UNDERSTANDING THE WILL OF THE LORD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 5:15-17; Romans 12:1-2
Key Verse: “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” — Ephesians 5:17 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 32:8; Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; James 1:5; Matthew 6:10.
Description: Understanding the will of the Lord enables believers to make godly decisions, walk in obedience, and fulfil God's purpose for their lives.
INTRODUCTION
Every believer desires to live a life that pleases God, but pleasing God requires more than good intentions. We must know what He desires and be willing to align our choices, attitudes, relationships, ambitions, and daily activities with His will. A person can be sincere and hardworking yet move in the wrong direction if God's guidance is ignored. This is why understanding the will of the Lord is essential to a fruitful Christian life.
In Ephesians 5, Paul teaches believers to walk carefully, not as fools but as wise people, redeeming the time because the days are evil. He then commands them not to be unwise but to understand the will of the Lord. The context shows that discovering God's will is not merely about identifying a future career, marriage partner, ministry assignment, or business opportunity. It also involves living in holiness, walking in love, rejecting darkness, and making wise use of the time God has given us.
God has not called His children to live in confusion or to make every decision through human reasoning alone. He has given us His Word, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the wisdom available through prayer, and the counsel of mature believers. As we grow in spiritual understanding, we become better equipped to recognise what pleases God and to reject what contradicts His purpose. The goal is not merely to know God's will but to obey it faithfully.
1. GOD HAS A WILL AND PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE
God is not a God of confusion. He created humanity with purpose and calls His people to live in fellowship with Him. His will is revealed through His character, His Word, His commands, and His purpose for His creation. While we may not know every detail of our future, we can know enough of God's revealed will to obey Him today.
Understanding God's will begins with accepting that our lives belong to Him. We are not the final authority over our lives; we are stewards of the life, gifts, opportunities, and resources He has entrusted to us.
a) God Created You for His Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
The Bible teaches that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has ordained for us to walk in. Our lives are not meaningless accidents. God has given each person abilities, opportunities, responsibilities, and opportunities to serve His purposes.
Discovering God's will begins when we stop asking only, “What do I want to become?” and begin asking, “Lord, how can my life bring You glory?” This does not mean that every personal desire is wrong. Rather, our desires must be examined and brought under the authority of God. A career, business, family, or ministry becomes more meaningful when it is pursued with integrity and in submission to the Lord.
Practical Application: Commit your plans, talents, education, work, and relationships to God. Ask Him to help you use them in ways that honour Him.
b) God's Will Reflects His Character (Romans 12:2)
Paul tells believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that they may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. God's will will never contradict His holy character or His revealed Word. Anything that requires us to practise dishonesty, immorality, hatred, oppression, or disobedience cannot be justified as God's direction.
Some people pursue opportunities because they appear profitable, popular, or convenient. However, success without righteousness can lead a person away from God. The believer must examine not only what an opportunity offers but also what it requires.
Practical Application: Before accepting an opportunity, ask whether it agrees with Scripture and whether pursuing it will help you honour God.
c) God Wants You to Know His Will (Colossians 1:9)
Paul prayed that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This prayer reveals that spiritual understanding is important to Christian growth. God does not want His people to remain careless, ignorant, or spiritually immature.
We should therefore approach God's will with humility and a teachable heart. Sometimes, we do not understand because we have not studied Scripture sufficiently, prayed earnestly, or listened carefully. At other times, we know what God requires but resist it because obedience is costly. We must be willing both to learn and to obey.
Practical Application: Make the knowledge of God's will a regular subject of prayer and Bible study rather than seeking His guidance only during emergencies.
d) God's Purpose Requires Our Cooperation (Philippians 2:13)
The Bible teaches that God works in believers both to will and to do of His good pleasure. God enables us to desire what pleases Him and empowers us to carry it out. Yet we must respond to His grace through faith, obedience, discipline, and practical action.
Knowing God's purpose does not excuse laziness. If God calls you to serve, you must prepare. If He directs you to reconcile with someone, you must take steps towards reconciliation. If He calls you to grow spiritually, you must cultivate prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship. Divine purpose must be met with willing cooperation.
Practical Application: Identify one area where God has already shown you what to do, and take a definite step of obedience.
Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4)
God called Abraham to leave his country and go to a land He would show him. Abraham did not receive every detail of the journey at once, but he obeyed the instruction God gave him. His story teaches us that understanding God's will often requires trusting His character even when we cannot see the entire future.
2. THE WORD OF GOD REVEALS HIS WILL
One of the most reliable ways to understand God's will is through the written Word of God. The Bible reveals God's character, His commandments, His promises, His standards, and the principles by which His children should live. We must never separate claims of divine guidance from the authority of Scripture.
Many people want God to speak about tomorrow while ignoring what He has already said about today. Yet the Scriptures clearly instruct us about forgiveness, purity, honesty, love, stewardship, prayer, evangelism, and our relationship with others. Obedience to God's revealed Word prepares us to handle decisions that require further discernment.
a) God's Word Is a Lamp to Our Feet (Psalm 119:105)
The psalmist declares that God's Word is a lamp to his feet and a light to his path. A lamp does not necessarily reveal every mile of the journey; it provides sufficient light to take the next step safely. In the same way, Scripture gives us the truth and wisdom needed to navigate life's decisions.
When confusion arises, we should return to biblical principles rather than depend solely on feelings, popular opinions, or pressure from others. God's Word helps us distinguish truth from error and wisdom from foolishness.
Practical Application: Read the Bible consistently and ask how its instructions should shape your decisions and conduct.
b) God's Word Corrects Wrong Thinking (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. It does not merely comfort us; it also corrects us. Sometimes, our difficulty in understanding God's will comes from beliefs or habits that need to change.
A person may insist that God should approve a decision simply because it brings financial gain or personal satisfaction. However, the Word of God may expose dishonesty, pride, unforgiveness, or selfish ambition in that decision. Spiritual maturity requires allowing Scripture to correct our thinking rather than using Scripture to defend what we have already decided.
Practical Application: When studying Scripture, remain willing to change your opinion or behaviour wherever God's Word corrects you.
c) God's Commands Make His Will Clear (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
Paul writes, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification” (KJV). This establishes an important truth: some aspects of God's will are already clearly revealed. We do not need to wait for a special revelation before obeying God's command to live in holiness.
Believers sometimes become preoccupied with discovering hidden plans while neglecting clear instructions. A person may pray for direction about ministry while refusing to forgive; another may seek prosperity while practising dishonesty. God's will includes the ordinary but essential matters of Christian obedience.
Practical Application: Obey the clear commands of Scripture while seeking God's guidance for decisions that are not directly addressed in the Bible.
d) God's Word Helps Us Test Spiritual Claims (1 John 4:1)
The Bible instructs believers not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits. Not every impressive statement, dream, prophecy, or strong inner feeling should automatically be accepted as God's direction. Spiritual claims must be examined carefully in the light of Scripture.
The Holy Spirit will not lead a believer to contradict the Word He inspired. Testing spiritual impressions does not mean despising spiritual gifts; it means exercising biblical discernment and refusing to be controlled by deception, fear, or manipulation.
Practical Application: Test spiritual instructions against Scripture and seek mature, trustworthy counsel when a major decision is involved.
Biblical Example: Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
When Satan tempted Jesus, the Lord responded repeatedly with the written Word of God. Jesus did not allow the tempter's suggestions or the pressure of the moment to determine His actions. His example teaches us to use Scripture as our guide when temptation, confusion, and competing voices confront us.
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES THE BELIEVER
The Holy Spirit is given to believers to help them live in fellowship with God and grow in spiritual maturity. He illuminates the Scriptures, convicts us of sin, develops Christlike character, and helps us discern how to apply biblical truth. Understanding God's will is therefore not merely an intellectual exercise; it requires a growing relationship with the Lord.
However, spiritual guidance must be approached with reverence and discernment. We should not assume that every thought or emotion comes from the Holy Spirit. We must remain grounded in Scripture, attentive in prayer, and willing to receive wise correction.
a) The Holy Spirit Leads God's Children (Romans 8:14)
Paul teaches that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. The Spirit's leadership includes guiding us into a life that reflects our identity as God's children. He leads us away from the works of the flesh and towards obedience, righteousness, love, and service.
Being led by the Spirit does not mean that every decision will be accompanied by a dramatic sign. Often, His guidance becomes clearer as we learn Scripture, grow in character, and practise faithful obedience in everyday life.
Practical Application: Begin each day by surrendering your thoughts, plans, and decisions to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to help you live according to God's Word.
b) The Holy Spirit Teaches and Reminds Us (John 14:26)
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach His disciples and bring His words to their remembrance. The Spirit helps believers understand and apply the truth Jesus taught. In moments of decision, a biblical principle we have learned may come clearly to mind and help us respond wisely.
This is one reason we must fill our minds with Scripture. We should not expect to recall biblical truth consistently if we neglect the Word. The more deeply Scripture shapes our thinking, the better prepared we are to recognise choices that honour God.
Practical Application: Memorise key Scriptures and meditate on them so that God's truth can guide your responses in difficult situations.
c) The Holy Spirit Gives Spiritual Discernment (1 Corinthians 2:12-13)
God has given believers His Spirit so that they may understand the things freely given by God. Spiritual discernment enables us to evaluate matters according to God's truth rather than merely by outward appearance.
An opportunity may look attractive but require compromise. A difficult assignment may appear unattractive yet provide an opportunity to serve faithfully. Discernment helps us look beyond immediate appearances and consider the spiritual and moral implications of our choices.
Practical Application: When evaluating an opportunity, consider its spiritual fruit, its moral demands, and whether it agrees with biblical wisdom.
d) The Spirit's Leading Produces Godly Fruit (Galatians 5:22-25)
The Holy Spirit produces love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance in the life of the believer. These qualities provide important evidence of spiritual growth. A person should not claim to be following God's will while continually excusing hatred, uncontrolled anger, dishonesty, or immorality.
The fruit of the Spirit does not mean every decision will feel peaceful or easy. Obedience can involve sacrifice, opposition, and uncertainty. Nevertheless, the Spirit works within us to develop the character necessary for faithful service to God.
Practical Application: Examine whether your decisions and daily conduct are producing the fruit of the Spirit in your home, church, workplace, and community.
Biblical Example: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-35)
Philip received direction to go towards the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. There he encountered an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah, and the Spirit directed Philip to approach the chariot. Philip obeyed, explained the Scripture, and presented Jesus to the man. This account shows how divine guidance can create opportunities for effective witness when believers remain attentive and obedient.
4. PRAYER AND SURRENDER HELP US DISCERN GOD'S WILL
Prayer is essential to understanding God's will because it brings our desires, fears, questions, and plans before Him. Through prayer, we express dependence on God and ask Him for wisdom. Yet prayer is not a means of forcing God to approve our plans; it is an opportunity to submit ourselves to His authority.
Sometimes, we enter prayer with a decision already made and ask God merely to endorse it. Genuine surrender is different. It says, “Lord, I have my desires, but I want Your will more than my own.” This attitude prepares the heart to receive guidance, correction, and strength to obey.
a) Ask God for Wisdom (James 1:5)
James teaches that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God, who gives generously without reproach. God invites His people to seek His wisdom rather than pretend to understand every situation.
Wisdom helps us apply truth appropriately. Two choices may both appear lawful, yet one may be more suitable for our responsibilities, season of life, resources, and opportunities to serve. Prayer helps us bring these considerations before God with humility.
Practical Application: Before making important decisions, ask God for wisdom and take time to consider the biblical principles involved.
b) Surrender Your Desires to God (Matthew 26:39)
In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (KJV). His prayer reveals the depth of submission to the Father's will. Jesus did not deny the anguish before Him, but He surrendered to the Father's purpose.
We may sometimes discover that God's direction differs from what we hoped for. A desired opportunity may not open, a plan may require adjustment, or obedience may demand sacrifice. In such moments, surrender means trusting God's wisdom without allowing disappointment to turn into rebellion.
Practical Application: Tell God honestly what you desire, then deliberately submit those desires to His wisdom and authority.
c) Continue in Prayer Without Giving Up (Colossians 4:2)
Paul instructs believers to continue in prayer and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Persistent prayer keeps our hearts attentive to God and guards us against making hurried decisions merely because we feel pressured.
Waiting in prayer does not mean refusing to act when the next step is already clear. Rather, it means seeking God faithfully while using the wisdom and responsibilities He has already given us. Prayer and practical action should work together.
Practical Application: Maintain a consistent prayer life and avoid making major decisions solely out of panic, impatience, or pressure.
d) Let God's Peace Govern Your Heart (Colossians 3:15)
Paul instructs believers to let the peace of God rule in their hearts. God's peace is a valuable part of Christian life, but it should not be treated as the only test of His will. Sometimes, obedience brings discomfort because it requires courage, sacrifice, or a difficult conversation.
Therefore, peace should be considered alongside Scripture, godly wisdom, responsible counsel, circumstances, and the character of the decision. A feeling of peace cannot make a sinful choice acceptable, and anxiety alone does not prove that a righteous assignment is wrong.
Practical Application: Seek God's peace while testing your decision against Scripture and sound judgement.
Biblical Example: Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11; 2:1-8)
When Nehemiah heard about the condition of Jerusalem, he wept, fasted, and prayed before God. He also considered practical steps and prepared to speak with the king. When the opportunity came, he explained his request clearly and received permission and resources for the task. His example demonstrates that prayerful dependence can work together with careful planning and responsible action.
5. WISDOM AND GODLY COUNSEL HELP US MAKE RIGHT DECISIONS
God does not intend believers to live carelessly or to make every decision without seeking understanding. He gives us the capacity to think, learn, plan, and receive counsel. Spirituality does not eliminate the need for wisdom; it should deepen our commitment to wise and responsible living.
Some decisions have long-term consequences for our families, ministries, finances, and relationships. In such situations, it is wise to seek counsel from mature believers who understand Scripture and demonstrate integrity. Counsel should support biblical discernment, not replace personal responsibility before God.
a) Seek Counsel from Godly People (Proverbs 11:14)
The Bible teaches that safety is found in the multitude of counsellors. God can use mature and trustworthy people to help us identify risks, consider alternatives, and recognise aspects of a decision that we have overlooked.
However, not every adviser is wise. We should seek counsel from people whose lives demonstrate godliness, sound judgement, honesty, and concern for our spiritual welfare. Advice should be weighed carefully against Scripture rather than accepted merely because it comes from a respected or influential person.
Practical Application: Before making a major decision, consult mature, trustworthy believers and compare their advice with God's Word.
b) Count the Cost Before Acting (Luke 14:28)
Jesus used the example of a man who sits down to count the cost before building a tower. Although the immediate context concerns the cost of discipleship, the principle illustrates the importance of thoughtful preparation.
Faith does not mean ignoring responsibilities or pretending that resources do not matter. A ministry project, business venture, educational programme, or family decision requires prayer, planning, and an honest assessment of available resources. Wise preparation helps us avoid preventable mistakes.
Practical Application: Before committing yourself to a major undertaking, assess its cost, responsibilities, risks, and long-term implications.
c) Do Not Be Driven by Fear or Pressure (Proverbs 29:25)
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Some people make decisions because they fear rejection, criticism, or losing the approval of others. Others rush into choices because they are afraid of missing an opportunity.
The will of God must not be determined by public pressure. We should listen respectfully to others, but we must not allow their expectations to override biblical conviction. Courage is needed to obey God even when others do not understand our decision.
Practical Application: Refuse to make important decisions merely to please people; seek God's wisdom and act according to biblical conviction.
d) Be Willing to Adjust Your Plans (Proverbs 16:9)
The Bible says that a man's heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps. Planning is good, but our plans must remain open to correction. God may use new information, wise counsel, changed circumstances, or the discovery of an error to show us that an adjustment is necessary.
Changing a plan is not always a sign of failure. Sometimes, maturity is demonstrated by the willingness to admit that a decision was premature or that another course of action is wiser. Our loyalty should be to God's truth, not to our pride.
Practical Application: Make plans prayerfully, but remain humble enough to revise them when sound evidence and biblical wisdom require it.
Biblical Example: Paul and His Missionary Journeys (Acts 16:6-10)
Paul and his companions encountered restrictions as they travelled, and the Spirit did not permit them to preach in certain places at that time. Paul then received a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help. The team concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel there. Their experience illustrates the importance of remaining responsive to God's direction while continuing the mission He has entrusted to us.
6. UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WILL REQUIRES OBEDIENCE
The purpose of understanding God's will is not simply to satisfy our curiosity. God reveals His will so that we may walk in it. Knowledge without obedience can make us more accountable without making us more fruitful. The person who hears God's Word but refuses to practise it has not allowed that truth to accomplish its intended work.
Obedience may require us to forgive, serve, give, speak the truth, reject temptation, pursue reconciliation, or take a courageous step of faith. We may not always understand every detail of what God is doing, but we can obey what He has made clear.
a) Obey What God Has Already Revealed (James 1:22)
James commands believers to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. It is possible to attend church, listen to sermons, read Christian books, and discuss biblical principles while remaining unchanged in daily conduct.
Understanding grows as we practise what we learn. When we obey God's instruction to forgive, we experience the freedom of releasing bitterness. When we practise generosity, we learn to trust Him with our resources. When we reject temptation, we strengthen our commitment to holiness.
Practical Application: Choose one clear biblical instruction you have neglected and begin practising it today.
b) Obey Even When It Is Difficult (1 Samuel 15:22)
Samuel declared that obedience is better than sacrifice. Religious activity cannot replace submission to God's commands. A person may offer impressive service in church while refusing to correct dishonest behaviour or make peace with someone they have wronged.
True obedience is not measured only by what we give up publicly but also by the private choices we make when no one is watching. God desires a heart that values His authority above convenience, reputation, and personal gain.
Practical Application: Do not use religious service as a substitute for obedience in your personal life, family, work, and relationships.
c) Trust God When You Cannot See the Whole Picture (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Scripture tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. We are limited in knowledge and cannot foresee every outcome. God sees what we cannot see and understands what we do not yet understand.
Trust does not mean abandoning careful thought. It means recognising that human reasoning is limited and allowing God's truth to guide our reasoning. When the next step is clear but the final outcome is unknown, we can proceed faithfully without demanding complete certainty about everything ahead.
Practical Application: Take the next biblically sound step in front of you instead of allowing uncertainty about the future to paralyse you.
d) Keep Doing God's Will Until the End (Hebrews 10:36)
The writer of Hebrews teaches that believers need patience so that after doing the will of God, they may receive the promise. Obedience is not always followed by immediate results. Some assignments require endurance, and some answers take longer than we expect.
Do not abandon a godly commitment merely because progress appears slow. Continue serving, praying, working honestly, and living righteously. At the same time, remain willing to receive fresh direction when circumstances or God's revealed instruction require it.
Practical Application: Remain faithful in the assignment God has given you, and do not measure obedience only by immediate results.
Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 6:13-22)
God instructed Noah to build an ark in preparation for the coming flood. Noah followed the instructions he received, even though the task required sustained effort and obedience. His example teaches us that understanding God's will must lead to practical action, even when the assignment is demanding and its full significance is not yet visible.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the will of the Lord is essential to living wisely and fulfilling God's purpose. We discover His will through Scripture, prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, godly counsel, and the responsible use of wisdom. We must also remain humble enough to be corrected and courageous enough to obey when His direction challenges our preferences. God has given us what we need to grow in discernment and walk faithfully with Him.
Today, make a fresh commitment to seek God's will above your own desires. Do not merely ask Him to bless your plans; invite Him to direct them. Study His Word, cultivate prayer, seek wise counsel, examine your motives, and obey what He has clearly revealed. You may not know every detail of tomorrow, but you can walk faithfully in the light God has given you today. May your life increasingly reflect the wisdom, holiness, and purpose of the Lord.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, open my eyes to understand Your will, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, deliver me from spiritual ignorance, in Jesus name.
3. Holy Spirit, guide my decisions every day, in Jesus name.
4. Father, help me obey Your Word completely, in Jesus name.
5. Lord, remove every distraction from my spiritual life, in Jesus name.
6. Father, give me wisdom for every important decision, in Jesus name.
7. Lord, silence every voice leading me away from Your truth, in Jesus name.
8. Father, give me courage to obey You when it is difficult, in Jesus name.
9. Lord, align my desires with Your perfect will, in Jesus name.
10. Father, help me fulfil Your purpose for my life, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You will grow in wisdom and understand the will of the Lord.
2. You will not be led astray by deception or confusion.
3. You will recognise and obey God's instructions for your life.
4. You will receive wisdom for every important decision.
5. You will walk in holiness and please the Lord.
6. You will overcome fear, pressure, and ungodly influence.
7. You will be sensitive to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
8. You will have courage to obey God even when it is difficult.
9. You will fulfil your God-given assignment with faithfulness.
10. You will finish your race in God's purpose and bring glory to His name, in the mighty name of Jesus.
