Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. A new series of Messages, leading to the celebration of Easter

2. Focus: The Epistle to the Galatians written by the Apostle Paul

3. At Easter

a) We think of the Life and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ

b) This year, we will focus on learning about God’s plan of salvation

c) All that God has allowed to happen in life is “according to the will of God”

d) We will explore the depth of the scope of God’s will in His redemption plan

4. Our Goals for this series of Messages

a) To gain a deeper understanding of the “Will of God’

b) To appreciate afresh the Person and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ

c) To draw a little closer to our Saviour

THE WILL OF GOD AND APOSTLESHIP

1. A study of Paul’s apostleship

a) Paul wrote of being “called to be an apostle”   (Romans 1:1)

b) He described himself as an apostle “by the will of God”   (Ephesians 1:1)

c) This was also declared to the Colossian Church

“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God”   Colossians 1:1

d) He was made an apostle by the “will of God”   (2 Timothy 1:1)

e) He also said that he was made an apostle by the commandment of God   (1 Timothy 1:1)

2. The Significance of this short study

a) The three phrases

i) “Called by God”

ii) “Commandment of God”

iii) “Will of God”

b) They are all closely related

i) The phrase “Will of God” expresses a divine determination

ii) It is a commandment from God

iii) It is expressed in a definite calling

THE WILL OF GOD AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

1. The Will of God was involved in the plan of salvation

a) Who gave Himself for our sins   (Galatians 1:4a)

b) That He might deliver us   (Galatians 1:4b)

c) From this present evil age   (Galatians 1:4c)

d) According to the will of God   (Galatians 1:4d)

2. The Lord Jesus’ Struggle with the Will of God   (Matthew 26:36-46)

a) Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane   (Matthew 26:36-46)

b) Significant words used by the Lord

“O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”   Matthew 26:39

c) Another meaningful reference to the will of God

“O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it,
Your will be done.”   Matthew 26:42

3. The Lord Jesus’ Submission to the Will of God

a) “Not as I will”   (Matthew 26:39a)

b) “But as You will”   (Matthew 26:39b)

c) “Your will be done”   (Matthew 26:42)

d) The human spirit and will
These must be submitted to God

i) It takes faith

ii) It requires wisdom

iii) It requires depth of understanding of the Will of God

APPLICATION OF “THE WILL OF GOD” IN PRACTICAL LIFE

1. Understanding of how we may respond to the Will of God   (Romans 12:2)

a) To yield to the Lord

i) Yielding of the heart

ii) The mind

iii) The spirit

b) As a living sacrifice   (Romans 12:1)

i) In response to the salvation God has given to us

ii) In understanding of how we can serve the Lord in gratitude

c) The Challenge to live out our faith in God

i) This is to be given much consideration

ii) This is a natural desire to the one who understands Justification

2. Understanding the Requirements needed to understand the Will of God

a) It requires Walking in the love of God   (Ephesians 5:1-2)

b) And also Walking as children of light   (Ephesians 5:8-14)

c) Evidenced in Walking circumspectly   (Ephesians 5:15-21)

d) To be carefully studied and understood   (Ephesians 5:17)

CONCLUSION

1. To comprehend the Will of God

2. To comply with the Will of God

3. To constructively plan to live within the Will of God