3 Truths About God’s Will For Us teaches that God desires every person to receive salvation through Christ, every believer to grow in holiness, and every Christian to live under the Holy Spirit’s control. God’s will is revealed in Scripture and leads believers into faithful, obedient, and fruitful living.
Key Takeaways – Why God’s Will Is Good For You
- God’s will begins with salvation through Jesus Christ. God patiently calls people to repent and trust Christ because He desires everyone to receive His gift of eternal life (2 Peter 3:9).
- God’s will includes continual spiritual growth. He sets believers apart for holy living and faithfully transforms them into the likeness of Christ as they obey His Word (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23–24).
- God’s will requires Spirit-filled living. The Holy Spirit gives wisdom, direction, and power to help believers understand God’s Word, make wise decisions, and live lives that honor Him (Ephesians 5:17–18).
3 Truths About God’s Will For Us
Knowing God’s will gives us confidence for every step of life’s journey. Every day brings decisions that shape our future, relationships, and spiritual growth. God does not leave His people without direction. Through His Word, He reveals His will so we can make wise choices that honor Him and bring lasting joy (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5–6).
Today we will discover three foundational truths about God’s will for every believer. First, God wants to save us through repentance and faith in Christ. Second, He wants to sanctify us by setting us apart for holy living. Third, He wants to Spirit-fill us so we can walk wisely and obey Him each day. As we study these truths together, we will see that God’s will always leads us closer to Himself.
1. He Wants to Save Us (2 Peter 3:9)
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
A. He Desires All to Repent (2 Peter 3:9a)
Peter reminded believers that some people misunderstood the Lord’s delay and questioned His promise to return. God is not slow or forgetful. He patiently withholds judgment because He is longsuffering toward us. His mercy gives people time to repent before the coming day of the Lord (2 Peter 3:9).
God still shows that same patience today. Every sunrise reminds us that His grace continues. He gives people another opportunity to hear the gospel and respond in faith. As Romans 2:4 teaches, His goodness leads us to repentance. Therefore, we should never presume upon His patience but turn to Him today.
B. He Invites All to Repent (2 Peter 3:9b)
God graciously invites every person to turn from sin and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Through the preaching of the gospel, He continually calls people to receive His free gift of eternal life. Jesus declared, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28), and that invitation still reaches every willing heart.
Every gospel message is an expression of God’s love and mercy. Like a loving father calling a wandering child home, God calls sinners to Himself through Christ. As Romans 10:17 reminds us, faith comes by hearing God’s Word. Receive His invitation with joy, then share that same gospel with others while there is still time. (Source Material: William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 2302)
2. He Wants to Sanctify Us (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
A. He Calls for Separation (1 Thessalonians 4:3a)
Paul reminded the Thessalonian believers that God’s will is their sanctification. God sets His people apart from sin and unto Himself for His holy purpose. This separation begins at salvation and continues throughout the Christian life. God faithfully completes His work in every believer (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24).
This truth brings great encouragement because our growth does not depend on human strength alone. The Lord who called us also works within us by His Spirit. Like a skilled gardener pruning healthy branches, God removes what hinders our growth. We can trust His faithful promise because “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
B. He Calls for Holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3b)
God calls His people to pursue purity because His character is holy. In this passage, Paul especially warns believers to abstain from sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies. Holiness is not merely avoiding sin. It is living each day in a way that pleases the Lord (1 Peter 1:15–16).
Every choice reveals whom we desire to please. Just as a clean window allows light to shine clearly, a holy life reflects the beauty of Christ to others. As we surrender to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, He shapes our thoughts, words, and actions. Our daily conduct becomes a testimony that points others to our Savior. (Source Material: John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary, p. 1755)
This material provides some ideas and thoughts for a sermon outline about God’s will for us (3 Truths About God’s Will For Us).
3. He Wants to Spirit Fill Us (Ephesians 5:17–18)
“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:17-18).
A. He Gives Spiritual Wisdom (Ephesians 5:17)
Paul urged believers to avoid foolish living and understand the Lord’s will. God does not leave His children confused about how to please Him. Through His Word and the Holy Spirit, He gives wisdom for daily decisions. As we seek Him, He teaches us to walk wisely and redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15–17).
God’s wisdom shapes every part of life, including our homes, work, and relationships. Like a lamp lighting a dark path, His Word shows the right direction (Psalm 119:105). When we read Scripture with willing hearts, God renews our minds and helps us make choices that honor Him (Romans 12:2).
B. He Gives Spiritual Guidance (Ephesians 5:18)
Paul contrasted being controlled by wine with being filled with the Holy Spirit. To be filled with the Spirit means allowing Him to direct and control every area of our lives. As we yield to His leadership, He produces obedience, spiritual fruit, and Christlike character (Galatians 5:22–23).
The Holy Spirit guides believers as they trust the Lord and submit to His Word. Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, acknowledge Him in every way, and He shall direct our paths. Like a skilled shepherd leading his sheep, the Spirit faithfully directs those who willingly follow His voice. (Source Material: John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, pp. 639–640)
Conclusion
As we conclude, we have discovered three foundational truths about God’s will for our lives. First, God wants to save us by calling sinners to repentance through Jesus Christ. Second, God wants to sanctify us by setting us apart for holy living. Third, God wants to Spirit fill us so we can understand His will and walk wisely in daily obedience.
Now let God’s Word shape your heart and direct your steps. If you have never trusted Christ, repent and believe the gospel today. If you know Him, surrender every part of your life to His care and follow His Word each day. As you seek His will through Scripture and depend on the Holy Spirit, God will guide your path, strengthen your faith, and bring glory to His name.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Your will through Your Word. Thank You for Your great love that calls sinners to repentance through Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your faithful work of sanctifying Your people and making us more like Your Son; and thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit to teach, strengthen, and guide us each day. Help us to love Your truth, obey Your commands, and walk wisely in every season of life.
Lord, give us willing hearts that gladly follow Your will above our own. Keep us faithful when life becomes difficult and give us courage to trust Your promises. If anyone has not trusted Christ, draw them to repentance and saving faith today. Fill each believer with Your Spirit so our lives reflect Your holiness and bring glory to Your name. We ask these things in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is God’s will for my life?
A: God’s will begins with your relationship with Him. The Bible reveals that He wants you to trust Jesus Christ for salvation, grow in holiness, and live under the control of the Holy Spirit. As you obey Scripture, God gives wisdom for daily decisions and directs your path.
Q: How can I know God’s will?
A: You know God’s will by reading and obeying God’s Word. Scripture clearly reveals His objective will, while the Holy Spirit gives wisdom to apply biblical truth to everyday life. God guides believers as they seek Him through prayer, faith, and obedience.
Q: Does God want everyone to be saved?
A: The Bible teaches that God is patient and desires people to repent and come to the knowledge of the truth. Salvation is available through faith in Jesus Christ, and God continues to extend His gracious invitation through the gospel.
Q: What does the Bible say God’s will is for believers?
A: God’s revealed will for believers includes living holy lives, avoiding sin, giving thanks, doing good, and growing in Christlike character. These commands provide a clear foundation for faithful Christian living and spiritual maturity.
Q: What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
A: Being filled with the Holy Spirit means allowing Him to control your thoughts, attitudes, and actions. As believers submit to God’s Word and depend on the Spirit, He produces wisdom, obedience, spiritual fruit, and a life that glorifies Christ (Ephesians 5:17–18).
BONUS: How does God reveal His will through the Bible?
God reveals His will primarily through His written Word. The Bible clearly teaches what pleases Him and how believers should live. As we read and obey Scripture, God renews our minds and directs our steps. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God never guides contrary to His Word.
The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and apply God’s truth to daily life (John 16:13). Through prayer, careful study, and faithful obedience, God gives wisdom for decisions that honor Him (James 1:5). As we delight in His Word, we grow in discernment and confidently follow His revealed will.
BONUS: Why is repentance essential for knowing God’s will?
Repentance is essential because it turns our hearts toward God and prepares us to obey His will. Sin blinds our understanding and hardens our hearts, but repentance restores our fellowship with the Lord. Jesus began His ministry by calling people to “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). A willing heart receives God’s truth.
Repentance also changes the direction of our lives. As we confess our sins and submit to God’s Word, He gives wisdom to follow His path. Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust the Lord and acknowledge Him in all our ways. God faithfully directs those who humbly seek and obey His revealed will.
BONUS: What is the difference between God’s perfect will and His permissive will?
God’s perfect will refers to what God desires and commands according to His holy character and revealed Word. It includes salvation, holiness, obedience, and Christlike living (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3). His perfect will always accomplishes His righteous purposes and never conflicts with Scripture.
God’s permissive will describes what He allows, even when people choose actions outside His moral will. He permitted Israel to have a king despite warning them of the consequences (1 Samuel 8:6–22). Although God permits sinful choices, He remains sovereign and works through every circumstance to accomplish His ultimate purposes (Romans 8:28).
BONUS: How does the Holy Spirit help believers make wise decisions?
The Holy Spirit helps believers make wise decisions by illuminating God’s Word and guiding them into truth. Jesus said the Spirit would teach His followers and remind them of His words (John 14:26). As we study Scripture, the Spirit gives understanding so our choices align with God’s revealed will.
The Holy Spirit also produces discernment as believers walk in obedience. He never leads contrary to Scripture but directs us according to God’s truth. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, and Galatians 5:16 teaches us to walk in the Spirit. As we submit to Him, He leads us toward decisions that honor Christ.
BONUS: Why is sanctification an important part of the Christian life?
Sanctification is important because God sets every believer apart to become more like Jesus Christ. It is God’s will that His people grow in holiness and turn away from sinful living (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Through His Word and the Holy Spirit, God transforms our character and prepares us for faithful service.
Sanctification also helps believers reflect Christ in everyday life. As we obey God’s truth, our words, actions, and attitudes become a testimony to others. 2 Corinthians 3:18 teaches that the Spirit changes us into Christ’s image, while 1 Peter 1:15–16 calls us to be holy because God is holy.
BONUS: What should I do when I am unsure about God’s will for a decision?
When you are unsure about God’s will, begin with what He has already revealed in Scripture. God never guides His people contrary to His Word. Pray for wisdom, study the Bible carefully, and trust His promises. James 1:5 assures us that God generously gives wisdom to those who ask Him in faith.
Then patiently wait on the Lord while you obey the truth you already know. Seek wise counsel from mature believers and commit your plans to God. Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches us to trust the Lord with all our heart and acknowledge Him in every way. As you faithfully follow Him, God will direct your path in His perfect time.
BONUS: What is the difference between objective will and subjective will?
Objective will refers to God’s revealed will found in Scripture. It includes His commands, moral standards, and unchanging truth for every believer. God calls us to salvation, holiness, thanksgiving, and obedience (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Every Christian should obey this revealed will because it clearly expresses what pleases God.
Subjective will refers to seeking God’s wisdom for personal decisions that Scripture does not specifically address, such as a career, location, or ministry opportunity. God guides believers through biblical principles, prayer, wise counsel, and the Holy Spirit’s direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 and James 1:5 remind us to trust the Lord and ask Him for wisdom in every decision.
| Sermon Outline About God’s Will For Us – Free Topical Sermon Outlines | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Main Point | Bible Verse | Meaning |
| 1 | He Wants to Save Us | 2 Peter 3:9 | God patiently desires people to repent and trust Jesus Christ so they may receive His gift of eternal life. |
| 2 | He Wants to Sanctify Us | 1 Thessalonians 4:3 | God sets believers apart from sin so they can grow in holiness and reflect His character in daily life. |
| 3 | He Wants to Spirit Fill Us | Ephesians 5:17–18 | God fills believers with His Holy Spirit so they can understand His will, live wisely, and obey Him each day. |
Source Material
William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary, rev. ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2302
John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 1755
John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, eds., The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1985), 639-640