How do we understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17)?

Ephesians 5:17 states, “Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (ESV). This imperative is embedded within a larger discussion about Christian living. As believers, we must “walk in love” (verse 2) and “walk as children of light” (verse 9). In doing so, we can understand what the will of the Lord is for our lives.

In Ephesians 5, Paul outlines appropriate behavior for all believers. Since we have been transformed by Christ, we should “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11, ESV). The “unfruitful works of darkness” include things like sexual immorality, impurity, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talk, and crude joking (verses 3–4). These things are unfruitful because they do not produce the righteousness of God. In contrast, believers should “walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)” (verse 9). By walking in the light, we can “discern what is pleasing to the Lord” (verse 10).

Ephesians 5:17 contrasts foolishness with discerning or understanding the Lord’s will. The implication is that true wisdom is linked to understanding. In Scripture, foolishness is described as a moral and spiritual deficit brought about by failing to submit to God’s wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (ESV). Fools despise God’s wisdom and instruction because they do not fear or honor him. Believers, however, submit to God’s wisdom because they know that He will direct their paths: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6, ESV). God makes our paths straight by revealing His will to us.

The Greek word translated as “understand” in Ephesians 5:17 means “set together.” The idea behind the word is that of “a synthesis of information, where various pieces of knowledge or insight are combined to form a coherent understanding” (Strong’s Lexicon). It goes beyond an intellectual knowledge and involves a deep spiritual insight.

To understand God’s will, we must study and meditate on Scripture, which is the primary way that God communicates with us. Regarding the necessity and sufficiency of Scripture, Paul writes, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV). By studying, meditating, and obeying God’s Word, our minds are renewed and transformed, and we can “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2, ESV).

The Holy Spirit also plays a critical role in helping us to understand God’s will. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth who guides believers into all truth. In Ephesians, the Spirit guides us to make sound ethical decisions (Ephesians 5:18–21). To discern and understand God’s will, we must “be filled with the Spirit” (verse 18). This is a continual process of keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25).

Fundamentally, discerning and understanding God’s will is about submitting to His lordship. Submission involves more than our bodies; it also involves our minds and spirits. For this reason, Paul commands us not to be “conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2, ESV). The only way to discern and understand God’s will is to have our minds transformed by the Holy Spirit.