When the apostle Paul was determined to travel to Jerusalem, despite the warnings of danger and potential death, his companions tried to dissuade him. However, Paul’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s will caused them to relent, saying, “The will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14, NASB). Paul’s example serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding, accepting, and doing the will of God, no matter the cost.
God’s will is not arbitrary or unclear—it is revealed to us through His Word. As Christians, we are called to seek His will, live according to it, and teach others to do the same. Let’s examine what Scripture teaches about the will of the Lord and how we can ensure it is accomplished in our lives.
God Has a Will
It may come as a surprise to some, but God does indeed have a will—a specific plan and purpose for mankind. Sadly, there are those who act as though God’s will does not exist, claiming that all paths are equally valid. However, this perspective contradicts Scripture. Jesus prayed, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, NASB). If there were no will of God, this prayer would be meaningless.
The Bible consistently affirms that God’s will exists and that it must be sought and followed. Paul writes, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him” (Ephesians 1:9, NASB). God’s will is not hidden or unknowable—it is revealed through His Word and is always aligned with His nature and purpose.
How Can We Know God’s Will?
To know God’s will, we must turn to the Bible. Paul reminds us, “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10, NASB). The Scriptures are God’s inspired Word, providing everything we need to understand His will for our lives.
Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things.” The teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament, are central to understanding God’s will. By studying the Bible, we can discern His commands, promises, and expectations for His people.
God’s Will Must Be Done
Knowing God’s will is not enough—it must be done. Jesus emphasized the necessity of obedience when He said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21, NASB). Doing God’s will is not optional; it is essential for salvation.
Some argue that obedience to God’s will is unnecessary because of grace. However, this idea is refuted by Scripture. Hebrews 5:9 states, “And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him.” Obedience is how we gain access to the grace of God, not a denial of it.
Paul also reinforces this truth, writing, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NASB). Faith and obedience go hand in hand; they are inseparable in the life of a true believer.
What Must Be Done to Fulfill God’s Will?
The Bible outlines several key steps that are necessary to fulfill God’s will:
(a) Believe in Jesus as the Son of God.
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. John writes, “This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 3:23, NASB). Jesus Himself declared, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24, NASB).
(b) Repent of every sin.
God commands all people to turn away from sin and turn toward Him. Paul proclaimed, “Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now proclaiming to mankind that all people everywhere are to repent” (Acts 17:30, NASB).
(c) Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins.
Baptism is essential for salvation. Peter instructed the crowd at Pentecost, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38, NASB). Jesus confirmed this in His Great Commission: “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16, NASB).
(d) Continue to live in obedience to God’s Word.
Following baptism, a Christian must continue to observe all that God has commanded. Jesus said, “Teaching them to follow all that I commanded you” (Matthew 28:20, NASB). Paul adds, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1, NASB).
What Is Your Attitude Toward God’s Will?
Finally, we must examine our attitude toward the will of the Lord. Are we willing to submit to His authority, or are we clinging to our own desires? Jesus calls us to self-denial, saying, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23, NASB).
It is not enough to claim faith in God; we must demonstrate it through our actions. James writes, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22, NASB). True faith is shown in obedience.
Conclusion: The Will of the Lord Be Done
The will of God is clear, and it must be done. By believing in Jesus, repenting of sin, being baptized, and living a life of obedience, we align ourselves with His will and gain access to His grace.
As you examine your life today, consider whether you are truly living in accordance with God’s will. Will you obey Him fully, or will you hold back? May we all echo the words spoken of Paul: “The will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:14, NASB). Let us commit to doing His will, no matter the cost.
The Simple Gospel 