How can we apply "by the will of God" to our daily decisions? Seeing the Phrase in Its Context “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia” (2 Corinthians 1:1). Paul’s entire identity and mission flow from God’s sovereign, deliberate choice. The wording is literal: God willed it, so Paul does it. That same certainty frames every decision believers make today. What “By the Will of God” Means • Divine initiative: God originates the plan (Ephesians 1:11). • Divine authority: His will carries binding weight (Psalm 115:3). • Divine wisdom: His will is perfect and good (Romans 12:2). Because Scripture is accurate and without error, the phrase is not symbolic; it anchors every action in God’s concrete purpose. Why It Matters for Our Decisions Today • Our lives belong to the One who ordained them (Psalm 139:16). • Aligning with His will brings clarity and stability (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Doing His will displays love for Christ (John 14:21). • God promises guidance, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Principles for Discerning His Will • Scripture saturation – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). – The Spirit never leads contrary to the written Word. • Prayerful dependence – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God” (James 1:5). • Whole-life surrender – Present your bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). • Godly counsel – “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). • Observing providential circumstances – Paul’s closed and open doors illustrate this (Acts 16:6-10). Practical Steps for Daily Choices 1. Begin with the Word: read, meditate, and note any clear commands or principles. 2. Pray for specific wisdom and a yielded heart. 3. Examine motives: is the decision rooted in love for God and neighbor? 4. Compare the options against clear scriptural boundaries. 5. Seek mature believers for objective input. 6. Consider timing and circumstances God has arranged. 7. Decide in faith, trusting God to redirect if needed (James 4:13-15). 8. Act with obedience and gratitude, confident His will is good. A Picture of a Life Led by His Will • Peace replaces anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7). • Steady growth in holiness and fruitfulness (Colossians 1:9-10). • Credible witness to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). • Assurance that every step serves an eternal purpose (Ephesians 2:10). Living “by the will of God” turns ordinary choices into worship, as each decision consciously submits to the One who knows the end from the beginning and guides His people without error. |
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