What Is The Will Of God Bible Verse? A Comprehensive Guide
For Christians seeking to align their lives with God’s plan, one of the most fundamental questions is “What is the will of God?” This question has been pondered by believers for centuries. Knowing and following God’s will as revealed in Scripture leads to blessings, while ignoring or disobeying it leads to pain and hardship.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible does not contain a single verse that summarizes God’s will in one statement. However, throughout Scripture, God makes clear components of His moral will for believers, such as: living a holy life, obeying His commands, serving others, spreading the Gospel, and trusting in Christ alone for salvation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore dozens of relevant Bible passages to answer the question “What is the will of God?” We will cover the major biblical categories of God’s will, specific verses on how He calls Christians to live, as well as how to discern His personal will for your life through prayer and studying Scripture.
Overview of the Will of God
God’s Sovereign Will
God’s sovereign will refers to His supreme plan and purpose for everything that happens in the universe. As the all-powerful Creator, God exerts His will to accomplish His grand design. This includes events both good and evil, big and small.
An example of God’s sovereign will is allowing hardship in believers’ lives to strengthen their faith and bring glory to Himself (Romans 5:3-5). Though we may not understand it, we can trust that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
God’s Moral Will
God’s moral will is His perfect standard of right and wrong as revealed in the Bible. It outlines how He wants us to live. For instance, Micah 6:8 states that God requires us to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly” with Him.
Other moral commands include loving God and neighbor, being holy, living by faith, bearing good fruit, and much more. Though we often disobey God’s moral will, He gives us grace and power through Christ to obey it. As we walk in the Spirit, we can fulfill God’s will (Galatians 5:16).
God’s Personal Will for Individuals
God has a specific, personalized plan for each believer’s life. Through prayer, wise counsel, and studying Scripture, we can discern God’s personal will for decisions about relationships, careers, ministry, and more.
Key principles for guidance include seeking God’s glory, renewing our minds, being Spirit-filled, and applying wisdom (Psalm 143:10, Romans 12:1-2). God’s personal will unfolds gradually as we walk in obedience.
Though the details may remain a mystery, we can trust God’s good plans as we submit to His lordship daily.
Bible Verses on Components of God’s Will
Living a Holy and Obedient Life
The Bible teaches that a crucial part of God’s will is for believers to pursue holy and obedient lives before Him (1 Peter 1:14-16). This involves turning away from sin and worldly passions and instead pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11).
Christians should present themselves as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13) and put efforts into renewing their minds spiritually (Romans 12:2). By walking in the Spirit and bearing spiritual fruit, God’s people fulfill His perfect will (Galatians 5:16-26).
Trusting and Following Christ
A foundational principle about God’s will revealed in Scripture is that He wants believers to place their faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, His Son. Numerous verses emphasize fully trusting in Christ for salvation rather than one’s own good works (John 6:29; Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Moreover, the Bible urges Christians to follow and imitate Christ in all areas of life (John 10:27; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 2:6). As the perfect embodiment of the Father and His will, Jesus demonstrated through His life and words how to carry out God’s plans and purposes in a wise and loving way.
Loving Others
In addition to personal holiness and Christ-centeredness, God calls His people to reflect His sacrificial love for others. Multiple passages reveal that it is God’s will for Christians to display sincere love, compassion, kindness, and generosity (Matthew 22:39; John 13:34; Romans 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:12).
For example, 1 John 3:16-18 states that believers should love “in deed and in truth,” just as Christ laid down His life for them. Expressing genuine care and concern for the needs of others fulfills the heart of God.
Spreading the Gospel
The great commission given by Jesus makes clear that God desires for the message of salvation to go out across the earth (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). He wants Christians to be active participants in the mission of making the gospel known to all peoples.
Though evangelism can be challenging at times, 1 Corinthians 9:16 says believers have been entrusted with an exciting, urgent calling to advance this kingdom work. When Christians boldly and sensitively share their faith, they carry out God’s redemptive plan.
Discerning God’s Personal Will for Your Life
Pray for Guidance and Wisdom
One of the most vital steps in discovering God’s personal will is to pray for wisdom and guidance (James 1:5). Set aside quiet time to seek the Lord in prayer, asking Him to reveal His will and illuminate the right path for your life.
As you yield your desires to God, pray for an open heart and mind to follow His leading (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Study God’s Word
God reveals His character and will through scripture. Diligently study the Bible asking, “What principles apply to my situation?” Compare your desires against biblical truths, looking for confirmation or conviction by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The more you know Him and renew your mindset to align with His, the easier it will be to discern His personal will.
Seek Wise Counsel
Proverbs 15:22 reminds us that, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Seek perspective from spiritually mature Christians as you prayerfully weigh major life decisions. Ask them to pray with you and provide biblical wisdom rather than just opinions.
The Lord may speak through their godly counsel to confirm His will or help you consider factors you’ve overlooked.
Consider Your Gifting and Passions
Assess your spiritual gifts, natural talents, abilities, personality and passions. Sanctification shapes us to fit God’s design and equips us for His intended purposes (Ephesians 2:10). Evaluate what stirs your heart and unites your giftings into fulfilling God’s will.
Trust that He orchestrates opportunities that utilize the uniqueness He embedded within you. Listen for His affirmation as you pursue paths aligned with your gifting and kingdom purpose.
Bible Verses on Knowing and Following God’s Will
Seeking, understanding, and following God’s will is an essential part of the Christian faith. Several Bible passages provide wisdom and guidance to believers on recognizing and adhering to the Lord’s plan for their lives. Some key verses are outlined below:
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This popular verse reassures that God has good and blessing-filled intentions for His children.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” As we find joy in the Lord, He shapes our hearts to desired after His purposes.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This reminds believers to rely on godly wisdom rather than self-dependence.
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.” Conforming to God’s will requires a shift in perspective from earthly values to heavenly ones.
Additional passages that provide insight on following God’s direction include Psalm 143:8, 1 John 2:17, and James 4:13-17. With study and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can better understand and pursue the Father’s perfect will.
Conclusion
In summary, while no single verse perfectly encapsulates the full breadth of God’s will, Scripture gives us guidance on how to live in a way that honors Him. This includes pursuing holiness, trusting in Christ, serving others, and sharing the Gospel.
Additionally, through prayer, studying the Bible, seeking counsel, and understanding our gifts, we can discern how to apply God’s principles to our personal lives and specific situations.
The more we seek God in His Word, the more our desires align with His perfect will. Though His plans for our lives may remain a mystery, we can rest in the peace and freedom of conforming our will to His.
