In the Bible, “will” often refers to God’s sovereign purpose and desire for humanity, as seen in passages like Matthew 7:21, which emphasizes acting according to God’s will. Additionally, it can denote the human capacity to choose, reflecting the moral and spiritual decisions one makes in accordance with divine guidance.
Scripture
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Biblical Definition of “Will”
In the Bible, the concept of “will” encompasses both God’s sovereign intentions and the human capacity for moral choice. God’s will is frequently depicted as an overarching plan for creation that aligns with His holiness, righteousness, and love. For instance, in Matthew 7:21, Jesus asserts, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” This verse illustrates that simply professing faith is insufficient; rather, true discipleship requires active engagement in fulfilling God’s divine purpose. Likewise, in Romans 12:2, believers are encouraged to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Here, the “will” signifies not only knowledge of God’s desires but also a commitment to living in obedience and alignment with them.
Furthermore, the human aspect of “will” highlights the importance of free will in the context of faith and morality. The biblical narrative consistently acknowledges the ability of individuals to make choices aligned or misaligned with God’s desires. In Deuteronomy 30:19, the Israelites are urged to “choose life,” which illustrates the active decision-making process involved in pursuing a relationship with God. Similarly, passages like Galatians 5:13 remind believers of their free agency: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Thus, the interplay of divine will and human choice underscores the relational dynamic between God and humanity, emphasizing that while God has a sovereign plan, He invites individuals to participate in that plan through their choices, ultimately shaping their lives in ways that reflect His goodness and purpose.
The dialogue surrounding the concept of “will” in the Bible is enriched by the recognition that God’s will not only embodies His divine plans and purposes but also calls forth an active response from His followers. This dynamic is beautifully illustrated in Ephesians 1:11, where it states that believers are part of God’s redemptive purpose through Christ. Here, “will” conveys a sense of God’s sovereignty, as He orchestrates events according to His eternal design, inviting His people into a partnership where they can partake in this divine orchestration. The passage highlights that nothing occurs outside of God’s comprehensive plan, yet it is through the choices of individuals that the manifestation of His will unfolds in history.
Moreover, the theological implications of “will” also extend to human relationships and community, emphasizing how individual decisions contribute to the collective experience of God’s kingdom. In Philippians 2:13, it is affirmed that “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” This indicates that God’s work within believers not only influences their desires but also empowers them to enact actions consistent with His will. Thus, the essence of “will” is portrayed as a cooperative effort, where divine influence and human agency combine to realize a shared vision of goodness and love. Jesus’ teachings emphasize that understanding and committing to God’s will involves more than intellectual assent; it requires a transformation of heart and a dedication to living out His commandments in everyday life, thereby reinforcing the notion that “will” is intrinsically linked to the expression of faith through concrete actions.
Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency
In the biblical context, “will” often reflects the tension between God’s sovereign will and human agency. God’s will is seen as the ultimate plan and purpose that He has for creation, which encompasses His desires and intentions. However, humans are also endowed with free will, allowing them to make choices that can align with or diverge from God’s will. This interplay highlights the importance of understanding one’s own will in relation to divine guidance and the moral responsibilities that come with it.
The Will as a Reflection of Character
The concept of “will” in the Bible also serves as a reflection of one’s character and inner disposition. It is not merely about making decisions but is deeply connected to the motivations and desires that drive those decisions. The biblical narrative emphasizes that the will is influenced by one’s relationship with God, and a heart aligned with divine principles will naturally seek to fulfill God’s will. This understanding encourages believers to cultivate a will that is in harmony with God’s character, leading to actions that reflect love, justice, and mercy.
The Transformative Power of Will
Another significant aspect of “will” in the Bible is its transformative power. The act of choosing to align one’s will with God’s can lead to profound personal and communal change. This transformation is often depicted as a journey of sanctification, where individuals are called to renew their minds and desires to reflect God’s purposes. The biblical narrative encourages believers to actively engage their will in the pursuit of righteousness, suggesting that the choices made in alignment with God’s will can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.
How to Align Divine Intent with Human Choices
Aligning divine intent with our human choices is a journey that requires both introspection and action. As we navigate our daily lives, it’s essential to cultivate a heart that seeks God’s will through prayer and scripture. Start by asking yourself what God might be teaching you in your current circumstances—this can often reveal His intentions for your life. Embrace the practice of listening; sometimes, divine guidance comes in the quiet moments of reflection. Additionally, surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer support and wisdom, helping you discern the path that aligns with God’s purpose. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about progress; each choice you make can be an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and grace in the world. Trust that as you seek Him earnestly, He will guide your steps and align your heart with His divine intent.
Bible References to the Definition of “Will”:
Exodus 3:11-14: 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live,
20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice, and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Joshua 24:14-15: 14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.”
15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
1 Samuel 15:22-23: 22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”
Psalm 40:6-8: 6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me.
8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.
Proverbs 16:1-3: 1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Isaiah 55:8-11: 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,”
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Jeremiah 29:11-13: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Matthew 6:9-10: 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 26:39-42: 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”
40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?
41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”
John 4:34-38: 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.
36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’
38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.
John 6:38-40: 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Romans 12:1-2: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33: 31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God,
33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Ephesians 1:9-11: 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ephesians 5:15-17: 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Philippians 2:12-13: 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Colossians 1:9-12: 9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8: 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: 16 Rejoice always,
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Hebrews 10:5-10: 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me;
6 In burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’
When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law),
9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second.
10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
1 Peter 4:1-2: 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
1 John 2:15-17: 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.