THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD'S WILL - PART 2

TUESDAY 17 JANUARY 2023

The knowledge of God's will can bring the greatest truths you can find in the realm of the spirit, to your understanding, such that practising it, will match with the principles in the Word, by which they are governed, and in turn, make you a living wonder in your world. More below!

Reference: Colossians 1:9 New Living Translation (NLT) "So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding."

Praying for other Christians is of paramount importance. If you truly walk in step with the Spirit, you'll always have the urge or burden to pray or intercede for the saints. Why so? Its because Romans 8:27 says: "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will" (NIV). The Spirit prays for the saints in accordance with God's will, through who? Through us, when we have truly submitted to his governing influence. Beloved, it pays to walk in step with the Spirit. When we aren't doing so, we realise that we are partaking of the negative influences of the flesh, knowingly or unknowingly. Zero wonder Paul exhorted us to live by the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 (NASB) - "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh."

That time you have to spend, participating in local, nationwide, or universal slander, with the carnally-inspired Christians, if the Spirit of truth is at work in your life, you'll refrain from it because He'll influence your heart with the love of God for the saints such that you'll be so busily engaged with good works and bound to intercede for them even when you notice a fault. Why so? The mind of the Spirit is far from gossip, strife, deceit, malice and every unwise practices. Therefore, praying for other Christians in a sincere and habitual manner helps us to develop the mind of Christ.

Now what was the first prayer request for the saints in Colossae? We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will! Beloved, the complete knowledge of God's will is boundless, but we can gravitate toward the accurate understanding by the help of the Spirit as we continually give ourselves to the ministry of the Word. The Greek term for God's will is "thélima Theoú." His "will" speaks of the result of what He has decided even before the beginning of time. And it refers to His gracious perspective or turn of mind concerning anything, any matter or any situation, which brings Him pleasure when exerted or acted upon. For instance, in Luke 22:44 (NLT), when Jesus said, "Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine", He was strengthened by God. Then, as He went ahead to fulfil or action the will, it brought great pleasure to God.

God's will is vastly replete in the pages of the Scripture. For few instances, 1 Peter 2:9 (CJB): "But you are a chosen people, the King's cohanim, a holy nation, a people for God to possess! Why? In order for you to declare the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Did you get it? In another way, what is God's will for choosing you in Christ? You were chosen to tell about the wonderful acts of God and set forth His excellencies, because He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Another Scripture regarding God's will is this: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV). Here, God's will for you in every situation is to be anxious for nothing, instead be prayerful and thankful, and as you do so, God is well pleased, such that His peace will secure and fortify your heart and mind in Christ. Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 25:4-9; Mark 3:33-35; Ephesians 1:11; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 119:105.

Guided Prayer: Gracious Father, I thank you for choosing me in Christ Jesus, according to the purpose of your will. By my faith and abundant grace in Christ, I apply the Word to my life, in line with the accurate knowledge of your will and it fittingly rewards my Christian faith with manifold blessings. I'm forever grateful for your Word which is impossible to fail and for the victory it guarantees in my Christian walk, in Jesus' Name, Amen!