..that you may know, do, and accept God’s Will..
October 5, 2008 (Sunday)
Paul prayed for the Christians of his day, and often reminded them of it. He mentions that in his letter to the Colossians (Col 1:9-14). He wrote, “since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.” What was his prayer?
1. That you may know God’s will. He prayed that they might understand God’s will (vs 9). The will of God is a constantly recurring subject for the sincere Christian. We need wisdom to discern His will, to know what it is that He wants us to do. We need to have a spiritual understanding of His will, and pray like Jesus did, “Not my will, but yours, be done.”
2. That you may do God’s will. Spiritual matters are just ideas without form until we actually do something. Doing God’s will means living a life worthy of the Lord (vs 10),
bearing fruit for Him and seeking to please Him in every way. Growing in our Christian life is the result of many things, but it always includes practical application of spiritual truths. We learn by doing.
3. That you may accept God’s will. God called Jonah to go to Ninevah and preach there. Jonah, instead, boarded a ship headed in the opposite direction. God captured him and persuaded him that obedience was the only safe course. After preaching in Ninevah, Jonah was still rebellious, regretting his actions. He knew and did God’s will, but did not accept it. Acceptance of God’s will creates strength for endurance (vs 11) and patience (vs 11). Acceptance of God’s will brings joy and thanksgiving (vv 12-14).
This is the prayer we should offer for others: “that you may do God’s will, please Him by living for Him, joyfully thanking Him for His forgiveness in Christ.”