What is the key to knowing the will of God?

TL;DR:

Both the Old and New Testaments provide clear guidance on how to discern and follow God's moral will for our lives. God also has a sovereign will, which He does not always reveal to us, yet we are promised that He works all things for ultimate good in believers’ lives.

what does the bible say?

God’s will can be understood in different ways—His sovereign will that governs all things, His moral will revealed in Scripture, and His personal will for our lives. While we may not always understand His sovereign purposes, God clearly shows us how to live through His Word, the example of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Knowing the will of God is one of the most important things we can seek in our Christian walk. Knowing God's will includes knowing His Word, humbly seeking Him, and understanding that God's ultimate will for us is glorifying Him in all things. God gives us enough wisdom and guidance to know His will and follow Him faithfully, even when we don’t see the whole picture.

from the old testament

God's will was revealed through His law and commandments. The Israelites were expected to know and obey God's Word to walk in His will (Psalm 119:105).
A humble and reverent heart is essential to knowing God's will. Those who fear the Lord are taught by Him (Psalm 25:9).
Trusting God rather than relying on human wisdom is key to discerning His direction in life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
In the Old Testament, God often revealed His will through prophets, but also through wisdom literature, which teaches how to live righteously (Proverbs 2:6). God has purposes for each of us, but when specifics are not given, we are to seek to live wisely, in a way that honors Him.

from the new testament

The ultimate revelation of God's will is found in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we understand God's purpose for salvation and life (Ephesians 1:11).
The key to knowing the will of God is found in Romans 12:1-2: "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. 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." Obedience to God is of utmost importance. We are to be "living sacrifices" to Him, offering everything we are and think and feel to Him, which is the essence of the greatest commandment—loving the Lord with all our heart, mind and strength (Matthew 22:37).
God doesn’t always reveal His sovereign will, but we’re to trust Him and know that He works all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8;28).
God's will includes our personal holiness. Obeying His moral commands is a clear expression of His will (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
First Thessalonians 5:18 tells us that God’s will is for us to give thanks in all circumstances.
Paul explains that no one knows a man's thoughts except the spirit of the man (1 Corinthians 2:11-16). Believers have been given the Spirit of God, and He can teach us God's thoughts and will. But we won't be able to hear Him if our minds are filled with worldly concerns. To know the will of God, we should be so submitted to His Spirit that we can hear Him when He leads us.
The Holy Spirit guides believers into God's will (Galatians 5:25).

implications for today

Knowing God's will in specific situations is sometimes difficult. People want God to tell them specifically what to do—where to work, where to live, whom to marry, etc. God rarely gives people information that direct and specific. But God does give us His Word to know His will.

God’s will is first and foremost that we be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). From there, He calls us to live lives that reflect His holiness and character. For example, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” God’s moral will is not hidden—it is revealed in how we are to live in purity, humility, love, and obedience. Micah 6:8 summarizes this well: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

In addition, Romans 12:1-2 teaches that we are to present our bodies as living sacrifices and not conform to the patterns of this world. As we are transformed by the renewing of our minds, we will be able to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This means that as we grow in spiritual maturity and align our hearts with God’s Word, we become better equipped to make wise decisions that honor Him—even in areas where Scripture does not give specific instructions.

So while God may not always tell us exactly which job to take or which city to move to, He does tell us how to live: with integrity, in community with other believers, in prayer, and in obedience to His commands. When we seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33), we can trust that He will guide our steps and provide what we need.

understand

God’s will includes His sovereign, moral, and specific will.
God’s will is revealed through His Word and His Spirit.
While God doesn’t always give us the specifics of His will, He gives us enough guidance to walk faithfully according to His will.

reflect

Where in your life are you currently seeking God's guidance, and how are you seeking to know His will?
Are there areas where you’ve been waiting for specific answers from God, when He may already be showing you how to live faithfully?
What steps can you take to renew your mind and resist the influence of worldly thinking so you can better discern God's will?

engage

What is the connection between the different wills of God, and how can we seek to know each of them?
How can we encourage one another to live out God's revealed will in Scripture instead of just waiting for His specific will?
How does our community help—or hinder—our ability to hear the Holy Spirit's guidance in knowing and doing God's will?