Understand

Introduction

What is the will of God?

What does the Lord want me to do?

How can I know the will of God for my life?

Personal Illustration: Three Churches—a decision had to be made. What do I do?

Text

Ephesians 5:15–17 ESV

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

It is more than to know what God’s Will is, it is also taking responsibility to fulfill what God wants you to do.

Two Essentials to know God’s Will

Know God! (Relationship, fellowship, communion)

Allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide!

How to seek God’s will: Six Principles.

One: Surrender your personal desires.

As you seek God’s will, it’s important to be sure you are fully open to whatever God wants. If you have actually already decided what to do and are only coming to God so He can approve your decision, you are not really seeking His will.

Acknowledge your biases. Be honest about your emotions and desires.

Embrace a desire to grow closer to God rather than having an easier life.

Surrender your desire to please people.

Two: Meditate on God’s Word.

God’s Word is His revelation. Routine, systematic, diligent reading, studying, and reflecting on God’s Word is essential to Christian living.

Work to know God and His way.

Guard your heart and mind from misinterpreting God’s Word. (CONTEXT)

Three: Spend focused time in prayer.

Ask God!

Consider prayer as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.

Suggestion: make a prayer journal (writing down your observations, emotions, and impressions).

Four: Seek advise from godly people.

Proverbs 15:22 ESV

22 Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Share what you are seeking with other mature believers.

Invite believers to pray and intercede on your behalf.

Seeking advise is wise but don’t allow someone else make the decision for you.

Five: Consider your circumstances.

God may use circumstances in your life to reveal His Will.

Not all obstacles are closed doors. Conversely, not all “open doors” are God’s intention for you.

Your circumstances need to be weighed through God’s Word and prayer.

Six: Think through your decision carefully.

Carefully listen to the Holy Spirit.

God can use reason and commonsense.

Align your decision with God’s values rather than the values of the culture.

Know that God’s grace is sufficient.

Conclusion

Being “All in” in your relationship with God and His divine purpose involves in fulfilling God’s Will.

Jesus gives us the key to living a life aligned with God’s purpose:

Matthew 6:33 ESV

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

What is next?

Do God’s will with all your might!

Philippians 2:13 ESV

13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Again, it is about the quality of your relationship with God through Christ!