THE FACTS OF LIFE - THE WILLS AND WON'TS OF LIFE

In the previous lesson, we discussed the fact that God has a Plan to save all mankind from the condemnation of sin and unto a new life in Christ. Today, we'll look deeper into this mystery, hidden from before the foundation of the world, and see what this Plan has in store for you as an individual.  This Plan first addressed the needs of mankind as a whole, providing redemption from the consequences of sin through the substitutionary death of God's son.  For the first time, this great salvation is freely available to all mankind, both Jew and Gentile alike.  All can now enjoy all the benefits of salvation by simply believing in the person and work of Jesus Christ. However wonderful this might be, the salvation from the consequences of sin, is but a part of what's available to each believer through God's Grace. It is what the believer is saved unto that embodies the ultimate purpose of His Plan. Salvation from sin and its consequences is a momentary transaction, whereas the new life unto which we are called, requires a lifetime of living. Indeed, the major part of the New Testament is dedicated to the "unto" part of this great salvation, so it is to this fact we now turn our attention.

Recalling from the previous lesson, God looked down the annals of time from eternity past and, even before the foundation of the world, He saw you, loved you and chose you to become His child. But His plan to bring you into His family by the new birth, is but the beginning of His wonderful plan and purpose for your life. First He gives you life, then He instructs you on how to live that life to the fullest. (John 10:10). This detailed Plan for your life, usually referred to as the "Will of God", is the focus of today's study.

DECODING THE TERMS: But, before we move into the subject matter, let's take a moment to clarify some terms to avoid confusion. Most Bible students realize that the New Testament was written in Koine Greek, a common dialect of Jesus' day. And, because our English version of Scripture is a translation, sometimes, a word or verse needs clarification before its meaning can be accurately conveyed. Aside from language differences, there are also cultural influences prevalent in the period of time in which the Scripture was written which may be unknown or misunderstood by 21st century readers. For example, the archaic use of the word "man". For any number of reasons, some of which we may discuss at a later time, the word "man" or "mankind", is used generically to represent all human beings, regardless of gender or age. We depend a great deal on the context to figure out if its talking about "man" as a generic term in which case it would also include men, women and children.

But, before we move into the subject matter, let's take a moment to clarify some terms to avoid confusion. Most Bible students realize that the New Testament was written in Koine Greek, a common dialect of Jesus' day. And, because our English version of Scripture is a translation, sometimes, a word or verse needs clarification before its meaning can be accurately conveyed.  Aside from language differences, there are also cultural influences prevalent in the period of time in which the Scripture was written which may be unknown or misunderstood by 21st century readers.  For example, the archaic use of the word "man". For any number of reasons, some of which we may discuss at a later time, the word "man" or "mankind", is used generically to represent all human beings, regardless of gender or age. We depend a great deal on the context to figure out if its talking about "man" as a generic term in which case it would also include men, women and children. But, by far, the most likely problem arising from the interpretation of Scripture, comes from our misunderstanding of a particular Greek word which may carry a much richer and more profound meaning in the original text than in the translation. This is certainly true in regard to the topic now under consideration: God's Will. So let's take the rest of this lesson to explore several significant aspects of this important subject.

THE WILLS AND WON'TS OF THE PLAN:  In the previous lesson, you may have noticed some perplexing issues about the "Will of God" which, by the way, have troubled theologians from the days of the Apostles until now.   When you read that powerful passage from Ephesians 1:4-10, describing God's Will to predestine you for adoption into His family, you might have wondered about what part, if any, your own human will plays in that process.  "If God chose me", you might ask, "what happens to my free will to choose Him as my Savior?"

That's a good question, and one which has been debated in the church for thousands of years without consensus.  But, don't be concerned, instead of focusing on that age old debate, it will be more instructive to simply point out a few less debatable facts about the topic of "God's Will".  Clarifying a few things, at this point, will be helpful to later discussions about it.  If you are at all interested in knowing more about the subject, I suggest you Google "God's sovereignty and man's free will" in your browser and you'll find an abundance of material on the subject.  For purposes of this study, however, I want to establish just a couple of points which will, hopefully, clear up some of the confusion surrounding this subject.

WHEN A WILL CAN BE A WON'T:  During my early Christian life, I was very interested in the subject of God's Will.   As time went by and my knowledge of the Scripture grew, I discovered certain distinctions in the use of this term which helped clear up some of my own confusion on the subject.     For example, when the Scriptures tell us that it's God's Will that "all men be saved", (I Timothy 2:4) we know from other Scripture, as well as personal experience, that all men are not saved before they die!     Now, this may seem like a contradiction but, in fact, it is not.   It only appears so because of our limited understanding of how the term is used across all Scripture.   Let's take a brief look at these  some of them distinctions now.   I think it safe to say that most Bible scholars agree that there are two distinct meaning attached to the phrase "the will of God".   That being the case, it's no wonder the subject is confusing if it actually has two distinct meanings.

1. GOD'S SOVERIGN WILL: THE DECREE:  Most of the time, we think of God as the Almighty, the Omnipotent Lord of the universe.   As such, His Will is absolute and inviolable!   His Word is like a King's decree, a Pontiff's edict, or a Sovereign's mandate: it cannot be refused, it will be obeyed.   For example, this sovereign aspect of God's Will is seen in Daniel 4:35:  €œHe does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him,  €˜What have you done? €™ €

Perhaps the most poignant example of this occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane just before Jesus went to the cross.   Facing a horrible death in bearing the sins of mankind, the humanity of Jesus recognized the sovereignty of God's plan of redemption in the words: "...not as I will, but as you will".   Matthew 26:39.   The fact that Christ's death was the Father's sovereign Will is reiterated in Acts 4:27 €“28 where we read:    €œTruly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. €     In reality, this act of self sacrifice by Jesus Christ had already been decided in eternity past.   Christ, the Son, God the Father and the Holy Spirit designed this remarkable plan of redemption for all mankind before the world began.   The Plan called for a willing choice, made by Jesus Christ Himself, to submit His own Will to that Sovereign Will of the Heavenly Father.

Now, let's extend this idea of God's Sovereign will to the realm of mankind.  It is here we find elements of our lives in which the Will of God is carried out regardless of our choice in the matter.   Peter points this out in his first Epistle chapter 3:17:     "It is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God €™s will, than for doing evil. €     This indicates that there are times in our lives today, just as in the case of God's Son and for purposes known only to Himself, God allows events into our lives which, although painful, are all in accord with His Sovereign Will.   Keep in mind, however, that they are for a purpose and that, right along with painful experience, God also promises that it will never be too severe for us to bear.     In I Corinthians 10:13, for example, we are assured that in each of these difficult, painful experiences, God will "make a way of escape".   This leads us to the second meaning of God's Will: His commands!

2. GOD'S DECLARATIVE WILL: THE COMMAND:    Not surprisingly, the Bible also uses the phrase, "the will of God", when it refers to His desire or wish for mankind.   For example, God gave a command to Adam in which He expressed His Will regarding the forbidden fruit.   His command "do not eat" was obviously for Adam's good and it was clearly consistent with the purpose God had for His creation.   However, this command, whether we call it a wish, will or desire, was declarative, not sovereign.  Otherwise, Adam could not have disobeyed.  This distinction between God's sovereign will and his declarative will is further clarified by Jesus in Matthew 7:21 when he says;  €œNot everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

The use of the word "will" as a command or charge by God is seen time and time again as being contingent on man's willingness to obey it.  In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, for example, the Apostle Paul writes: "This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality."    But the fulfillment of His will, in this case, requires also man's willingness to obey.  This use of the term "will" entails a collaborative effort, between God and man, to bring it to completion.  In previous studies, we saw that the simple action of "thanksgiving" added to our prayers, was the key to God's blessing and answered prayer.  "Give thanks in all things for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" I Thessalonians 5:18

In summary, there are times in Scripture in which the writers use the phrase "will of God" as the inviolable, inexorable, implacable decree of a sovereign creator in which case the edict will be obeyed regardless of man's disposition.   In most cases, however, it refers to God's command, His wish or desire for mankind, the completion of which depends upon man's willingness to collaborate and obey.   So, for the individual believer, the Will of God is expressed through both Scripture and through the Holy Spirit's personal instruction.     But although, the Holy Spirit may clearly reveal God's Will to each of us, obedience is required before God will fulfill it in actuality.  This collaborative relationship between the Father's Will and the believer's obedience, is the major element in the completion of this perfect Plan for your life and mine.

HIS GOOD PLEASURE:  Now, let's look at the mechanics of this process and see how it works in everyday life.  It begins with the acknowledgement that Scripture is the Word of God, the primary source of instruction, correction, and determining God's Will for our lives.  (II Timothy 3:16-17)  So, as we read, study and assimilate God's Word, we also discover which attitude, act or behavior is not pleasing to Him.  Then, we're faced with the decision to either continue that displeasing behavior, in accord with our own will, or change it into something pleasing to God.  Occasions such as these, although stressful, should be considered "growth points" in that they mark a clearly defined change in our thinking about some behavior or absence thereof, which is contrary to God's Will for us individually.  We are then faced with the choice of continuing that displeasing behavior, in accord with our own will, or pleasing God by obeying and changing that behavior in accordance with His Will.

From my many years experience in the ministry, I've found that there is a great deal of misunderstanding and confusion about this subject. It is precisely at these "growth points", that the obedient believer is faced with the opportunity of changing, through obedience, an undesirable behavior into one pleasing to God.  An old, long held habit, thought, value or attitude may, as we grow spiritually, be revealed as displeasing to God by the indwelling Holy Spirit.  If we acknowledge that thought or act to be sin, surrender it to God on the altar of consecration and ask the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us, growth occurs and we are changed a little more into His likeness.  If, on the other hand, we ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit and evade the pangs of conviction, God's Spirit is grieved, growth stops and blessings cease.  (Ephesians 4:30).

WALKING BY SIGHT OR LIGHT: One of the most common objections to this growth process comes from fear of the unknown!  "What will I have to give up if I become a Christian and dedicate my life to God?"  It would be a lot easier if there was just some way of looking ahead and knowing that God's Will for my future is going to be good.  Usually, my first response to that comment is, "If that were possible, you wouldn't have to trust God and walk by faith".  People get very upset if they happen to read a "spoiler" on some movie they haven't seen yet or the end of an NFL game they have yet to watch.  They don't want to know the outcome because they want to enjoy watching the process.  The same principle applies to the Christian life.  It's so much more exciting to watch God lead day by day into the unknown so we can, by faith, enjoy the thrill of walking in the light. I John 1:7

Every time I use that verse in I John, I recall an incident that happened to me years ago in the Amazon jungle of Peru.  We had been visiting villages, holding evangelical services and encouraging the many small churches up and down the Amazon river.  One evening we arrived a bit late to one such village located about a quarter mile inland.  By the time we docked and unloaded our equipment, it was dark and, in spite of the two helpers sent down by the church to assist us, each of us ended up with a heavy load to carry.  Since we were already late and the village was at least 15 minutes away, one of the guides suggested we take a short cut along a seldom used path.  We happily agreed, so off we went, baggage in hand, led by our national guide and an ancient Aladdin lamp.  I might point our here that an Aladdin lamp, fairy tales notwithstanding, is very much like the more familiar Coleman gas lantern, often used in camping.  It uses a mantle which, fuelled by kerosene, give off a brilliant light in all directions.  Although the stars were out in all their splendor, the night was moonless and the jungle canopy effectively filtered out the starlight, so the surrounding jungle, including the trail, was shrouded in impenetrable darkness.  Our only light source was the Aladdin which bathed us all in a circular pool of light.  As the four of us walked along that narrow, seldom used trail, we were able to see ahead only about 15 feet, not near far enough to detect any jaguars, pumas, gators or snakes that might be lying in wait.  Finally, in a joking manner so as not to give away my concern, I chided our intrepid guide and asked, "If it possible to turn up that lamp so we can see twice as far ahead?"  To my dying day, I shall never forget his wise response: "If you want to see twice as far, then you'll have to walk in the light we have". In that moment, I John 1:7 flashed through my mind along with a profound insight for my personal life: if I want to see what God has in store for me down the line, I must first walk as far as I can in the light He has already given me after which, more will be shown to me.

Practical Homework: Take a few moments in prayer right now and, after speaking to God, wait in silence and let Him speak to you.  Ask Him about those to show you the next step in the path toward His perfect Will for your life.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and empower you to take that first step by faith.

QUESTIONS

1. What is the first step in discovering God's will for your personal life. Romans 12:1

2. What is required to continue finding God's will for your life? Romans 12:2

3. What words characterize God's Will in Romans 12:2

4. To what end does God allow things, both pleasant an unpleasant, into our lives? Romans 8:28

5. To what purpose has each believer been called in God's Plan? Romans 8:28-30

6. What is the family relationship between Christ and believers? Romans 8:29

7. What is the promise of God to those who do His Will? 1 John 2:17

8. What was the foremost goal of Jesus in coming to earth? John 6:38

9. What is God's will according to Jesus' statement in John 6:39-40

10. Which aspect of God's Will, the Sovereign or Declarative, is referenced in I Timothy 2:4

11. What is God's will for all believers in Hebrew 13:20-21

12. How does the study of Scripture profit the believer II Timothy 3:16

13. What is the ultimate goal in reading and studying Scripture? II Timothy 3:17