The Obvious Will of God continued

Thankfulness

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  I Thessalonians 5:18

Giving thanks is not only the will of God, it is also listed as one of the characteristics of a Spirit filled believer in Ephesians 5.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  Ephesians 5:20.


Submission

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:  I Peter 2:13-15.

Does this mean that I should obey the laws of men,….every law?  Obeying the law is God’s will.  Obeying the laws of man is His will.   Why would God expect that?  It is because the powers that be are ordained of God.  When we disobey the laws of men, we despise the powers that God Himself has ordained.  

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.  Romans 13:1&2

If we desire to do the will of God, we should start with the obvious.  The clear statements of Scripture indicating that this particular thing is the will of God must be reckoned with before asking for the finer details.  How are you doing with the obvious?

Note:  When the laws of men oppose the clear commands of Scripture, we should obey God rather than man.  When this occurs, we need to be willing to pay the cost.  This is not an endorsement of violence or civil disobedience.  Obeying God rather than man should be done in godly fear and with godly resolution.

Be sure to go back and read The Obvious Will of God dated October 30, 2017.


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