Knowing God's Will
Theme: God's Word is the foundation of His Will
Introduction
Knowing God’s will is foundational to living a life that pleases Him. The Bible teaches that God’s will is not hidden or mysterious—it is revealed in His Word. To understand and live according to God’s will, we must align our lives with the truths of Scripture. In this study, we will explore key scriptures—Romans 12:2 and 1 John 5:14—highlighting the transformation necessary to know God’s will and the confidence we can have when we pray according to His Word, which is His will.
Key Verses:
- Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- 1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
- Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
I. God's Word Reveals His Will
- Romans 12:2 teaches that the renewing of our minds—through the Word—enables us to discern God's will. The more we immerse ourselves in the Word, the clearer God's will becomes.
Supporting Scripture:
- Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
- John 17:17 – “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Discussion Questions:
- How has your understanding of God's will increased as you study His Word?
- In what ways does the Bible serve as a guide for your daily decisions?
II. Praying According to God’s Word – 1 John 5:14
- 1 John 5:14 assures us that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. God's will is revealed in Scripture, and praying according to His Word aligns our desires with His perfect plan.
Supporting Scripture:
- John 15:7 – “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”
- Isaiah 55:11 – “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Discussion Questions:
- How can you ensure that your prayers are aligned with God's Word?
- What role does Scripture play in shaping your prayers?
III. God Works Through His Word – Philippians 2:13
- Philippians 2:13 reminds us that it is God working within us to will and to act according to His purpose. He uses His Word as a tool to change our hearts and bring us in line with His will.
Supporting Scripture:
- Ezekiel 36:27 – “And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
- Hebrews 13:21 – “Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Discussion Questions:
- How has God used His Word to change your desires and actions to match His will?
- What specific scriptures have had a transforming impact on your life?
IV. God's Word Directs Us – Matthew 6:33
- Matthew 6:33 commands us to seek God's Kingdom first, and as we do, He takes care of everything else. God's Word is the blueprint for living a Kingdom-focused life, ensuring that our actions align with His will.
Supporting Scripture:
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
- Psalm 119:133 – “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
Discussion Questions:
- How do you prioritize seeking God’s will through His Word in your daily life?
- What areas of your life need to come into greater alignment with God’s Kingdom principles?
V. Walking by Faith Through the Word – 2 Corinthians 5:7
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 teaches that we walk by faith, not by sight. Trusting in God's will means believing in the promises of His Word even when we cannot see the outcome.
Supporting Scripture:
- Proverbs 16:9 – “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”
- Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Discussion Questions:
- How does walking by faith in God’s Word help you trust His will, even in uncertain times?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust God’s guidance more fully through Scripture?
Conclusion:
God’s will is clearly revealed in His Word. The more we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the more we understand His will for our lives. As we pray according to His Word, allow His Word to transform our minds, and walk in obedience to His commands, we will walk confidently in God’s will. Knowing His will becomes a natural outflow of knowing His Word.
Aligning Your Desires
Aligning our desires with God's will involves a process of transformation and surrender. It means allowing God to shape what we want and pursue, so our desires reflect His purposes and character. Here's how you can align your desires with God's will:
1. Immerse Yourself in God's Word
The Bible is God's primary way of revealing His will and character to us. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, our thoughts, values, and desires begin to transform.
- Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
- Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Practical Steps:
- Make a daily habit of reading and meditating on the Bible.
- Focus on scriptures that speak to your current challenges and decisions.
2. Seek God's Kingdom First
Jesus teaches us to prioritize God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else. When we focus on God's purposes, our desires naturally align with His will.
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Practical Steps:
- Evaluate your priorities. Are your desires driven by self-interest or by a desire to glorify God and serve others?
- Set goals and make decisions with God’s Kingdom in mind—how can your actions further His work in the world?
3. Surrender Your Desires to God
To align our desires with God's will, we must surrender them to Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
- Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Practical Steps:
- In prayer, give your desires to God, asking Him to purify them and guide you toward what aligns with His will.
- Be open to God’s plans, even if they differ from what you initially want.
4. Be Led by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit works within us to reshape our desires. He leads us to desire what pleases God, helping us to avoid temptations and guiding us in righteousness.
- Galatians 5:16-17 – “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.”
- Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Practical Steps:
- Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your decisions and relationships.
- Pay attention to the convictions and nudges the Spirit gives, especially when faced with choices that impact your spiritual growth.
5. Delight Yourself in the Lord
When we truly delight in God, our desires begin to reflect His. Rather than simply following our own inclinations, we develop a heart that yearns for what pleases God.
- Psalm 37:4 – “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Practical Steps:
- Cultivate joy and satisfaction in your relationship with God through worship, thanksgiving, and time spent in His presence.
- Let your desires be shaped by a deep love for God, rather than by worldly pleasures or pressures.
6. Align Desires Through Prayer
Prayer is a powerful way to align your heart with God’s will. When you pray, ask God not just for what you want, but to shape your desires to reflect His perfect plan for your life.
- 1 John 5:14-15 – “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”
Practical Steps:
- When praying, ask God to help you want what He wants for your life.
- Be willing to let go of desires that may not be God’s best for you, trusting His wisdom.
7. Surround Yourself with Godly Community
Sometimes our desires are shaped by the company we keep. When you surround yourself with people who are passionate about God, it becomes easier to adopt desires that reflect His heart.
- Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Practical Steps:
- Engage in fellowship with believers who are committed to living for Christ.
- Seek counsel from godly friends, mentors, or leaders when you're struggling with conflicting desires.
8. Be Patient and Trust God’s Timing
God’s will unfolds in His timing. Sometimes our desires need to be refined, and that takes time. Trust that as you continue to seek Him, He will reveal His plans at the right moment.
- Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Practical Steps:
- Practice patience when you feel like your desires are not being fulfilled immediately.
- Trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when you don’t see immediate results.
Summary:
Aligning your desires with God's will is a process of:
- Filling your mind with Scripture so that God’s Word shapes your thinking.
- Surrendering your desires to God in prayer, trusting Him to guide you.
- Delighting in God and finding joy in His purposes.
- Relying on the Holy Spirit to lead you.
- Seeking counsel and encouragement from godly friends and mentors.
- Being patient and trusting in God's perfect timing.
Through this process, God works in us to transform our desires, making them align with His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
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