Will of God 2023

For 2023, we used a set of verses from I Peter for targets.  

Consider:

I Peter 4:1-2, Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

The opening words push us back to truth previously declared which is: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 3:18.

Jesus suffered for others while remaining sinless per the will of God and it is God’s will that we do the same.  We are charged to have the same mindset which is to live a pure life willing to be used by God as His ambassadors which might mean suffering.

So, what is the will of God?

Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 1:13-17.

From these verses we drew out five ideas about God’s will for His followers:

#1 Be Ready to declare and defend your beliefs – NIV: “prepare your minds for action”!

Prepare!  For action!  Know what the Bible teaches and be ready to stand for and speak for its truths.  Have an answer, a defense ready for every man who asks, I Peter 3:15.

Prepare for action!  Why is action coming?  Because you are living differently than the world – no longer consumed by its glamor and offerings.  No longer chasing the things of the world – its fame, money, power, prestige or happiness.  No, you are different!

You have ceased from the old life of sin, of disobedience, selfishness, anger, rebellion and greed which yet mark the world.  No, you are “odd”, “weird” – different – Christ-like!  The just amidst the unjust (3:18)!

So, be wise about God’s truth and not fooled by the world (be sober).  [Pulling down strong-holds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, II Corinthians 10:3-5].

Also, live in excitement for the next life when the fullness of grace will be experienced (hope fully in a future with Jesus).

Live pleasing to God which will be different than the world (obedient and holy).  Live as did Jesus!  [Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, Mark 6:20.]

Lastly, live amazed, taken and adoring of God and live in a fearful reverence of God knowing that every thought, word and deed will be judged.

So the will of God is that His followers:

Be Ready, Be Wise, Be Watching, Be Obedient, and Be Fearful!

So, back to point #1 – be ready to declare and defend God’s truths!

He [Apollos] vigorously refuted the Jews publicly showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ, Acts 18:28.

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one, Colossians 4:6.