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Guidance—What Is and What Is Not the Will of God?” provides a comprehensive analysis of the essential aspects of Christian living according to God’s will. Drawing from a multitude of biblical references, this article offers profound insight into the characteristics of true Christians, the importance of biblical truth, family life, cleanliness, and respect for life. Embark on this journey to unravel the divine truth and find your path in Christ.

Although many individuals identify as Christian and assert that they are doing God’s will, there are billions with a multitude of differing beliefs and standards between them. Given these discrepancies, it can be difficult to determine if one is in fact following God’s will. Just how important is it that we know what the will of God is?

I Never Knew You

Matthew 7:21-23 (UASV) reads:

²¹“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of the heavens, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in the heavens. ²²On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ ²³And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.’

Verse 21

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,”: Jesus here emphasizes that mere lip-service to Him, even if it’s done passionately or frequently (“Lord, Lord”), is not sufficient to guarantee one’s entry into the kingdom of heaven. This stresses the reality that the Christian faith is not merely about a verbal confession of faith; it extends beyond words to the realm of actions and intentions.

“but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”: Doing God’s will, as outlined in Scripture, is a core requirement for those seeking to enter the kingdom of heaven. This underlines the importance of obedience in Christian life. Obedience is not a way to earn salvation but rather a demonstration of true faith, which is the basis of salvation (James 2:26).

Verse 22

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’”: “That day” refers to the Day of Judgment. Many people will point to their deeds done ostensibly in the name of Jesus as their basis for salvation. This verse, however, highlights the danger of false assurance based on external deeds, even miraculous ones. It reinforces Jesus’ message that genuine faith goes beyond mere actions and words.

Verse 23

“And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”: Jesus warns that He will deny those who rely solely on their works for salvation. To “know” someone in biblical terms often denotes an intimate, personal relationship. So when Jesus says, “I never knew you,” He is stating that these people did not have a genuine, saving relationship with Him. “Workers of lawlessness” is an indictment of those who, despite their claimed allegiance to Jesus, lived lives contrary to God’s moral laws.

In summary, these verses urge self-examination to ensure one’s faith is authentic and not simply nominal or ritualistic. It underscores the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus, obeying the will of God, and the danger of depending solely on works for salvation. It is a call for a faith that transforms the believer’s life and conduct.

Discovering the Will of God

Deciphering God’s will is of paramount importance to any genuine Christian. With the world full of diverse beliefs and standards, the question of “What is the will of God?” becomes an important concern to us. To address this, let’s delve into various aspects of Christian life.

What is a Christian?

To fully comprehend the will of God, one must first understand what being a Christian means. The term ‘Christian’ originates from the Greek word ‘Christos’, meaning ‘anointed one’. Hence, a Christian is a follower of Christ, the Anointed One. As stated in John 8:31, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” And as demonstrated in Luke 24:27, Jesus taught his followers from the Scriptures, interpreting “in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself”. Thus, a true Christian diligently studies the Bible, adheres to its teachings, and emulates Jesus Christ in their daily life.

How do Christians doing the will of God show love?

The essence of a Christian life, and indeed the will of God, is encapsulated in love. According to John 15:12, Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Moreover, 1 John 3:16 elucidates, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” Thus, a Christian manifests God’s will by exhibiting self-sacrificing love, a love that mirrors Christ’s love for us.

Real Christians are busy with what activity?

True Christians, as Matthew 5:16 suggests, are to “let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good works and give glory to their Father who is in heaven”. They are also called to fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Therefore, a Christian should be preoccupied with personal growth in Christ, doing good works, and engaging in the work of evangelism, all for the glory of God.

They search for accurate Bible truth.

In the pursuit of God’s will, one must seek accurate knowledge and understanding of God’s word. According to 2 Peter 3:18, Christians are called to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Christians test every teaching and doctrine against the truth of the Bible (1 John 4:1), and avoid being led astray by false teachings (2 Peter 2:1). They are also wary of the danger of “itching ears,” seeking out teachers who will only say what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Drawing Close to God in Prayer.

Prayer is a vital aspect of the Christian life and a clear indication of doing God’s will. According to Psalms 65:2, God is the “Hearer of prayer,” and according to Matthew 6:7-8, Christians are not to pray with “empty phrases”. Instead, prayers are to be sincere, heartfelt, and faith-driven (Hebrews 11:6). Prayer is a means through which a Christian draws closer to God and seeks His will.

Family life that pleases God.

Family life plays a significant role in the Christian faith. A family that pleases God emulates the principles and values taught in the scriptures. Husbands are urged to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25), and children are called to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4). Harmony, love, and respect should reign in a Christian home (Colossians 3:12-14).

God’s Servants Must Be Clean.

A Christian pursuing God’s will is called to maintain cleanliness in all aspects of life: spiritually, morally, mentally, and physically. Spiritually, they seek purity through faith in Christ. Morally, they uphold the righteous standards set by God. Mentally, they guard their thoughts and attitudes, and physically, they respect their bodies as temples of God.

Hate What God Hates.

Following God’s will also means abhorring what is evil. Christians are called to detest dishonesty, violence, sexual immorality, theft, and any form of wickedness. Instead, they are to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Beliefs and Customs That Displease God.

As Christians seek God’s will, they must also discern and abandon beliefs and customs that displease God. As highlighted in Isaiah 1:15-17, God despises rituals and customs performed without true righteousness and justice.

Showing Respect for Life.

Respect for life is a fundamental principle in Christianity. As indicated in Psalm 36:9, God is the source of life, and Christians are called to value and protect it. They uphold the sanctity of life from conception, recognizing the worth of every individual as created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

In conclusion, doing God’s will is more than just professing faith; it’s about living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ. It involves showing love, seeking truth, praying sincerely, maintaining a godly family life, remaining clean in all respects, hating what God hates, abandoning displeasing customs, and respecting life. All these aspects, when incorporated into our lives, help us align ourselves with God’s will. As Christians, our primary objective should be to strive to fulfill God’s will in our daily lives as we await the fulfillment of His ultimate purpose.