9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. ISAIAH 46:9-11 (Authorized King James Version)
21 There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. PROVERBS 19:21 (Authorized King James Version)
Today I will be start to talk about the OVERVIEW OF GOD’S WILL. This Blog series was related to our church’s preaching series 3 years ago about knowing God’s Will, and it was entitled, FAQ (Frequently Asked Question). I’m gonna be stating my blog from the notes that I got from the Worship Services and I will relate it to our current situation. We will discuss this on a three part. Knowing God’s Will is never easy for us, human beings. GOD’S WILL, this might be so questionable for us. Many of us are always asking ourselves so many many questions in life, (e.g. What course should I take in college? Will I get married someday? What kind of business should I put up? Will I get wealthy in the future?). Many people in this world are very desperate in asking those question in a wrong path, that is why most of them are going to the fortune tellers asking the crystal ball, tarot cards, magic-8 ball, palm reading, and many more, just for them to know their future.
We, as human beings, are so desperate to know what God’s Will for us, which became a confusing term for us. There is a Will of God which will happen no matter what, there’s another Will of God which we need to follow, and there is a Will of God which is specific for us. At this moment, we will try to explain the Will of God atleast in three (3) different statements. And I realized in Acts 20:27 says, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” In short, there is the Will of God, not from us. But because of our selfish desire, we are twisting the arm of God to do your will. Once we say the Will of God, absolutely God has the right, authority, and plan for us because He is a Sovereign God (Isaiah 46:9), whether if we do not acknowledge His Sovereignty and Deity, He is still a God and nothing will be changed. That is why we will try to attempt to explain what the Will of God is.
In Ephesians 5:17, Apostle Paul says, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” In short, God created us and He has a purpose and will for us. And it also says that we can understand what the Lord’s Will is, and it is through the Wisdom from God. In this topic, let us look into the three different expression of God’s Will.
I. GOD’S WILL OF DECREE (PROVIDENTIAL WILL OF GOD)
This is based on R.C. Sproul’s “The Will of God” and a book by Kevin Deyoung’s “Just do Something”. God’s Will of Decree (or His Providential Will). Once we say “Decree”, it is already done. He has a sovereign will for each one of us. God’s will cannot be thwarted, and no one can stop it. God is not a double-minded, and once He says that it will be done, it will certainly happen and it will not return to Him empty. But it will accomplish the purpose.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. ISAIAH 55:8-11
26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? ISAIAH 14:26-27
Let me give an example:
PLAN OF SALVATION OF HUMANITY. God decreed that all men will be saved, and He doesn’t have any plan-B for salvation, and its by sending His One and Only Son Jesus Christ. In Galatians 4:4-5 says, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.” In Genesis 9:11 says, “And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.” God wants His decree to happen for us to be saved.
MAN’S DEATH AND GOD’S JUDGMENT. Just as man is destined to die once and he will face judgment. All of us will face this will. Our human bodies will die because we are in the flesh, and after we die, our soul will face judgment. In Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” And if you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord God and Savior and follow His ways, and once you die, your name will be listed in the book of life.
HOW GOD CREATED MAN. In Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” God did not mistaken to created us whether we are man or a woman, whether based on our physical appearance. God knows the time when we are born.
II. GOD’S WILL OF DESIRE (PRINCIPLED WILL OF GOD)
This is based on the 10 commandments of God (Exodus 20:3-17). This is God’s commandment for all humanity, and laws concerning lifestyle and righteous living for all Christians. This is all about God’s promises of blessings if we follow His commands but disobedience leads to negative consequences. When we choose to live according to God’s moral standards, we will be able to live life as He intended. God has given us the Bible so that He can guide us through the scripture, for us to know what should we do, or what should not we do. All of us have the right to do the moral will of God, but we are not be free from the consequences of the wrong decision. But through the finished work of Christ Jesus on the Cross, the grace of God has given us the power to renounce the evil works.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-8
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. TITUS 2:11-12
God’s desire for us to be thankful for everything that we have, in spite of all the trials and circumstances we are facing
16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-18
It is God’s Will of Desire for us to avoid the pride of life and the lust of the flesh. The secret things belongs to the Lord (Providential Will of God.) That is why God has given us His scripture so that we can read it with the help of the Holy Spirit so that we may be guided in accordance to God’s standard of living.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 JOHN 2:15-17
29 The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. DEUTERONOMY 29:29
III. GOD’S WILL OF DIRECTION (PERSONAL WILL OF GOD)
This is also known as the Personal / Specific Will of God. This is God’s special plan for each believer (whom we marry, career, education, etc.). God has a personal will for each of us. And with His good, pleasing, and perfect will, He desires to unfold His unique plans for our lives as we abide in Him.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ROMANS 12:1-2
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. JEREMIAH 29:11
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
