Not my will, but Thine be done.
Who or what is the centre of your universe? Whatever it might be assuredly it becomes the driving force that influences your life whether realized, or not, because it infiltrates your thoughts, attitudes (mindset), emotions, choices, actions, character, and ultimately your destiny.
Knowing the Difference
Free-Will Doctrine
Before tackling this topic please note that this misleading doctrine has nothing to do with salvation for Scripture clearly teaches that people are saved by grace alone, in faith alone, in Christ alone. According to Pastor John Piper only those who are born again have free will. Since he explains this so well, please keep reading. "This is the way Jesus saw the idea of freedom in John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” And this is the way Paul talks about freedom in Romans 6: “Thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17–18)." In other words, insisting that human will is greater than our Creator's is idolatry and idolatry is sinful. This deceptive thinking creates an allusion of free-will, but there is no freedom outside of living in God's Will, because He always has our best interest at heart. When we walk in the Will of God His children are eternally safe, experience His love through a relationship with God, not religion; furthermore we are protected, and provided for. Read more... Satan (Lucifer) asserted his will because his pride got in the way. As a result, he was cast out of Heaven to earth. Lucifer's pride fueled his rebellious and self-seeking mindset just as Adam and Eve's will when they were cast out of Eden. God does not tell people made in His image to throw caution to the wind and do whatever they see fit, but rather He commands His children to trust and obey Him for His glory, their own good, and for the good of others, the animals, the planet... He shows us right from wrong, He tells us to work out, not for, our salvation with fear and trembling and His sheep (people) hear His voice, and He knows them, and they follow Him. Read more... To conclude, His ultimate truth (Word) sets His people free from their fallen nature ushering us into His marvelous light. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). John Piper (@JohnPiper) is founder and teacher of desiring God.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most recently Why I Love the Apostle Paul: 30 Reasons. |
Obedience Doctrine
Jesus example gives made shows humankind that God wants us to pray for His Will to unfold in our lives, therefore, we are to pray accordingly. Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives - Luke 22:42 …41And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him.… Berean Study Bible · Download Rebellion and resisting God by taking matters into our own hands even when it conflicts with His Word reveals our fallen or corrupt human nature. Before we come to believe in and confess Jesus as Lord and Saviour of our lives this was prevalent, but to those who are being saved the message of the cross it is the Power of God working in and through us to bring forth evidence of salvation and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. The old carnal person's nature known as our flesh is convicted by the Holy Spirit resulting in the gradual changes that foster trust and obedience in God our Saviour. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells and teaches God's people to trust in the Lord with all our heart and to lean not on your (our) own understanding; in all our (your) ways we are to submit to Him,and He will make your paths straight. Trusting and obeying Almighty God is a discipline that His Holy Spirit teaches God's children. God disciplines His children And you (His child) have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father (Hebrews 12:6 & Romans 8:7–8)? |