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
EXPECTED DIFFICULTY IN COMPREHENDING “GOD’S WILL”
The discussion of “God’s will” is expectedly difficult. There are many reasons why this is the case. Five challenges may be highlighted.
1. The formulation of God’s will
2. The rationale behind the formulation of God’s will.
3. The scope of God’s will.
4. The articulation of God’s will.
5. The language attempting to describe God’s will
PAULINE ATTEMPT TO EXPOUND “GOD’S WILL”
Realising the complex problems that could arise, Paul sought to establish and emphasize a number of significant features. Among others, four may be highlighted:-
1. Deep forethought behind His will
“Before the foundation of the world…”
Ephesians 1:4
2. A Goodwill that undergirds
“The good pleasure of His will…”
Ephesians 1:5
3. Grace in its deepest form
“The riches of His grace…”
Ephesians 1:7
4. Revelation of God
“Having made known to us the mystery of His will…”
Ephesians 1:9
5. Centred in Christ
“In Christ Jesus… In the Beloved”
Ephesians 1:1, 6
REVEALED BY THE SPIRIT
Let us not get discouraged in our efforts to study “God’s Will”. In a letter to the Corinthian Church he offered comforting words. God will enlighten our understanding through His Spirit.
“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God…
Now we have received… the Spirit who is from God,
that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”
1 CORINTHIANS 2:10, 12B