SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1414

“The Will of God”

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

How can we discern the will of God?

The answer to this question begins with a renewed mind. We cannot truly seek to know and follow the will of God in our lives if we are double minded, embracing compromised thoughts, values, and behaviors of a sinful world.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded; No one can serve two masters… – James4:8; Matthew 6:24

Having been born-again, transformed by the Spirit of God, and breaking free from compromise with the sin of the world, we can now apply a biblical ‘litmus test’ to every decision and choice we make in this life. This is how we can know the will of God in our lives: what is good, acceptable, and perfect.

So as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. – 1 Peter 4:2

Test with Scripture: Does this path you are considering align with the Truth of the Word of God? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and mind as you meditate on His Living Word.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! – Psalm 143:10

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Isaiah 30:21

Examine the Fruit: Will the fruit of the Spirit be evident if you go down the path you are considering? What is the ministry aspect of this path? Does this path bear fruit for the Kingdom of God?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. – 1 Peter 2:15

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Seek Wise Christian Counsel: Seek the counsel from mature Christian brethren that will not tell you what you want to hear, but rather, will always tell you the truth based upon the Word of God. You still bear the responsibility to test their counsel for alignment with Scripture.

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance – Proverbs 1:5

If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God… – John 7:17

But test everything; hold fast what is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Your relationship with Jesus Test: Ask yourself in all honesty if this path you are considering will help you grow closer in your personal relationship with Jesus or will it hinder your walk with Him.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification… – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:15-17

The Peace of Christ: Do you have His peace, the peace that surpasses the understanding of the world in this choice you are about to make?

Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will… through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – Hebrews 13:20-21

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27

May you seek Him, His Kingdom and Righteousness, with your whole, undivided, and uncompromised heart. May you walk the path He directs, growing in your faith and bearing fruit for the Kingdom. May you know His peace and the joy of His presence always.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11