Knowing the Will of God

We can sometimes think that knowing the will of God is like trying to discover a lost treasure. Or even worse, we can think that God hides his will from us as some sort of mystery! But let’s let the clarity of this short article on knowing the will of God from the Amplified Study Bible correct our misperceptions. We included some Scripture references from the Amplified Bible below as well to give you a taste of what comes with the study notes.

“I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”

Psalms 40:8

To Know God’s Will

Knowing the will of God is not simply a vehicle for finding the right vocation for a life’s work. While vocation is important, it is only a small part of God’s will. The will of God must be thought of in more comprehensive terms. The will of God is for everyone to live in such a way as to bring honor and glory to God. For different people God may have very different things in mind. We must continually stay in God’s Word so that He can make clear to us what His will is for us. We must also be still, listen, and know that He is God.

Knowing Christ

The first step towards understanding God’s will is believing in Christ (Jn 3:14–16). If we do not accept this gift from God, we will not be saved from judgment (Mt 7:21).

“Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever].For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 3:14–16

Being Sanctified

Second, Scripture teaches us that it is God’s will for every believer to be sanctified (2Th 2:13–17).

“But we should and are [morally] obligated [as debtors] always to give thanks to God for you, believers beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the sanctifying work of the Spirit [that sets you apart for God’s purpose] and by your faith in the truth [of God’s word that leads you to spiritual maturity]. It was to this end that He called you through our gospel [the good news of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection], so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2 Thessalonians 2:13–14

Obeying God’s Word

Third, the Bible declares God’s will as it must be applied to our lives (Dt 29:29). This fact involves commands to be obeyed, principles to be followed, prohibitions of things to be avoided and living examples to be imitated or shunned. God takes great joy in those who cheerfully do His will.

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things which are revealed and disclosed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may do all of the words of this law.”

Deuteronomy 29:29

Growing in Wisdom

Although the Bible is a comprehensive revelation of God’s will, there are always decisions we make that Scripture does not directly address. In order to know God’s will in these situations we need to be in fellowship with the Lord (1Jn 1:6–7), seek principles from the Word (1Co 10:6), obtain advice from godly counselors (Pr 11:14), use common sense, and remember that God works through our own minds and He desires for us to do His will (Php 2:13). 

“For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:13

Learn More with the Amplified Study Bible

The Amplified Study Bible includes the Amplified Bible, and all the features included in the study Bible. These features include study notes, hundreds of theological notes like the one above, book introductions, translator’s footnotes, maps, and more! Pick up your copy from our store today and study the full meaning of the Bible!