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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 4

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God."

Text: Ephesians 1:1

THE WILL OF GOD

Many use this phrase “the will of God” quite freely. How does one determine what is “the will of God”? That there is some danger when this term is misused is very obvious!

However, the danger of abuse of the phrase should not mean that one must abstain from its rightful and proper use. Paul certainly used this phrase with a great sense of purpose. How may this phrase be judicially understood and utilized?

USEFUL LEXICAL CONTRIBUTION

This word comes in two forms. An understanding of the lexical contribution would be helpful in understanding what Paul meant when he used the phrase “will of God”.

1. The Verb form

In its verbal form suggests the exercise of one’s will. (Thelo= “to wish” or “to will”).

2. The Noun form

The word as a noun (thelema= “will”) simply expresses the carrying out of that determined will. The words complement each other.

3. Meaning of the phrase “The will of God”

Paul’s apostleship was an act of God’s will! In His sovereign right as Lord, He determined that He would make Paul His apostle. He had so desired and determined it. Graciously, He carried out that will in Paul’s life. This was essentially the way Paul understood and employed the phrase “the will of God”.

Would there not be danger of misappropriation of this phrase? What is there to stop anyone from applying this phrase to his own personal life and circumstances?

FORESTALLING THE DANGER OF ABUSE

There are certain built-in safeguards that prevent outright abuse of the use of the phrase, “The will of God”.

1. The Invocation of God’s Name

Whenever one employs the phrase, “The Will of God”, he invokes the very name of God! No truly God-fearing man would risk taking the Lord’s name in vain.

2. Credentials must be presented

If a person claims to be “an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God”, he would have to present his credentials to all who demand them! Paul proved his apostleship through the many signs and wonders God performed through him.

3. Confirmatory proof

Paul did not merely claim apostleship as the will of God. He gave proof after proof that he was indeed God’s apostle to the Gentiles! His outstanding success as an apostle of Jesus Christ was unquestionably the most powerful proof of his divine appointment from God.