The Will of God
Pastor Kelli Westmark
“Will” in the Greek New Testament in talking about God’s will is θέλημα
Thelema which means what God desires to be done by us.
What God determines to do is the result of God’s Thelesis (the good pleasure of God).
John Wesley said there are 3 aspects to the will of God: doing what God wills, in the manner God wills, and with the motive God intends.
Are there some things we already know are the will of God?
1. It is God’s will that we be sanctified, avoid sexual immorality and avoid evil human desires.
1 Thes 4:3 “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.”
1 Peter 4:2 “As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
2. It was God’s will that Paul be an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:”
3. It is God’s will that we rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances.
1 Thes 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
4. It is God’s will that we not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we can test and approve God’s will.
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform 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.”
5. That we stand completely and firmly in the will of God.
Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”
6. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are distributed according to God’s will.
Hebrews 2:4 “God also testified to it (salvation) by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
Other things we know about God’s will from the Bible.
1. Whoever does the will of God is a part of God’s family.
Mark 3:35 “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
2. The one who does God’s will lives forever.
“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17
3. God’s will directs our steps if we follow.
Acts 18:21 “But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.”
Romans 1:10 “in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.”
Romans 15:32 “so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.”
4. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will.
Acts 8:27 “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”
5. When we pray, we want the Kingdom of Heaven to be accomplished on earth.
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10
