The First Purpose of Being Chosen by God: To Know if and Do His Will

by aginetha josephat | 21 January 2025 08:46 pm01

One of the most important questions a believer can ask is: Why did God choose me? Many people associate divine election with privilege, ministry, or spiritual gifts—but Scripture points us to a deeper and more foundational purpose: to know and live according to the will of God.

1. The Divine Purpose of Election

Let us begin with Ephesians 1:11 (NKJV):

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”

This verse reveals that God’s choice of us—His elect—is not random or arbitrary. It is intentional and purposeful, according to the “counsel of His will.” In other words, election is not just about going to heaven—it is about fulfilling God’s purpose here and now.

2. Paul’s Calling: A Template for All Believers

We see this clearly in the calling of the Apostle Paul. In Acts 22:14 (NKJV), Paul recounts the words spoken to him by Ananias:

“Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.’”

The first purpose of Paul’s calling was not preaching, miracles, or writing epistles—it was that he might know the will of God. Before Paul could fulfill his mission, he had to personally encounter God and understand His desires.

This order matters: knowing precedes doing.

3. The Centrality of God’s Will in Salvation

Jesus Himself underscores this truth in Matthew 7:21–23 (NKJV):

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

This passage is sobering. It shows that religious activity without alignment with God’s will is not only insufficient—it is condemned. Jesus does not recognize works done apart from a relationship grounded in obedience.

The will of God, then, is not optional—it is central to true discipleship and eternal life.

4. What Is the Will of God?

So what is this will that we are called to know and obey?

In 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5 (NKJV), Paul makes it explicit:

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”

a. Sanctification (Holiness)

God’s will is that we be set apart—not conformed to the sinful patterns of the world. Sanctification is both positional(we are made holy through Christ) and progressive (we grow in holiness through obedience, prayer, the Word, and fellowship).

See also Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV):

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God… And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

b. Self-Control and Purity

Part of sanctification includes honoring our bodies. Paul says we must control ourselves in holiness and honor—not indulge in lust or impurity. That includes how we dress, behave, and even how we treat our appearance.

The believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and defiling it dishonors God. This includes all sexual sin, immodesty, vanity, and self-harmful practices.

5. Living Out the Will of God

Knowing God’s will is not enough—we must live it. James 1:22 (NKJV) reminds us:

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

True knowledge of God’s will always leads to action. It transforms our character, conduct, and priorities. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in obedience, but we must make the daily choice to follow.


Conclusion: Why Did God Choose You?

God chose you so that you would:

Before you serve, preach, prophesy, or minister—first ensure that you are walking in His revealed will, which is found in Scripture and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Ask yourself:

“For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).
Make your calling sure by aligning your life with His will.


DOWNLOAD PDF
WhatsApp

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2025/01/21/the-first-purpose-of-being-chosen-by-god-to-know-and-do-his-will/