How can believers today be "appointed to know" God's will like Paul? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Appointment “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear His voice.’” (Acts 22:14) • Paul’s Damascus-road encounter was no random event; it was a divine assignment. • God personally intervened so that Paul would: – Know God’s will – See the risen Christ – Hear Christ’s own words What It Means to Be “Appointed to Know” • “Appointed” speaks of deliberate placement—God chooses, equips, and positions. • “To know” (Greek: ginōskō) involves more than information; it is experiential, relational knowledge. • Knowing God’s will, therefore, is a Spirit-enabled relationship, not a mere intellectual exercise. The Same God, the Same Intent Scripture shows that God consistently desires His people to know His plans: • John 7:17—“If anyone desires to do His will, he will know whether My teaching is from God.” • Ephesians 1:9—“He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure.” • Colossians 1:9—Paul prays believers “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom.” The Lord who appointed Paul still appoints believers today. Practical Pathways to Knowing God’s Will 1. Yield Your Whole Life (Romans 12:1-2) – Offer your body as a living sacrifice. – Refuse to be conformed; be transformed by renewing your mind in Scripture. – Result: you “prove what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” 2. Pursue Intimate Fellowship with Christ (John 10:27) – Sheep recognize the Shepherd’s voice through daily communion. – Set aside unhurried time in the Word; listen for His promptings. 3. Depend on the Spirit’s Illumination (1 Corinthians 2:9-12) – The Spirit searches the deep things of God and reveals them to believers. – Ask the Spirit to clarify how passages apply to decisions you face. 4. Pray for Specific Insight (James 1:5) – God “gives generously to all without reproach.” – Pray expecting wisdom that aligns with Scripture’s principles. 5. Obey the Light You Already Have (Psalm 32:8) – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” – As you act on known truth, further direction follows. 6. Walk with the Wise (Proverbs 15:22) – Seek counsel from mature believers anchored in Scripture. – God often confirms His will through the body of Christ. Signs You Are Walking in His Will • Inner witness of peace that guards heart and mind (Philippians 4:7) • Alignment with clear biblical commands and principles • Growing Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23) • Fruitful impact that advances the gospel (John 15:8) • Confirming circumstances God orchestrates (Acts 16:6-10) Closing Encouragement The God who appointed Paul has likewise positioned every believer to know His will. As you surrender fully, abide closely, listen attentively, and obey promptly, you will experience the same guiding hand, see the same Righteous One at work, and hear His voice directing each step. |
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