Posted on 05/24/2022 6:07:36 AM PDT by metmom
“‘“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”’” (Matthew 6:10).
God’s Word reveals three aspects of His will. First is His will of purpose—His sovereign, ultimate plan for the universe. “Surely, just as I [God] have intended so it has happened, and just as I have planned so it will stand” (Isa. 14:24; cf. Eph. 1:9–11). It has been within God’s purpose to allow sin to affect the world for a time. But that situation will end precisely according to His plan and foreknowledge.
Within God’s will of purpose is His will of desire. This will is more specific but not always fulfilled in the present age. For example, Jesus desired His people, the Jews, to be saved. However, only a relative few believed in His message. Jesus prayed, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together … and you would not have it!” (Luke 13:34). Like the Jews, most Gentiles are also unwilling to come to Christ for salvation (John 5:40; cf. 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).
Third is God’s will of command, which is His desire that believers obey Him fully, as only they of all people can, with the help of the Spirit (see Rom. 6:16–18). Pride is the great enemy set against all of God’s will. But for us to obey His will, we must forsake self-will and “prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2; see also v. 1).
Ask Yourself
Understanding the many-layered aspects of God’s will is not nearly as important as being obedient to every aspect you do know. Don’t you long for His purpose, desire, and command to be met with full acceptance in your own life? Submit to Him in some new way today. Conform to His will.
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Thank you, Metmom. It’s always a pleasure.
Understanding the many-layered aspects of God’s will is not nearly as important as being obedient to every aspect you do know.
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Paul would seem to disagree. “Renewal” means to complete a process, move forward, and not be satisfied with only what you know
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Yeah, but if you refuse to obey what you are already given, you’re just going to be spinning your wheels.
Moving on in growth in the Christian life includes obeying what we know already.
You know, I’ve noticed a pattern with these posts on these devotional threads.
Every time you post on them you are being contrary and seeming to think it’s your duty to “correct” some “error” you find in someone else’s teaching.
I don’t post them for that reason.
They are for teaching and edification and devotionals are not open for debate according to RF guidelines.
Thank you.
They are for teaching and edification and devotionals are not open for debate according to RF guidelines.
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OK, got it. Just blindly allow whatever is said.
It’s not being “contrary” to point out an opinion that is a contradiction to what scripture clearly states.
Maybe you should check the teaching against scripture before you post them.
Sorry, I was following biblical guidelines, not those of FR.
Acts 17:11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
He clearly states to be happy in what you know instead of growing.
Actually, he states that it’s more important to focus on what you know than expand your knowledge. Do you read these before you post them?
Jesus had something to say about those who do this. He called them “lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.
It’s not my intention to argue with anyone, but I will comment on contradictory teachings, Sister
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