The Will of God

Posted on January 16, 2017 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Over the years, I have had people ask me how to know if you are in the will of God. One of my long-time mentors was Dr. John Cawood, who was a popular conference speaker and a professor at Philadelphia College of Bible.

Doc used to say “If you want to be sure you are in the will of God, first start by doing what the Bible already says is the will of God for your life.”

Today as I was meditating on our theme verse, I had one of those ‘AHA’ moments. You probably already have figured this out. The New Testament is filled with dozens of things that are God’s will for our lives. In fact, as I read through the Bible this year, I want to be even more aware of those statements made about HOW THEN SHALL I LIVE?

Paul wrote: “And WHATEVER you do in word or deed, do ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17

Or this one: “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

“Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Before we even get to the BIG PICTURE areas of life in determining God’s will, whether it be where you work or serve or other big decisions you need to make, there is already so much about the implied will of God for daily victorious Christian living.

One aspect of how we live is how we live for, care for and serve one another. This is part of God’s will for our lives.

There are 59 “one another” passages in God’s Word that help us define HOW WE LIVE:

• Be at peace with each other. (Mark 9:50)
• Love one another. (John 13:34)
• Be devoted to one another. (Romans 12:10)
• Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)
• Live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:16)
• Stop passing judgment on one another. (Romans 14:13)
• Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you. (Romans 5:7)
• Instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)
• Have equal concern for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:25)
• Serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)
• Be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
• Forgiving each other. (Ephesians 4:32)
• Admonish one other. (Colossians 3:16)
• Make your love increase and overflow for each other.
  (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
• Encourage each other. (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
• Don’t grumble against each other. (James 5:9)
• Pray for each other. (James 5:16)

That’s just a couple. Pretty direct? Very clear. A good guide to help me understand HOW WE THAN SHALL LIVE.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Dr. Bill ….

Written by Dr. Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 10 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

The Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 8-11 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me.” Dwight L. Moody

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. Psalm 71:23