asks the Lord to teach, lead, and direct his life. Waiting on the Lord “all the day” reflects trust in God’s timing and a willingness to follow His path, acknowledging Him as the source of salvation and true direction.

PSALM 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

God promises personal and attentive guidance to those who trust Him. His instruction is not distant or impersonal, but the loving direction of a Father who watches over His children. As we listen and obey, God leads us step by step, granting peace, protection, and confidence in His ways. Trusting and following His guidance reveals that His way is always the best way.

Back to

Back to