Align Your Life With God’s Will!

Not long ago, I had a conversation with my friend Tony Beckett that I’ve never forgotten. He said:

“I’d rather end like Jacob than Solomon. Solomon started well and ended disastrously. Jacob started disastrously and ended well.”

That got me thinking… It’s not just about how you start—it’s about how you finish.

Solomon had wisdom, wealth, and influence. But his heart wandered, and he finished poorly. Jacob, on the other hand, stumbled through life, wrestled with God, and yet by the end—he was leaning on his staff, blessing his sons, and worshiping. He finished in faith. He finished well.

That’s what 2 Timothy is all about. It’s Paul’s final letter. His last words. A dying man’s final charge to his spiritual son, Timothy.

And the message is clear: Finish well—not with a whimper, not in regret, but in faith, in boldness, and in grace.

Today we begin with Lesson 1: “Align Your Life with God’s Will.” Because finishing well doesn’t happen by accident—it begins when your life is brought into alignment with the will of God.

Main Idea: A Life Aligned With God’s Will Is Destined For Epic Transformation

God’s will IS God’s direction for the life of the believer. His will is not mysterious, but instead it is clearly revealed in his scriptures.

If this is true, then why do so many people struggle with understanding and following the will of God?

Because they don’t look to the right place for guidance.

Paul, in his last letter to Timothy points out three ways to align one’s will with God’s will. But be careful, when you do this, it will radically transform who you are and what God does with you.

1. Listen For God’s Call On Your Life (v. 1a)

2 Timothy 1:1 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…

For many of us, Paul is a familiar figure. But for those less familiar, here’s a brief overview of this man whose life was completely transformed by the will of God.

The Life of Paul (A Snapshot)

Early Life & Conversion (AD 5–35)

Born in Tarsus (Acts 22:3), a Roman citizen by birth.

A Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, trained under Gamaliel (Phil. 3:5).

Zealous for the Law—persecuted Christians and present at Stephen’s stoning (Acts 8:1).

Radically converted on the road to Damascus (Acts 9), redirected by Christ to preach the gospel.

Ministry & Missionary Journeys (AD 35–58)

Taught in Antioch; launched 3 major missionary journeys.

Planted and strengthened churches across the Roman Empire.

Faced persecution, hardship, and miraculous deliverance.

Imprisonment & Final Years (AD 58–67)

Arrested in Jerusalem, appealed to Caesar.

Wrote the Prison Epistles during house arrest in Rome (Eph, Phil, Col, Philemon).

Released briefly, then rearrested and thrown into a Roman dungeon under Nero.

2 Timothy is his final letter, written while awaiting execution.

Impact: ~34 years of ministry, 10–14 churches planted directly, 20+ more indirectly. The entire eastern Roman Empire felt the ripple of his ministry.

Paul lived out his calling with complete surrender—even to death. And now, with chains on his wrists, he writes to Timothy one last time… urging him to do the same.

What Is an Apostle?

Paul calls himself an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.

Let’s clarify: not everyone is an apostle, and there are clear qualifications for this office:

Qualification Scriptural Basis

Eyewitness of the risen Christ Acts 1:21–22; 1 Cor. 9:1

Personally appointed by Jesus Acts 9:15; Gal. 1:1

Miraculous signs & wonders 2 Cor. 12:12

Foundation-layer of the church Eph. 2:20

Giver of authoritative revelation 2 Pet. 3:2

Paul met every qualification—but notice his emphasis: “by the will of God.”

This was a divine calling!

God’s Call Was Clear

Acts 9:15 ESV

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

God didn’t sugarcoat it: Paul’s calling would involve suffering, rejection, and hardship. And Paul walked that road without flinching:

2 Corinthians 11:24–28 ESV

24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Sounds like Paul didn’t read Joel Osteen’s Your Best Life Now, right?

Who would sign up for this kind of life?

Only someone gripped by the call of God.

And now, he is sitting in a cold Roman dungeon awaiting the end of his life.

He knew this was it, and longed to see Timothy one last time.

“The call of God is not a reflection of my nature; my personal desires are of no consideration. As long as I dwell on my own qualities and traits… God’s call will never become a reality to me.” - Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest, October 25 entry)

Now, you might be thinking:

“Phew! I’m so glad I’m not called like Paul.”

And you're right—you’re not called like Paul. But you are called.

Every single Christian is called to serve the Lord in the way God sees fit.

The Spirit of God has gifted you uniquely. Your job is to discover it… develop it… and use it for His glory.

When you function in your gifting, the church grows stronger—and you grow deeper.

That is God’s call on your life. It is God’s will for your life.

Imagine if Paul had said, “No thanks, God—I’ll just sit in the pew.”

Review:

When your life is aligned with God’s will, it leads to radical transformation.

That transformation begins when you listen for God’s call on your life.

And listen—when you respond to that call, you’ll begin to experience God’s promise in a whole new way.

2. Believe God’s Promises For Your Life (v. 1b)

2 Timothy 1:1 ESV

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

God’s word is full of promises.

Here are just three for every believer.

1. The Promise of God’s Unfailing Presence in Every Circumstance (Hebrews 13:5b)

2. The Promise of Sufficient Grace for Every Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)

3. The Promise of Ongoing Growth in Holiness and Ultimate Completion in Christlikeness (Phil 1:6)

But there is one promise that I believe Paul is referring to in this verse that we should sit up and take notice of.

Paul says that he is an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…

ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE OF THE LIFE THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS.

What does this phrase mean? Lets break it down so we might understand.

“…according to the promise of the life…

Paul is declaring that he is who and what he says he is not by his own declaration but is because of the will of God “according to” - in other words, in relation to…

“THE LIFE.” not just any life, but “THE LIFE”- the eternal, robust, hope-filled, regenerated, never-to-die, life that generates from one source and one source alone! - Jesus Christ.

This is the life and this is the promise to which Paul is referring.

Paul’s life, his new life, his calling as an apostle is only possible because of the most significant promise found in the Scriptures.

TRUE LIFE is found nowhere else but Jesus Christ.

Jesus even declares this about Himself.

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus Christ, God very God, is the author of life. And because He authored life, He has the authority to give it to whom He will.

And I know who He gives “THE LIFE” to!

Those who heed the following words…

Romans 10:9–13 ESV

9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The author of life was killed by his people so that we could have life!

Acts 3:14–15 ESV

14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.

Paul understood well where it all came from. Jesus Christ, the author and giver of “THE LIFE.” He believed it with the very core of his being.

Do you?

You see, this isn’t just a theological truth—it’s personal. The life Paul speaks of isn’t reserved for apostles or pastors; it’s for anyone who will humble themselves, turn from their sin, and trust in, believe in Christ. And that brings us to the most important question you’ll ever answer…

The life that’s promised in Christ Jesus isn’t automatic. It’s not inherited by family, earned through good works, or gained by church attendance. It’s a gift offered to you—but you must respond. The Bible calls you to repent—to turn from your sin, your self-reliance, and your own way of living. And to believe—to place your full trust in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose again in victory.

Friend, this is the life Paul lived for and ultimately died for. It’s a life of forgiveness, purpose, and eternal hope. Jesus is alive, and He offers this life to you today. But you must turn to Him in repentance and faith.

You can do that right now—call out to Him from your heart. Confess your sin. Believe that His death and resurrection is enough to save you. The life that is in Christ Jesus will be yours.”

Review:

When your life is aligned with God’s will, you will be transformed in ways you never imagined.

That transformation begins when you listen to God’s call—and believe the promise of life found only in Christ.

But listen, even Paul wasn’t alone. And neither are you. God uses people to help us walk in His will—and that’s exactly where we’re going next.

3. Celebrate God’s People In Your Life (v. 2)

2 Timothy 1:2 ESV

2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

We do not have the benefit of hearing conversations between Paul and Timothy. Paul knew Timothy for quite a while.

Paul & Timothy: A Timeline of Their Relationship

Lystra Encounter & Timothy’s Conversion (Acts 14:6–23 | AD 46–48)

Paul visits Lystra during his First Missionary Journey.

Timothy, likely a teenager, hears Paul preach and becomes a believer (2 Tim 3:10–11).

Timothy’s mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) are already believers (2 Tim 1:5).

Timothy Joins Paul’s Ministry Team (Acts 16:1–3 | AD 49–50)

On Paul’s Second Missionary Journey, he returns to Lystra.

Timothy, now well spoken of by the believers, joins Paul as a ministry partner.

Paul circumcises Timothy (because of his Jewish heritage) to remove unnecessary barriers to ministry among Jews.

Timothy Becomes Paul’s Trusted Companion (Acts 16–18 | AD 50–52)

Timothy travels with Paul through Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth.

Timothy is sent back to Thessalonica to strengthen the believers (1 Thess 3:1–2).

Timothy Co-Authors Epistles (AD 51–62)

Timothy’s name appears alongside Paul in the greetings of multiple letters:

1 & 2 Thessalonians (AD 51–52)

2 Corinthians (AD 56)

Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (AD 60–62)

Timothy Sent to Strengthen Churches (Phil 2:19–22 | AD 60–62)

Paul plans to send Timothy to Philippi, commending his genuine care for the church.

Timothy Oversees the Ephesian Church (1 Tim 1:3 | AD 63–64)

After Paul’s release from his first Roman imprisonment, he instructs Timothy to stay in Ephesus to correct false teaching and establish godly leadership.

Paul Writes 1 Timothy (AD 63–64)

Paul writes 1 Timothy to give him guidance on church leadership and pastoral ministry.

Paul Writes 2 Timothy from Prison (AD 66–67)

During his second Roman imprisonment, Paul writes 2 Timothy—his final letter—knowing his execution is near.

This letter is deeply personal, a “passing of the baton,” urging Timothy to stand firm and continue the work.

For nearly two decades, Paul intentionally cultivated a relationship with his son-in-the-faith, Timothy.

Key word - intentional. Paul intentionally discipled Timothy.

Who are you intentionally discipling?

But more than anything, I want you to see his love for Timothy.

2 Timothy 1:2 ESV

2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Obviously, Paul is not Timothy’s physical father (his biological father is mentioned later), but he is his spiritual father.

And while the Bible doesn’t explicitly say, Paul certainly had a significant role in Timothy coming to a saving faith.

As we will see in verse 5, Timothy’s grandmother and mother raised him in the Scriptures.

But from this introduction of this letter, it is obvious that Paul loves and celebrates Timothy.

He wishes him Grace - undeserved favor from God

He wishes him Mercy - a special care and concern that mends broken hearts.

He wishes him Peace - the inevitable tranquility that comes from the realization that Timothy, because of his relationship with Christ, is no longer at war with God.

All of this from two of the three members of the triune God-head.

God the Father - The architect of all creation and recreation.

God the Son - Christ (King), Jesus (God saves), our Lord (our Yahweh).

Paul is careful in the beginning of this letter to set the tone. His time is drawing near. His time on this earth is coming to a close and Paul wants Timothy to know how much he is appreciated by the one who has invested in him for almost twenty years.

From my limited perspective, this kind of relationship in the church today is rare. It ought not to be. We all should have a Paul in our lives who loves us with a Christlike love. And, in turn, we should all pursue being a Paul in the lives of those God has entrusted to us.

“I’ll never forget my own ‘Paul’—a pastor who saw something in me when I didn’t see it in myself.

He called me up, challenged me, prayed for me, corrected me, and believed in what God was doing in me.

I wouldn’t be standing here today without him. And I hope I can be that kind of voice in someone else’s life.”

Letter from Wayne Muri in my bible -

Mark,

To my dear friend & colleague in the ministry, truly a son in the faith. May God grant you His richest blessings as you serve him faithfully day by day. And may you continue to grow in your wisdom & spiritual passion as I have witnessed these many years. Let the words of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11-16 forever bolster your soul.

Brothers in Christ, Wayne Muri December 31, 2013

1 Timothy 6:11–16 ESV

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

So here’s the question:

Who’s your Paul?

And who’s your Timothy?

Are you walking this Christian life alone?

Or are you intentionally building relationships that point you to Christ?

You weren’t meant to do this alone.

Paul didn’t. Timothy didn’t. You shouldn’t either.

Find a disciple. Be a disciple. Celebrate those who’ve poured into your life. And invest in someone else.

This is the grace of God in community.

Review:

Restate the Big Picture: When your life is aligned with God’s will, you’ll be transformed.

Summarize Previous Points: That begins when you listen to His call… believe His promise… and celebrate the people He’s placed in your life.

Cast the Final Vision: If we want to finish well—like Paul—we must walk in His will, trust in His life-giving promise, and run with the people He’s given us for the journey.

Conclusion

So here’s the call:

Align your life with God’s will.

Don’t settle for spiritual survival.

You were made for more—called by God, saved through Christ, and gifted for His glory.

Listen for His call. Open His Word. Ask Him to show you where and how He wants to use you.

Believe His promise of life—eternal life, abundant life, transformed life in Christ.

Celebrate the people He’s placed in your life—and be that person to someone else.

God’s will is not a mystery to be deciphered—it’s a call to be obeyed.

You don’t need to figure out your entire future to be faithful today. You just need to surrender your today to the God who holds your future.

Remember the quote I shared at the beginning?

“I’d rather end like Jacob than Solomon. Solomon started well and ended disastrously. Jacob started disastrously and ended well.”

Let me ask you:

How are you writing your ending?

Are you coasting? Drifting? Or aligning your life with God’s will, God’s promise, and God’s people?

You can’t change how you started—but by God’s grace, you can change how you finish.

Picture this: It’s your final days. The race is nearly over. The finish line is near. And instead of fear… there’s peace. Instead of regret… there’s joy. Because like Paul, you lived your life aligned with God’s will.

You followed His voice. You trusted His promise. You walked with His people. And you’re ready to hear the words:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

That’s the life we want. That’s the finish we’re after. That’s the transformation God promises when we align our lives with His will.