Neto Gregório Neto Gregório

A Heart According to God's Will

Ministry
Neto Gregório ministering at Igreja das Nações (Nações Mídias)
Nações Mídias

Having a heart according to God's will is both a challenge and a calling for every Christian. When we look at the story of David, we notice that his difference from Saul lay in the fact that David was chosen by God, while Saul was chosen by the people. In the same way, we must seek to shape our hearts to reflect the divine will.

1\. The Importance of Seeking God's Will

1.1. Spiritual hunger and thirst

In the episode of the Samaritan Woman (John 4), we see that:

  • The woman was thirsty and sought water;
  • The disciples were hungry and went out to find food;
  • Jesus was thirsty, but his priority was the will of God.

Jesus teaches that his food is to do the will of the Father, showing that our true satisfaction comes from living according to God's purposes.

1.2. Jesus's example in Gethsemane

When Jesus prays to the Father in Gethsemane, he says:

"Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Luke 22:42).

This example shows that living God's will requires submission and complete trust.

2\. What Is God's Will?

2.1. God's will is that all be saved

The apostle Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 2:4:

"God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

God's will is that all come to know Him, and we are called to reflect Jesus so that others may be brought to the Father.

2.2. God's will transforms us

God's word renews our understanding and leads us into a full life:

  • "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).

3\. How to Live God's Will in Practice?

3.1. Becoming more like Jesus

Being a follower of Christ means reflecting his character and conduct so that others can see Jesus in us.

3.2. Seeking God's answer in the Word

Many seek signs and mystical answers, but God has already revealed his will in the Scriptures:

  • "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

3.3. Avoiding a mystical and superstitious Christianity

God does not desire that we be guided by mysticism, but by faith and obedience:

  • "The righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17).
  • We must trust in God's sovereignty and act responsibly in our Christian walk.

4\. The Types of God's Will

  1. Sovereign Will: God has absolute control over all things and nothing escapes His plan.
  2. Normative Will: God has revealed his will in the Bible so that we know how to live.
  3. Permissive Will: God allows certain things in our lives, even if they are not ideal, to teach and shape us.

Conclusion

Living according to God's will requires surrender, knowledge of the Word, and a deep relationship with Him. Jesus calls us to be his imitators so that through our lives others may come to know him. The greatest challenge is not discovering God's will, but being willing to follow it.