(Eph) 5:10, 17 CJB “Try to determine what will please the Lord… don’t be foolish, but try to understand what the will of the Lord is.”

In Scripture, repetition signals importance.

Twice in this passage God tells us to pursue understanding His will.

But most people misunderstand what that means.

When we say we want to know God’s will, what we often mean is this:

Who should I marry?
Where should I live?
What job should I take?

We want God’s will because we believe it will protect us from failure, loss, or discomfort. If God would just reveal the right choices, we assume life would become easier, safer, and more successful.

But that is not what Paul is talking about.

That approach is often self-focused rather than God-focused.

God does not command us to search for hidden life directions.
He commands us to pursue revealed obedience.

God’s will is recorded in the Word of God.

We cannot know the will of God apart from reading, studying, and learning the Word of God.

Prayer alone will not reveal God’s will.

Prayer is our response to God’s Word.

We read the Word.
We pray for obedience to the Word.
Then the Holy Spirit applies that Word to our lives.

The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to shape the people of God.

In Ephesians 5, Paul clearly explains parts of God’s will.

God’s holy people are not to participate in sexual immorality.

When we read this command and pray for obedience, the Holy Spirit begins applying it personally.

He may convict us of:

Pornography.
Fornication.
Adultery.
Homosexual practice.
Sexual impurity.

Determining God’s will is not mystical.

It is the Spirit illuminating the Word of God and applying it to our lives.

The Word of God gives principles.

The Spirit of God turns those principles into practice.

For example, Scripture commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves.

When we pray for application, the Holy Spirit may lead us to:

Help a struggling coworker.
Forgive someone who hurt us.
Serve someone in need.
Share the gospel with a friend.

What was once a principle becomes a personal assignment.

God does not intend for us to pursue His will alone.

He gives us the Church.

Meeting with other believers to discuss Scripture and its application helps us grow in wisdom and obedience.

The community of believers strengthens our understanding and encourages our faithfulness.

Together we sharpen one another so we can live out God’s will more fully.

The purpose of knowing God’s will is not for us to have an easier life.

It is for our lives to better reflect Jesus.

Jesus perfectly obeyed every word that came from the Father.

His character, His obedience, and His mission define our standard.

To know God’s will is to follow that example.

We pursue obedience not to improve our circumstances but to glorify our Savior.

Run Today’s Play:

1. Open God’s Word Daily

If you want to know God’s will, begin where He revealed it.

Read Scripture with the expectation that God will speak.

2. Pray for Obedience, Not Just Guidance

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where your life must change.

Then obey what He reveals.

3. Eliminate Known Sin

If Scripture clearly forbids something, stop debating and start obeying.

Obedience clarifies God’s will.

4. Engage With the Church

Discuss Scripture with other believers.

Encourage one another toward faithfulness and obedience.