What is God's WiIl?

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I used to dread being asked questions. I had the confidence to teach on a subject I had spent time studying but all that confidence would evaporate into thin air once a hand went up from the congregation to ask a question. But over the years, through mentorship from working closely with my pastor, the right platform through our bible study program and the occasional tear fest on Wednesday nights, I’ve gotten better.

I have a friend who’ll occasionally ask me questions or require perspective on the bible. I’ve grown to appreciate our interactions, because unlike others, he asks for his personal enrichment, and not to repeat what I share elsewhere as his own ideas. I also enjoy how it keeps me on my feet, well seat, studying to bring understanding, which brings me great fulfillment.

His latest question is one I enjoyed answering and thought I’d share it with you as well.
Q: What is God’s will?

We’re going to use Romans 12:2 to answer the question.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

The word ‘will’ in the phrase ‘God’s will’ in the original Greek text is thelema (noun) from thelo (verb) which means to desire, to wish. Thelema therefore means a desire, a wish. God’s will is God’s desire and wish, it is what God wants.
According to this verse, God’s will (his desire) is not always a given, but it is something we need to be able to test and approve to get to. This is because a desire is not a remote thing since it relates to a particular thing. If you were to ask me what my desire is, I wouldn’t be able to answer you until I got clarity of my desire in relation to what exactly. What do I desire in relation to my academics, finances, appetite etc…? So we can only answer the question and determine God’s will in relation to a particular thing.

For example, using Scripture, we can determine God’s will in relation to mankind. According to 1 Timothy 2:3-4 and Hebrews 10:9-10, God’s will for mankind is that every person be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, which sanctifies.
We can also determine God’s will in relation to his relationship with mankind. God’s desire for what he should receive from a relationship with man is acknowledgement – not sacrifice (Psalm 40:6-8,  Hosea 6:6, Matthew 12:7, Hebrews 10:5-7).
1 Thessalonians 5:18 put to us God’s will in relation to our attitude and behavior. It’s God’s will that we always be joyful, always praying, and always grateful.

To be able to test and approve God’s will, our mind’s must first be renewed. This is a process that takes place through teaching: teaching of God’s Word (see Ephesians 4:22-23) and by His Spirit (see John 14:26). God’s word, His speaking, reveals His will because His Word is an instrument He uses to accomplish what He desires (see Isaiah 55:11). So we can derive what God wills from what He says.
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 teaches us that God’s Spirit knows and reveals the thoughts of God. God’s thoughts incubate his desires. So we can also perceive God’s will from what the Spirit reveals (which is often linked to the Word).

Our carnal mind, which is subject to the patterns of this world (which we are encouraged to no longer conform to so that transformation can take place), cannot discern what God’s will is. We need our minds to be given new life by God’s Word and Spirit - it is only then that we will be able to discern with certainty what God’s will is.
This verse does, however, provide us with the nature of God’s will. God’s will is good, pleasing and it is perfect. I’ve touched on this before here.

My friend was quite pleased with this answer, and I hope it has shed some light upon you as well.

Having questions relating to your faith and the bible is not a sign of weakness. In fact, God isn’t afraid of our questions, even the very difficult ones like the ones Habbukuk asks in his prayers. Through this prophet, we get to see just how gentle, patient and accommodating God is with us in our limitedness to comprehend. So don’t stay in the dark with your questions, take them up with God or one of his trusted servants.

“My food”, said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34


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