The foundations of the question; “What is God’s will for my life” have shaky roots if the question fails to root itself in the self-disclosed revelation of God’s word, The Bible.
Everyone wants to make authoritative claims on the truest nature of life, God and the world but without a firm grasp of where you establish and ground your truth claims we don’t know a thing about a thing.
This is why the question; “Where do I find God’s will?” is a question that can only be answered by the understanding of Scripture. It’s in the Bible, God’s word, where we find God’s will for life, for relational instruction, for wisdom and for the truest meaning of life itself.
#1 – God has a GENERIC will for all people.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – Paul 1 Thessalonians 5:16
We are taught in 1 Thessalonians some specific aims that God “Wills” for all people. Things like “rejoicing always”, “giving thanks”, “praying without ceasing” are common, generic aims that God has for all people. These are generic aims that God desires for all men and women of any time and any culture to experience and enjoy. We shouldn’t make up mysterious, unknown, mystical wills of God when God’s word tells us EXACTLY what He desires for all people.
#2 – God’s will is for you to be enjoying a life of moral purity (including victory over addictions).
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality” – Paul 1 Thessalonians 4:3
God’s will for you is a life of moral purity! This isn’t an evil technique designed by God to keep you from a bunch of fun, rather it’s an act of kindness and grace from God to keep us from self-destructive behaviors.
No one curses a road-sign that says; “DANGER AHEAD” rather we thank the construction workers and road crews for setting up signs to keep us going down paths that could cause harm and destruction. God’s laws are like those road-signs.
Filled with commands of “Do’s” and “Don’t” but the CHARACTER behind those commands is what we trust.
God’s will for your life is a life of joy, passion, love, trust and purpose. God’s commands can be a delight (instead of a burden) when you start seeing a caring Father behind them instead of maniacal CEO.
About the Author: Ryan received his BS in Bible and Theology and a minor in counseling from Multnomah University. He has pastored students, families and is passionate about Christ-centered recovery and healing.
He’s been married to his beautiful wife Michelle for 13 years and they enjoy raising four crazy, unique and special kids together. Ryan is the teaching pastor at Vast Church in Sisters, OR and is currently working on his Masters in Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, OR
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Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on February 22, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com