God’s Sovereign Will

God’s sovereign will is what he determines, and it is 100% certain to happen exactly as he desires. His will of purpose or decree controls the outcome of all things past, present, and future, and his plans cannot be hindered or thwarted. For Christians, his sovereign will result in the best possible outcome for us. But for those who reject Christ, his sovereign will is that they be punished forever in hell.

God’s Will of Command

God’s will of command is his desire that we obey the commands and direction he has revealed to us. Living according to his will of command distinguishes the truly transformed Christian and is made possible by faith and wisdom, both gifts from God. In contrast to God’s sovereign will, his will of command is often not realized, as humanity is proficient at disobedience

God’s Will for Each of Us (as preached by John MacAuthor on March 2, 1980)

God has a clear plan for every person. It isn’t hidden or hard to find, because it’s clearly shown in the Bible. Here are six points about God’s will for us:

That we repent and be saved is the will of God, starting with our salvation. He has provided the means for redemption, and it is his will that we accept his gift by faith in his Son, Jesus. It is not God’s will that we perish, but those who reject his Son will never know the joy of salvation; they will only face judgment and his wrath.

Who (God) will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ^{1st Timothy 2:4}

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. ^{2nd Peter 3:9}

That we are filled with the Spirit and not controlled by worldly things. Instead, we should be fully committed and obedient to the Word of God, doing the things that identify a spirit-filled Christian.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; ^{Ephesians 5:17-18}

That we are sanctified, seeking righteousness, being reproved, and refraining from sin. It includes controlling your passions that lead to sin and becoming more like Christ in attitude, thought, and behavior through the Holy Spirit. Being sanctified means being set apart for God’s purpose.

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: ^{1st Thessalonians 4:3}

That we are submissive to authority, cooperative, good citizens, good employees, and servants. Be a testimony to the extraordinary character of a genuine Christian. But never submit if it goes against the word of God.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: ^{1st Peter 2:13-15}

That we suffer, it is God’s will that we suffer for his name’s sake. You will face hardships when you live a godly life in an ungodly society. But it’s better to suffer as a Christian at the hands of man than as a worldly fool at the hands of God. ^{1st Peter 3:17}

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ^{1st Peter 2:21}

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; ^{Philippians 1:29}

That we are grateful for the ridiculous shower of unmerited blessings we enjoy, the forgiveness of our sins, and reconciliation with God through the blood of Jesus Christ sits at the top of that list.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ^{Ephesians 5:20}

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ^{1st Thessalonians 5:18}

Application

Here is the practical application: Strive daily to embody these qualities: saved, spirit-filled, sanctified, submissive, suffering, and thankful, then God will direct your desires, and they will align with his will rather than your selfish inclinations. The remarkable realization is that those who live in Christ can do whatever they want because what they want will please God.

Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. ^{Psalm 37:4}