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Hello everyone,
Well, I should call my email 'LastTracks' this week, as it's Saturday morning as I write! Crazy week, I'm sure many of you can relate.
Last Sunday we launched into part 5 of our journey through the book of Romans. We are now in Chapter 12, where Paul turns his focus to what chapters 1-11 mean in terms of how we actually live. To put it another way, if chapters 1-11 are primarily concerned with the essential doctrine or spiritual truth of faith in Christ, then chapters 12-16 are primarily concerned with the ethics of how this truth is lived out- in the very practical context of our daily lives. Romans 8:1 proclaims that there is now no condemnation for those who are In Christ, and now Paul begins to describe what this magnificent Truth looks like in the reality we engage each day.
SO, with that in place, tomorrow we are pausing to take an in-depth look at the incredibly relevant concept introduced in the second half of Romans 12:2- the topic that has sold innumerable books, sparked debates, and frankly confused believers for centuries- this mysterious thing called God's Will. Except, as I hope to demonstrate, it shouldn't be a mystery. Consider what Paul says (this is from the NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
So, just what does scripture mean by "God's Will?". That's a really good question, but perhaps an even better question is what is not meant by "God's Will?" We'll start tomorrow by looking at some myths (or are they?) that are very prevalent in Christian culture. What do you think? Are the following statements a myth, or part of the miracle, of God's Will at work in our lives?
Myth or Miracle? God has a specific direction and choice regarding our specific life circumstances, direction, and decisions. (Is this job opportunity God's will...)
Myth or Miracle? It is God’s will for us to be circumstantially blessed (financially, health, etc)- we just need to figure out how.
Myth or Miracle? God’s will, will be unlikely, and probably not what we want or would think. (God's will is always going to be different from our will.)
Myth or Miracle? If something doesn’t happen the way we hoped, we should say “it wasn’t God’s will."
Myth or Miracle? God’s will is a mystery, spiritually difficult to discern, and even harder to do.
Myth or Miracle? The God of the Universe, who loves me and knows me, has given His life to me, is in union with me, and by His Will is actively working in me, that I may experience His presence, provision, and purpose through me.
I hope to see you tomorrow! If you aren't able to join with us I encourage you to catch this message online. This is a profoundly relevant and practical topic, and I look forward to exploring it with you.
On the journey with you,
Pastor Ethan
For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
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