S-WORDS ON THE WILL OF GOD
No, that’s not “Swords.” It’s words that begin with “S,” all related to the will of God. I’ll get to them below.
A format I have used in the past with people wondering about the will of God is as follows:
- Word of God. Is the Bible against it? It’s not the will of God. Don’t do it. (Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 8:20)
- Prayer. Have you sought the Lord in prayer? (James 1:5; Proverbs 3:6)
- Counsel. Have you sought godly counsel about this decision? (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22)
- Wisdom. Is it the wise thing to do? What would a wise person do in your situation? (Ephesians 5:15; Proverbs 22:3)
- Delighting in God. Have you been delighting in God and received your desires from Him? (Psalm 37:4–5)
- Open doors. Does it seem like circumstances are presenting themselves to you, or are there closed doors you’re trying to force? (1 Cor. 16:9)
- Word of God. Again, go back to the Bible and make sure you are in line with the Scripture’s commands and principles. (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Psalm 119:24)
The S-words include Scriptures that speak directly about the will of God. What is God’s will? The Bible tells us that we can know it.
- Saved. God’s will is that you be saved.
“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 - Spirit-filled. God’s will is that you walk under the control of the Holy Spirit.
“And be not drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit;” Ephesians 5:18 - Sanctified. God’s will is your holiness and purity.
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification…” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 - Submissive. God’s will is that believers live in humble submission to rightful authority.
“For so is the will of God…” 1 Peter 2:13–15 - God’s will may include suffering for doing right.
“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing…” 1 Peter 3:17 - Saying Thanks. God’s will is thankful living.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
When you pray, the Holy Spirit will help you pray in God’s will. God is not trying to hide His will from you. It’s not a treasure you have to search for. It is found in obedience to His Word. I’ve often said it like this, “You’re in God’s will when you obey God’s Word.” We’ll talk about that tonight in Romans 8.