What is the will of God?

The Echo of His Voice: Discovering the Will of God Through Christ's Finished Work

Recently, I tuned into an online podcast teaching about "How to know the will of God." A great question indeed! But to my surprise, the podcast teacher, despite being part of a grace-focused ministry (which I highly recommend, and whose founder I consider a mentor), seemed to miss the truly Greater Answer. It was a whisper to my spirit, a revelation that brought exceeding peace and comfort, even as the teacher continued his lengthy explanation.

Should I explain? Let's dive in.

We've explored the calling of God previously on this blog (here). But what exactly is the purpose of this divine "calling"? That, my friends, is where understanding the will of God truly comes into play, especially when viewed through the lens of Christ's finished work.

Do we have to reconsider "The Will of God"?

The teaching began with a common foundational scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which states: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

I absolutely concur with this statement. This is the will of God! My disagreement, however, lies not with the verse itself, but with the explanations that often follow, including those I heard on the podcast.

The podcast discussion took the format of an interview, largely centering on how to align with the objective will of God (His written Word) rather than being swayed by one's (or someone's) subjective will (personal visions, dreams, or prophetic words). The general advice was to confirm the subjective with the objective. Yes, I agree: whatever you feel in your heart must resonate with the Word of God, for the Spirit of God and the Word of God (Jesus Himself, John 1:1) are one. What the Spirit tells you will always align with the unchangeable truth of the written Word.

However, the teacher then ventured into territory that, from a grace perspective grounded in the finished work, missed the mark. It was suggested that knowing God's will for your life can be difficult, requiring fearful reverence, that God's will is somehow "hidden" within you, and that one can easily "fall in and out" of God's will. The emphasis was placed on constantly "staying in the Word" to "stay in the will of God," along with other conventional, often fear-inducing, perspectives.

But what about practical, everyday decisions? What if you're about to relocate, buy a car, or discern a spouse? And what if your circumstances are dire and adverse? These were precisely the questions posed by podcast listeners that, I believe, reveal the limitations of the "fearful obedience" approach to God's will.

Paul and Silas: A New Testament Perspective

The podcast teacher cited the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 as an example. They received a word from God to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). Yet, according to the teacher, they were "temporarily distracted" when they stopped to cast a demon out of a fortune-telling girl (Acts 16:16-18). This, he claimed, caused them to fall "momentarily out of the will of God," leading to them being beaten and thrown into jail. The solution, he implied, was for them to "first get their act (relationship) with God straightened again."

Then, they proceeded to praise God at midnight (Acts 16:25), and we all know the rest of the miraculous story: the earthquake, the prison doors flying open, chains falling off, and the jailer and his household being saved (Acts 16:26-34). The teacher's conclusion was that as soon as Paul and Silas "got their act straight with God again," everything fell into place.

This interpretation, however, is a dangerous misrepresentation of grace. It suggests that even when doing God's will, one can somehow "fall out" by a momentary distraction or by "forgetting to be thankful," implying God is fickle and punitive. It pushes a narrative of constant vigilance against being "ungrateful" or "complaining." The teacher even asked, "How well are you doing on that?" implying a condemnation.

Is God really that fickle and rigid?

I don't think so. And I certainly do not believe the Acts 16 miracle has anything to do with Silas and Paul "getting their act together again" or being punished for a "distraction." I believe (know for sure) that it has everything to do with Jesus and His finished work on the cross, and how, when they (Paul and Silas) gave praise to God for this—receiving and appropriating the finished work of Jesus—the supernatural and the natural had no choice but to respond. They were, in essence, "saying unto the mountain" (Mark 11:23) in terms of the completed victory of Christ!

The Bible doesn't specifically tell us the content of their praise, but it is highly unlikely they were praising God for being beaten up and thrown in jail!

So, what did they praise God about?

There can only be One Thing!

They praised God for His Son, for God-the-Savior, who brought them (and us) freedom and salvation, healing, provision, and every good and perfect Gift that comes from above (James 1:17). They praised Him for finishing this glorious work that is now available to everyone!

It doesn't take much profound thought to see this obvious conclusion of what their praise must have been about.

And the result? Salvation, which is already there for the taking (Romans 10:9-10), came even to the household of the jailer.

It is not about you falling in and out of the will of God or forgetting to be thankful. It is not about how well you remember to give praise or what you do or don't do…

It is all about Jesus and what He did!

Jesus is the Will of God! He is the embodiment of God's perfect plan and desire for humanity (Colossians 1:19-20).

That is your praise!

But this crucial truth was omitted. The podcast speaker never mentioned the finished work of Christ and how that this is the very essence of "giving thanks to God in all things." He merely suggested that if you thank God, like Jesus did with the loaves and fishes (John 6:11), that then "moves God."

Really?

No, what are you praising God for? We praise Him for what He has already done, not to manipulate Him into doing something.

The New Testament Prayer: From Begging to Demanding What's Due

Let's turn to Jesus again, as He revealed this profound shift in prayer. I detailed the difference in this post.

This is so important that it bears repeating:

In John 16:23, Jesus explains the difference between an old covenant prayer and a New Testament prayer. He says:

"And in that day ye shall ask (ἐρωτάω, erōtaō) me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask (αἰτέω, aiteō - note that this is an altogether different Greek word than the first for 'ask') the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked (αἰτέω, aiteō) nothing in my name: ask (αἰτέω, aiteō), and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (πληρόω, plēroō)."

Until now... and from now on…

What day is Jesus referring to? The day of the finished work of Christ, complete and forever!

Jesus was answering His disciples who were perplexed about His going away: "What is this that he saith, 'A little while'? We cannot tell what he saith" (John 16:18). Rewind to John 16:16-22, and you'll see Jesus explaining His impending death and resurrection, as well as His purpose – that He, the One born from above (John 3:3-7), would come and abide in us as soon as we receive Him (Life Himself, John 14:6). He would give us His Spirit to empower us and work through us, making our joy complete (John 16:24). This power is precisely what we see in Ephesians 3:20, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

And the "asking" part? Look again in verse 23.

In Greek, multiple words are translated as "ask," each portraying different nuances.

• The first "ask": When Jesus uses ἐρωτάω (erōtaō) for the first time in the verse, it signifies to ask a favour, beg, beseech, desire, entreat, pray; to question, ascertain by inquiry (as a matter of information merely). This was the typical way old covenant people prayed – seeking a favor from a distant God, often with a sense of unworthiness or pleading.
  
  So, Jesus says: On that day—the day of His finished work, of His completed sacrifice and victory—we will beg nothing of Him. Why? Because our relationship and standing have been fundamentally transformed!
  
  

• The second "ask": The second "ask" that Jesus uses in this sentence (saying that following that day we shall ask), is a different Greek word altogether: αἰτέω (aiteō). The meaning now is profoundly different: to strictly demand something that is due!
  
  

Your words have meaning and power!

This is the language of an heir, not a beggar. Instead of begging in the old covenant way, after "that day," we shall now demand something already there for the taking! This is much like the Roman Centurion in whom Jesus marveled (Matthew 8:5-13), who understood authority and simply commanded, rather than pleaded. Jesus recognized his faith and authority, saying, "Truly I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith."

Jesus talks about restored New Testament, dominion authority here! The finished work changes everything, even the way we pray and give thanks, and profoundly alters our understanding of the will of God!

It is the only way and reason that we can genuinely give thanks to God in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Why?

Because the enemy is defeated (Colossians 2:15)!

Because the victory is won (1 Corinthians 15:57)!

Because Salvation has come (Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9)!

And authority has been restored to believers in Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 10:19)!

All of what Jesus did gives us abundant reason to be thankful. But we are also thankful because we are now able, with Him living inside of us through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 2:20), to appropriate what He has done.

Addressing the podcast Questions (Through Grace)

Let's revisit the questions from the podcast teaching participants, answering them from the perspective of Christ's finished work and our identity in Him:

One: How do I manage to give thanks when being treated badly or being bullied at work, for instance?

• podcast teacher's answer: "You should thank God that you are persecuted because the Bible says you will be. It presents an opportunity. Just kill those persecuting you with kindness and win them over for Jesus." This answer, in my view, is not only simplistic but harmful. It implies accepting defeat and suffering passively, suggesting you have no power over the enemy's schemes. This message flies in the face of the victorious work of Jesus!

• Grace perspective: We give thanks in everything, not for everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We don't thank God for persecution or bullying (that we should rather resist), but we give thanks in the midst of it because we know our Deliverer lives! We know that greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We give thanks because the victory is already secured in Christ. Our thanksgiving is an act of faith, a declaration of our trust in God's completed work, regardless of circumstances. We do have authority over the devil (Luke 10:19), and while we are called to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), this does not mean passively enduring abuse. We declare His finished work and victory over the situation, standing firm in the authority He has given us, knowing that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

Two: Faced with a life-changing decision, how can you tell whether it is just your will or God's will?

• Podcast teacher's answer: "Get your own selfish desires out of the way first, drill down past your soul, get counsel and pray when you can't find it directly in the Bible." This approach emphasizes human effort and uncertainty.

• Grace perspective: The will of God for your life is not a hidden maze you must anxiously navigate. The will of God is Jesus Christ! When you are "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17), you are in the will of God. As sons and daughters led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), your desires become increasingly aligned with His. God has placed His Spirit within you to guide you (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is your Paraklētos (παράκλητος – one called alongside to help, advocate, counselor). He leads you! You don't need to "drill down past your soul" in fear. Instead, consult the Word (which is Jesus), listen to the promptings of the indwelling Spirit, and seek wise counsel from those who walk in grace. Live your life in the victory He has already accomplished for you.

Three & Four: What makes giving praise and thanks so powerful? & How can you be thankful amidst so much negative things going on around you and in the world?

• Podcast teacher's answer: "What makes our praise and thankfulness so powerful is the fact that Lucifer was the chief praise singer in heaven before he was cast down and now we have taken his place. The Bible tells us that the enemy is silenced by our praises to God. Praise also makes us walk more in faith instead of by sight and provides us with a different perspective." This answer, frankly, was stunning in its complete absurdity. It not only negates what Jesus did on the cross but also places us on the same level as the Devil, suggesting we are merely filling a vacant position. What?! No, thank you! The Word says I am a co-heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17), seated in heavenly places with Him (Ephesians 2:6), and nowhere near in any comparison with the enemy! I also do not replace the Devil to do his "unaccomplished job"!

• Grace perspective: What makes our praises and worship so powerful is not the praise and worship itself, but the fact that we praise and thank God for the finished work of Jesus and all that He has done. We don't praise Jesus just to "hair-lip the devil," as the podcast preacher suggested. We praise Jesus for what He has fully accomplished by going to the cross, and then freely gave over to you to appropriate! Our praise is a declaration of our inheritance, a bold acknowledgment of His victory, and an affirmation of our new identity in Him. When we praise Him for His finished work, we are declaring the truth that sets us free and brings every circumstance into alignment with His perfect will. It is a powerful act of faith that releases His power through us.

The Bottom Line: Your Life is His Plan!

Someone once wisely said that God does not have a plan for your life... YOUR LIFE IS HIS PLAN! I concur with this wholeheartedly.

Stop spending so much time trying to figure out if and what God's individual "plan" for your life is, especially if it leads to anxiety or fear of "falling out" of it.

Instead, start living it! Live in the glorious, victorious presence of Jesus and be a triumphant co-heir!

Do not stop giving praise and thanks to God in everything! This is His will for you, a constant posture of gratefulness for what He has already done.

Know how!

Praise and give thanks to God because of the finished work of Jesus!

Jesus came for you (John 3:16)!

Jesus rose victorious for you (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)!

Jesus said now you can go into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15)!

Jesus said you should "say unto the mountain" (Mark 11:23), for nothing is impossible to those who believe (Matthew 17:20)!

Now, praise Him!

Give thanks in everything, for in Christ, everything has already been secured!