What Is the Will of God?

September 02, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

What is the will of God? This question has to be one of the simplest and most confounding ones a person can ask. People love quick answers to life’s big questions and a clear way forward. Therefore, many Christians seek to understand the will of God for their lives – who to marry, what college to attend, which job to take, what house to buy, etc.

While all these important life decisions matter, the will of God for you is much bigger than each of these. The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks and answers a similar question: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The will of God for you is to glorify him and to enjoy him forever.

Romans 12:2 provides some of the best instruction for how to renew your mind and to then glorify God and enjoy him forever. This week, we have considered what it means to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation and renewal happen through the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. As he does this holy work, you begin to see through the lens of Jesus, to think as he thinks, and to do the things he would have you do.

This instruction may seem like a crazy religious conformity. However, it is about becoming who God made you to be. I love the Message Translation of Ephesians 1:11-12: “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.” The Lord has a glorious plan for your life. His will for you is for you to become the man or woman he created you to be, that you would spend your life getting to know him, and then let your life be characterized by faithfulness so he is glorified in and through you and then you can enjoy him.

How much better is this than living under the law! Finding this glorious plan is the outworking of the transformation through the renewing of your mind. As you grow in Christlikeness, you desire the things he desires. Your will is transformed, and you are set free from the things of this world and the desires of your flesh. You become free to follow the Spirit’s guidance!

Reflection:

Are you experiencing this freedom in Christ and discovering who you truly are through the power of the Holy Spirit working in you? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a "gift" who will guide us, lead us, and empower us. Yet many believers don't experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This unique Christian small group Bible study provides a space in which we can explore what it truly means to "walk in the Spirit" on a daily basis. The Spirit-Filled Life small group curriculum centers on a 6-part video teaching series examining the life-giving and creative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Begin to experience the gift today!