Knowing and Doing the Will of God Introduction

This is one of the most sincere and universal questions believers ask. It rises during seasons of decision, uncertainty, suffering, growth, and transition. Whether we are choosing a direction, seeking clarity, or longing to please God, the desire to know His will is deeply rooted in the heart of every follower of Christ.

Scripture teaches us that God’s will is not hidden, mystical, or reserved for a spiritual elite. God desires to be known, and His will is revealed in relationship with Him.

This new Bible-Alive teaching series, Knowing and Doing the Will of God, is designed to help believers move beyond anxiety and guesswork into confidence, discernment, and obedient faith.

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A Necessary Shift in the Question

Many Christians begin by asking, “What does God want me to do?” While that question is understandable, the Bible gently redirects us to a deeper and more foundational starting point.

“Where is God at work—and how can I join Him?”

The Bible presents God as actively working in the world and in the lives of His people. Our role is not to invent God’s will or pressure Him to bless our plans, but to recognize His activity and respond in faith.

This biblical emphasis has been clearly articulated in Christian discipleship teaching for generations, including the well-known study Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, yet it ultimately rests on Scripture itself.

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Knowing God Comes Before Doing God’s Will

The will of God is never separated from the character of God. We do not discover His will apart from knowing Him personally.

Jesus Himself explained how He lived:

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
— John 5:30 (ESV)

Even the Son of God lived in moment-by-moment dependence on the Father. He did not act independently. He listened, watched, and obeyed. That pattern is foundational for every believer who desires to know and do the will of God.

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God Is Already at Work

One of the most freeing truths in the Christian life is this: God is already at work.

Jesus said:

“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’”
— John 5:17 (ESV)

God does not wait for us to create plans for Him to bless. He invites us into what He is already doing. As believers learn to recognize His activity—through Scripture, prayer, the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of the church—they begin to discern His will more clearly.

This truth transforms how we pray. Instead of asking God to bless our plans, we learn to ask Him to align our hearts with His purposes.

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Obedience Often Comes Before Understanding

Scripture consistently shows that God does not always provide full explanations before calling His people to obey. Faith often requires action before clarity.

God’s Word reminds us:

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
— James 1:22 (ESV)

Abraham left his homeland without knowing where he was going. Peter stepped out of the boat before he understood how he would stand on water. Paul obeyed Christ’s call before knowing where obedience would take him.

God’s will is not discovered through perfect information, but through faithful obedience.

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Why This Study Matters Today

We live in a time when many profess faith in Christ, yet struggle with discernment, conviction, and submission. Culture encourages us to follow our hearts; Scripture calls us to deny ourselves and follow Christ.

The apostle Paul writes:

“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.”
— Romans 12:2 (ESV)

This series will help believers understand how God reveals His will, how He shapes our desires, and how obedience leads to deeper intimacy with Him.

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An Invitation to Walk Together

This opening lesson is an invitation—to slow down, listen carefully, and cultivate hearts that are ready to obey. As we begin this journey together, our prayer is simple:

“Lord, show us where You are at work, and give us hearts willing to obey.”

God delights to reveal Himself to those who seek Him. As we grow in our knowledge of Him, we will also grow in our ability to recognize His will—and to walk in it faithfully.

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Next in the series: God Is Always at Work — Learning to See What God Is Doing