God's General Will

There are certain things that God has for us as unique individuals, and then there are things He wants for all of us. I call that God’s general will, as opposed to His specific will for each of us. As we live out His general will, God’s specific will for us will be made known. Let’s take a quick look at the various aspects of God’s general will for all of mankind.

Salvation

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. II Peter 3:9 (KJV)

The first and most important part of God’s general will is salvation. God wants all to be saved and for none to perish (John 3:16-17, Titus 2:11). Knowing anything else about God’s will begins with this. We must be born-again and know God, then He will begin to reveal His will to us.

Holy Spirit Baptism

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 (KJV)

It is God’s will for every believer to be baptized, or filled to overflowing, with the Holy Spirit and to speak in tongues as the Spirit leads. Tongues gives us a deeper, more intimate relationship with God and we receive power to be more effective witnesses for Him.(Acts 2:4, 17, 38-39, Ephesians 5:18)

Word

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:4 (KJV)

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17 (KJV)

After salvation, God’s will is for us to come to the knowledge of the truth, which, according to John 17:17, is the Word of God. God’s Word is God’s will for all. As we start to know God’s Word, we begin to know God’s will. It shows us both His general will as well as His specific will for us personally. God’s Word is God’s will revealed. God will speak to our hearts about aspects of His will for each of us, but it will always line up with His written Word.

Mind Renewal

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 (KJV)

God’s will for everyone is that they have a renewed mind by God’s Word. As we spend time in God’s Word, our thinking that had been messed up by the world’s system can get straightened out. Right thinking will affect our attitudes, feelings, and then our actions. The way we talk will change as our words come under the authority of the Word and a renewed way of thinking. We will be more Christlike day by day as we start to think, talk, and live like Jesus.

Physical Holiness

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; I Thessalonians 4:3-4 (KJV)

God’s will is for our bodies to be holy, or sanctified. This means they are to be set apart from sin, including the sins of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Our bodies also should not take part in the sins of the world, or the lifestyle of the world. This passage tells us to abstain from sexual sins and it mentions possessing, or controlling, our vessels, which is another word used in the Bible to refer to the body. According to Romans 12:1, we are to present our physical bodies as a living sacrifice to God. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and should be kept holy. Bear in mind, holiness does not come from how we act or dress, but living holy comes about as we get in the Word and our minds are transformed. Holiness then is expressed in how we allow our bodies to be used.

Gratitude

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)

Giving thanks in the midst of all circumstances is God’s will for us. We don’t have to be thankful FOR all things, but IN all things. For example, we aren’t thankful for sickness, but if we are attacked by sickness, we can be thankful while we are fighting sickness that the healing power of God is ours. Gratitude and thankfulness is such an important part of living victoriously. It is God’s will that we be thankful, not critical, complaining, judgmental, or condemning. As we are thankful, it opens the door for the Lord to reveal more of His will to us.

Health & Prosperity

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 1:2 (KJV)

This is God’s desire for all of His children. He wants all of us to prosper- in every area of life. He does not expect us to be just barely getting by. A good father will provide more than enough for His children. And a good father does not want his children to be sick, ill or injured. He intends us to live long, healthy lives, and that means healthy in our spirits, souls, and bodies.

Gifts

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8 (KJV)

God has given each person gifts, and He wants us to use them. We operate in our gifts to grow and be used by God. As we are faithful to use our gifts, He increases them so we can be even more useful and productive for His kingdom.

Glorify God

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

God’s will is that we are faithful in who we are and what we do so that we glorify Him, or bring Him honor. One of the greatest things we can do is to be a good representative of God in the earth. He wants our lives to reflect well on our Father.

Be Rapture-Ready

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:23(KJV)

God’s will is for all of us to be ready when He calls His church to come up with Him in the rapture. We must trust in Jesus and live for Him, keeping ourselves prepared spirit, soul, and body for the catching away of the saints.

This is an overview of God’s will for all of us. As we understand and walk in His general will, we will become better acquainted with the unique will He has for each of us personally.