Rejecting God’s Will

“Not everyoNot everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord'ne who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) It is human tendency to disregard God’s will. The Lord gave us the ability to think for ourselves, to make our own choices, and to set our own goals in life. Sadly, we often use these blessings to reject God rather than to chose him.

The Scriptures portray humanity as a wicked and ungrateful people rejecting God’s will. The apostle Paul wrote, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:21-22) Isn’t this an appropriate description our own society, as people turn to the gods of pleasure, sexual immorality, greed, deceit, and crime? For most people, God’s desires rarely takes priority over their own desires.

What underlies this rejection of God and His will? It’s a philosophy focused on this material world. Sometimes called humanism, this philosophy attempts to justify man’s rebellion against God. It teaches us and our children a distorted values that exclude God and His revealed Word. Religious denominations are also filled with attitudes, teachings, and practices far removed from the will of God revealed in the Scriptures. The sad truth is everyone has been been guilty of rejecting God’s will. In view of this, you and I must go back to the source to understand how God really wants us to live. If you are interested in learning about God’s will, we are offering a free Bible course to help you get started.

 

The Will of God

Not everyone who says to me 'Lord, Lord'Jesus once said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21) The truth of this statement is very clear. It defines a relationship we may have with the great God of heaven and informs us on what basis we may hope to enter heaven with Him. Jesus simply says we must do God’s will to enter the kingdom of heaven.

There is only one God, and there is no other. Long ago Paul the apostle introduced the people of Athens to the true God in this way: “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” (Acts 17:24).

Where are we in relation to the Creator and sustainer of all life? We are His created beings, made in His spiritual and moral image. We are dependent upon Him and accountable to Him. The creation cannot make demands upon the Creator; we can only approach Him on the terms and conditions He desires.

Are we mindful of God’s will? In the next verse Jesus foresees the following situation: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” (Matthew 7:22) This sounds like many modern-day claims, doesn’t it? Jesus continues, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:23)

You and I must become serious about learning and doing God’s will as revealed in His Word. If you’re ready, we are offering a free Bible course to help you get started.


FREE BIBLE COURSE

Call 267-453-8787 or write to Philly Bible Study, PO Box 24038, Philadelphia, PA 19139. The course is also available online at www.PhillyBibleStudy.org/jesus-the-way.