How can I know God’s will?
The Bible teaches that knowing God’s will is not a mysterious or hidden process reserved for a select few. Scripture presents God’s will as something revealed, pursued, discerned, and lived. In fact, the Bible often treats “Christian living” and “doing the will of God” as the same reality (Matthew 7:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). God’s will touches every part of life—character, conduct, worship, relationships, decision-making, and perseverance. The biblical pattern for knowing God’s will is grounded in Scripture, empowered by the Spirit, shaped by wisdom, and confirmed through obedience. The path is not passive; believers are called to seek, understand, and align with the will of God revealed in Scripture.
1. What does the Bible say God’s will includes?
The Bible explicitly reveals several aspects of God’s will for believers:
1. Sanctification
“This is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
This includes holiness, obedience, and moral purity.
2. Sexual purity
The command to “abstain from sexual immorality” is included as part of God’s will (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5).
3. Thankfulness
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
4. Conduct that avoids giving unbelievers grounds for slander
Believers are told to “keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable” so that unbelievers “may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).
5. Doing what is good and pleasing to God
“Doing good… is the will of God” so that believers “put to silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15).
6. Sharing and doing good works
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 13:16).
These passages show that God’s will is not vague. The Bible reveals God’s moral will clearly, and this forms the foundation for all discernment.
2. How does the Bible say we come to understand God’s will?
Scripture teaches that knowing God’s will requires both divine revelation and active pursuit.
1. God’s will must be taught and understood
Paul prayed that believers would “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9).
God’s will becomes clear as his word enters the heart and renews the mind (Romans 12:2).
2. Believers must seek to comprehend God’s will
“Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17).
Seeking God’s will is a command, not an option.
3. God reveals his will through Scripture
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
All Scripture is profitable so believers may be “complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
The Bible’s expectation is that believers grow in maturity by letting Scripture shape their discernment.
3. How does Scripture function as the primary guide to God’s will?
The Bible consistently elevates Scripture as the primary means of knowing God’s will.
Scripture provides:
Moral clarity (Psalm 19:7–11).
Wisdom for choices (Proverbs 3:5–6).
Correction and training (2 Timothy 3:16).
Discernment between true and false paths (Psalm 1:1–3).
Because Scripture reveals God's character, commands, and purposes, the believer’s conscience must be anchored in it:
“Teach me to do your will” (Psalm 143:10).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
The Bible is not merely helpful—it is the essential means by which God reveals his will.
4. How does God guide believers through wisdom and providence?
The Bible affirms that God guides through wisdom applied to real circumstances, not through decoding signs.
1. Wisdom guides decisions
“Walk in wisdom” (Colossians 4:5).
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
God gives wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5).
2. God’s providence orders our steps
“A man’s steps are established by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23).
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
3. Circumstances must always be interpreted through Scripture
God’s will is known by presenting our bodies to God and having renewed minds (Romans 12:1–2).
Not by interpreting circumstances as if they were revelation.
Providence guides by aligning circumstances with biblical wisdom—not by bypassing Scripture.
5. How does obedience reveal and confirm God’s will?
The Bible teaches that obedience and submission to God actually clarify his will.
“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know” (John 7:17).
Walking in the light leads to further light (Psalm 36:9).
God directs the obedient (Psalm 25:8–9).
Knowing and doing God’s will are deeply connected in Scripture. The more one obeys, the more clearly one sees.
How does Romans 12:1–2 teach believers to know God’s will?
Romans 12:1–2 is the most direct passage in the Bible on how believers come to discern the will of God. It teaches that knowing God’s will is the result of offering ourselves fully to God and having our minds renewed by Scripture and the Spirit.
Paul writes:
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).
This means surrendering every part of life to God—obedience, desires, habits, relationships, and decisions. A surrendered life sees more clearly.“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
A renewed mind is one shaped by Scripture (Psalm 119:105), by wisdom (Proverbs 2:6), and by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12–13). Worldly thinking clouds discernment; renewed thinking clarifies it.“That by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
The more a believer resists worldly patterns and embraces biblical transformation, the more clearly the will of God becomes apparent.
Romans 12:1–2 reveals three key elements of discerning God’s will:
Surrender — We must offer ourselves to God without reservation (Romans 12:1).
Renewal — The mind must be reshaped by Scripture and the Spirit (Romans 12:2).
Discernment — As we obey and grow, we gain the ability to recognize God’s good, acceptable, and perfect will (Romans 12:2).
This passage shows that knowing God’s will is not primarily about decoding mysterious signs; it is about becoming the kind of person whose thinking is aligned with God’s heart. When believers yield themselves to God and immerse their minds in his Word, they become discerning people who can recognize God’s will in every area of life.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches that knowing God’s will is not about mystical techniques, deciphering signs, or searching for secret messages. God’s will is revealed in Scripture, pursued through wisdom, discerned through a renewed mind, and confirmed by obedience. God’s moral will is clear—sanctification, thanksgiving, honorable conduct, and doing good. His personal guidance flows from these foundations. When believers saturate themselves in the Word, seek wisdom, walk in holiness, submit to Christ, and interpret life through Scripture, God’s will becomes increasingly clear. The path is not hidden from God’s people—the Scriptures shine enough light for every step of obedience.
Bible Verses about God’s Will
Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Peter 2:15, “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”
Colossians 1:9, “We have not ceased to pray for you… that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will.”
Ephesians 5:17, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Proverbs 3:5–6, “Trust in the Lord… and he will make straight your paths.”
James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given him.”
Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”
