Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study on God's Will.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

Recent Events: Charlie Kirk’s Assassiantion (September 10th), Iryna Zarutska’s murder (August 22, 2025, at the East/West Boulevard station on the Lynx Blue Line, in Charlotte, North Carolina).

Introduction: God’s Will – Purpose, Sovereignty, and Guidance

Few questions stir the heart of a believer more than:
“What is God’s will for my life?”

Whether facing a major decision, a painful season, or a new opportunity, we often long for divine clarity. Behind this desire is a deeper question about meaning, direction, and the assurance that we are not wandering aimlessly.

The Bible teaches that God’s will is not random, cruel, or hidden beyond reach. Rather, it is deeply personal and purposeful. Scripture reveals a God who not only governs the universe with sovereign wisdom but also guides His children with intimate care.

Throughout the Bible, we encounter different aspects of God’s will:

• His sovereign will – the unstoppable plan He is carrying out in history.
  
• His moral will – the clear commands and values He has revealed in Scripture.
  
• His personal will – how He leads individuals through prayer, counsel, and faith.
  

This study will explore what the Bible says about God’s will, addressing questions like:

• Is there a “perfect” will of God?
  
• Can someone else ruin God’s plan for my life?
  
• How do I know what God wants me to do?
  

As we walk through key Scriptures, we’ll discover that the will of God is not a code to crack—it’s a relationship to cultivate. God’s will is not merely about making the right choices, but about walking with the right Person.

Let’s begin this journey with open hearts, willing minds, and a desire not just to find God’s will—but to know the God who wills.

Key Theme One: Is There a “Perfect” Will of God? 1. Defining the Term

Many Christians speak of the “perfect will of God” as though it’s a single ideal path for life—one perfect job, one perfect spouse, one perfect location—and anything less is “Plan B.” But the Bible presents a more nuanced view of God’s will.

There are at least three aspects to God’s will in Scripture:

• Sovereign Will – God’s ultimate plan that cannot be thwarted.
  (Isaiah 46:9–10 – “My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.”)
  
• Moral Will – What God has revealed in Scripture about right and wrong.
  (1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification...”)
  
• Personal Will – How God leads His people in specific life situations (e.g., marriage, calling, service).
  (Proverbs 3:5–6 – “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”)
  

2. Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)

“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.”

• Paul speaks of God’s will as discernible—not mysterious or unreachable.
  
• God’s will is described as good, acceptable, and perfect—not something to fear but something to embrace.
  
• The key to knowing God’s will is transformation through renewed thinking, not anxiety over getting every decision “right.”
  

3. God’s “Perfect” Will Is Relational, Not Just Directional

• God is more concerned with who you are becoming than where you’re going.
  
• Seeking God’s will is not about guessing a hidden blueprint—it’s about walking with Him daily and trusting Him to lead.
  
• He is faithful to work all things for good even when our steps are imperfect (Romans 8:28).

Key Theme Two: Can Others Mess Up God’s Will for Your Life? 1. Short Answer: No—But They Can Affect Your Journey

People may hurt you. People may betray, delay, or discourage you. But they cannot overturn God’s ultimate plan for your life.

Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”

• Joseph’s brothers tried to destroy his life.
  
• Yet God sovereignly used their sin to position Joseph exactly where he needed to be—to save many lives.
  
• This is not a call to minimize human sin, but to magnify divine sovereignty.
  

2. Romans 8:28 (ESV)

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

• “All things” includes failure, betrayal, delay, and injustice.
  
• God does not cause all things, but He can redeem all things.
  

3. Human Choices Have Real Consequences

• The Bible is full of stories where people's sin affects others—David and Bathsheba, Saul and Jonathan, Judas and the disciples.
  
• Yet even in the midst of human failure, God’s will is not overruled.
  
• He may redirect, redeem, or rebuild, but He does not lose control of the outcome.
  

Encouragement: No one can ruin your life so badly that God cannot still fulfill His purpose for you. What others intend for harm, God weaves into your destiny.

Key Theme Three: How to Know God’s Will for Your Life

Knowing God’s will is not meant to be a spiritual mystery reserved for the elite—it is an invitation to a relationship of trust and obedience. Scripture gives us a clear path for discerning His will:

1. God’s Will Is First About Who You Are, Then What You Do

Before asking what should I do, Scripture emphasizes who you are becoming.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV)

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification…”

• God's will starts with your character—your growth in holiness, love, humility, and obedience.
  
• The right actions will flow from the right heart.

2. God’s Will Is Revealed in His Word

The Bible is the clearest, most reliable source of God's revealed will.

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• Scripture guides us in decision-making.
  
• God’s moral will is never contrary to Scripture.

3. Prayer and Surrender Are Essential

We discern God’s will by aligning our desires with His through prayer.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)

“…be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God…”

• A surrendered heart is required to discern God’s leading.
  
• Ask: Am I willing to obey whatever God reveals?
  

4. The Holy Spirit Guides

The Spirit prompts, convicts, and confirms.

John 16:13 (ESV)

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…”

• He leads through peace, conviction, and clarity—not confusion or fear.
  

5. Wise Counsel and Community

God often speaks through trusted believers who know Scripture and know you.

Proverbs 15:22 (ESV)

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

• Seek godly, mature voices—not just agreeable ones.
  
• Your church family, mentors, and friends are part of God’s guidance system.

6. Circumstances and Open Doors

God often uses opportunities, resources, timing, and outcomes to direct you.

Revelation 3:8 (ESV)

“Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.”

• But circumstances alone shouldn’t lead you—confirm them through prayer and Scripture.

In Summary:

To know God’s will:

• Grow in Christlike character
  
• Study and obey His Word
  
• Surrender your plans in prayer
  
• Listen for the Spirit’s prompting
  
• Seek wise counsel
  
• Pay attention to how God opens and closes doors
  

God’s will is not a puzzle—it is a path of daily trust.

Conclusion: Trusting and Walking in God’s Will

The will of God is not a hidden blueprint meant to frustrate or confuse. It is the loving purpose of a Sovereign Father who invites His children to walk with Him daily in trust and obedience.

• Yes, God has a perfect will—rooted in His sovereign power, goodness, and eternal plan. He is never surprised, never thwarted, and always working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
  
• No, others cannot ruin God’s ultimate plan for your life. While people may cause real pain or delay through sin or disobedience (their own or yours), God’s redemptive power can take even broken pieces and weave them into beauty. What others mean for evil, God can use for good (Genesis 50:20).
  
• Yes, you can know God’s will. Not always in full, and rarely all at once—but as you walk closely with Christ, He guides you. The more you seek Him, the more He transforms your heart to desire what He desires.
  

Knowing God’s will is less about finding “the one perfect path” and more about:

• Trusting God’s character,
  
• Obeying His Word,
  
• Becoming more like Jesus,
  
• And following Him step by step.
  

“The steps of a man are established by the LORD, when he delights in his way.” – Psalm 37:23 (ESV)

Let your pursuit of God’s will lead you deeper into a life of faith, not fear. He is not just interested in getting you to the right destination—He’s walking the journey with you.