In what ways can church leaders ensure they teach "the whole will of God"? Setting the Verse in Context Acts 20:27: “For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.” Paul is speaking to the Ephesian elders in Miletus, reviewing three years of ministry among them (Acts 20:18-31). His statement becomes a timeless benchmark for every shepherd who longs to be faithful. Key Phrase: “The whole will of God” • “Whole” (holos) means complete, entire, lacking nothing. • “Will” (boule) carries the idea of God’s determined purpose, plan, and intent. • Paul’s aim was not selective teaching but full disclosure—no trimming hard truths, no hobby-horse preaching, no neglect of any doctrine or duty. Practical Ways Leaders Teach the Whole Will of God 1. Commit to Expository Preaching • Work systematically through books of the Bible—Genesis to Revelation—to let God set the agenda (2 Timothy 4:1-2). • Refuse to skip “problem passages”; every line is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. Maintain a Balanced Diet of Doctrine and Application • Doctrine: Guard sound teaching (Titus 2:1). • Application: “Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). • Blend head and heart, belief and behavior (James 1:22-25). 3. Teach the Grand Narrative of Scripture • Creation (Genesis 1-2), Fall (Genesis 3), Redemption (John 3:16; Romans 5:8), Restoration (Revelation 21-22). • Show how every text fits the larger story and culminates in Christ (Luke 24:27). 4. Guard Against Personal Bias • Paul warned, “I did not shrink back” (Acts 20:20, 27)—no fear of controversy or loss. • Leaders must examine motives (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6) and let Scripture correct them. 5. Address the Full Spectrum of Life Issues • Salvation, holiness, marriage, parenting, work, stewardship, justice, suffering, eternity—Scripture speaks to all (2 Peter 1:3). • Regularly connect text to real-world challenges (Colossians 3:16-17). 6. Equip Others to Handle the Word • Train teachers, small-group leaders, and future elders (2 Timothy 2:2). • Provide tools—reading plans, study guides, doctrinal statements—so the whole church grows in discernment (Ephesians 4:11-14). 7. Model Obedience • Paul’s life matched his message (Acts 20:18-19). • Integrity reinforces credibility; hypocrisy undermines truth (1 Peter 5:2-3). 8. Pray for Illumination and Boldness • Spiritual understanding is Spirit-given (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). • Ask God to open hearts (Psalm 119:18) and to grant courage to proclaim without shrinking back (Ephesians 6:19-20). Fruit of Faithful, Whole-Counsel Teaching • Doctrinal stability—believers “no longer tossed by waves” (Ephesians 4:14). • Spiritual maturity—“fully trained disciples” (Luke 6:40). • Missional passion—the church equipped to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). • Glory to God—His complete purpose proclaimed, believed, and obeyed (Romans 11:36). |
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