Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself."
Text: Ephesians 1:9
THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S WILL
The will of God is a topic that is inevitably difficult to write about. Nevertheless, it is a subject that enthralls many. Many recognize the significance of knowledge of God’s will. How did Paul develop the subject in this epistle?
1. Definition of “God’s Will”
Understandably, any discussion of “God’s will” must begin with a definition. Paul’s definition is most straightforward. It is simply “thelema”. The essence of this word is “wish” or “determination”.
2. Discovery of “God’s Will”
Paul has just one way of describing how one may discover God’s will. The Lord has to disclose that will to us. (There is no room for speculation that man can discover God’s will through human wisdom.)
a) “Having made known to us”
The focus of this phrase emphasizes that the disclosure of God’s will lies solely on the Lord Himself.
b) “Mystery” (“musterion”)
The word “mystery” was especially well used in religious literature. Many ancient religions employed language that kept their teachings truly mysterious to their devotees. However, when Paul utilized this term, he made sure that this word meant “disclosure”. What a skillful play of words.
In ancient religions the idea of “The will of God” was always heavily enshrouded in mystery. However in Christianity the “Will of God” is always a revelation.
STANDING IN AWE OF A GOD WHO REVEALS HIMSELF
Ancient religions often exploited the gullibility and their sense of curiosity concerning God. The more they enshrouded their teachings, the more they were able to “control” their followers. In direct contrast, Paul offers Christianity as a religion where God desires to make Himself known to His worshippers.
1. “According to the riches of His grace”
The richness of God’s grace is well evidenced in the disclosure of His will. It is in keeping with the graciousness nature of God that He makes Himself known to His worshippers.
2. “According to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself”
While it is enlightening and exciting to know so much about God’s grace in operation, we must never think that one word (“grace”) covers everything. It does not!
As if to remind us of how great and profound God really is, Paul added a humbling thought. There are other “factors” that God works with, as He articulated His will. Finite man may never be fully able to comprehend all the facets that make up “God’s will”. But that God would disclose His will at all, is a privilege that must leave man standing in profound awe.