What does "does the will of My Father" mean in practical terms? The Verse in Focus “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) Why Words Alone Are Not Enough • Empty profession—calling Jesus “Lord” yet ignoring His commands • Genuine discipleship—obedience that flows from faith (James 1:22) • Eternal perspective—“whoever does the will of God remains forever” (1 John 2:17) Defining the Father’s Will Scripture reveals His will plainly: • Saving faith in Christ ‑ “It is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life.” (John 6:40) • Loving obedience to Jesus’ commands ‑ “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Personal holiness ‑ “For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) • Spirit-led living ‑ “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Active compassion and justice ‑ “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) • Whole-hearted love for God and neighbor ‑ “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) • Good works prepared in advance ‑ “Created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) • Perseverance in faith ‑ “After you have done God’s will, you will receive what He has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36) Practical Daily Expressions • Begin each day in Scripture, aligning thoughts with His revealed will • Pray for the Spirit’s guidance before decisions, big or small • Choose integrity at work and honesty in speech • Serve others with time, gifts, and resources—meeting needs you see • Extend forgiveness quickly, refusing bitterness • Guard moral purity in media, relationships, and private life • Share the gospel naturally as opportunities arise • Cultivate gratitude, replacing complaint with praise • Remain teachable, welcoming correction from God’s Word and His people Family Resemblance to Jesus “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:50) Obedience marks us as members of His household—close, cherished, secure. Blessings Tied to Obedience • Deep fellowship with Christ—“If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” (John 15:10) • Overflowing joy—“My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11) • Steadfast hope—entrance into the kingdom promised in Matthew 7:21 Summary—Living the Phrase Doing the Father’s will means trusting His Son, embracing Scripture’s commands, and translating faith into daily action through the Spirit’s power. Words that call Jesus “Lord” find credibility only when our lives echo the Father’s heart. |
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