What is the Will of God?

by Samuel Burger

1. The will of God is about our sanctification. (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

Sanctification is the process of advancing in holiness. The Christian is being progressively transformed by the Lord into His nature. The Christian life is a process of renewal until the ultimate sanctification, when the body goes back to dust and the believer goes to reside with the Lord.

The Apostle Paul writes in another place of this progressive renewal. He writes that we should let God change the way we think. He tells us to be constantly transformed by the renewing of our mind. Consequently, we will then know the will of God (Romans 12:2). Therefore, the will of God begins with the discipline of an engaged relationship with God that brings about a change in the way we think and act. Our Lord calls it discipleship. 2. Our sanctification lays a godly foundation for our choices. (Romans 12:2)

Note here, if you will, the word for “transform.” The word metamorphosis is derived from the Greek use of transform, meaning changing form in keeping with inner reality. In other words, you are becoming what you already are in the eyes of God. Your status and identity are settled. However, there is a process of daily discipleship and transformation through the renewing of the word of God. The Christian life is a process of continual change into the likeness of God.

Therefore, the will of God is more concerned with who you are rather than what you do because what you do originates from who you are. Your sanctification becomes the foundation and standard for your choices. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, along with His empowerment to study and pray, will lead to a glorious life of constant development to be like Christ. 3. Our choices are built on that godly foundation.

Who we marry, where we live, what church we attend, the occupation we choose, and how we treat others are dependent upon the type of foundation we build. God doesn’t specifically tell us every detail or

even the specificities of the future. However, God is concerned with your present and progressive sanctification that will give you direction. No one need to wonder whether they are in the will of God as long as they are committed to the holy process of a daily transformative relationship with God, whether they can sense the change or not. God is responsible for the progress.

We may not understand the season we are in or why we are in frustration. One thing to remember that will get us through the toughest of times—God is sanctifying you to make you more like Him. This should be our primary goal, that is, committed to being more like Christ. If you are committed to the process, God is committed to your progress. Your spiritual maturity matters to God.

About The Author Samuel Burger is pastor of Chestuee Worship Center in Calhoun, Tennessee. He holds a MA in ministry from Piedmont Divinity School and is happily married to Danyelle.