“…O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39
Dear Ones:
Why has it been said that, “…the will is king in the realm of the Spirit?” It is certainly because the will is not only the mechanism of “choice” given by God, to determine the way in which we are to go, but it is that “resolve” by which the resources of Christ are received, in order to do that which is in accordance with the Father’s will, and purpose. However, there is a problem with the “will,” for there are two very distinct, and different, types.
In John’s gospel, he writes concerning believers being born again: “…which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of he will of man, but of God.” (1:13) Here we have mentioned “the will of the flesh,” and “the will of man.” We find, as opposed to these “wills,” mentioned all throughout the New Testament in particular, the term, “the will of God.” What is the difference between the two? The first part of the answer has to do with the nature of the will, that from which it comes, or emanates. What is the source of it? In the case of the will of the flesh, and that of man, it begins in the heart of sinful, lost, self-centered, and self-dominated man. It has no affinity with God, except as God may influence it by His Spirit, working upon it to accomplish His sovereign design and purpose. The “will of God” has its essence in the person, and heart of God. Scripture tells us that it is “good and perfect,” as is God Himself. The second difference between the will of man, and that of God, has to do with intent, or purpose. Simply put, that which is of man seeks always to glorify, and honor man. It is self-centered, focused upon the things of sinful man. However, that which comes from God, because of its high and holy nature, will have its expression in the exaltation, and the honor of God. It is revealed, and realized, always FOR HIS GLORY. How then does the will of man, become the will of God? Is it possible to span the difference? The answer is NO. But there is a provision of God by which man, though he be sinful, can KNOW and DO the will of God.
In Jesus’ two parables, one concerning “…a piece of new cloth put upon an old garment,” and then, “new wine put into old bottles, or wine-skins,” he makes a clear distinction between the old and the new. There is no compatibility of the old with the new. In speaking of the new birth in John’s gospel, He makes it clear that that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. There is no compatibility between the flesh and the Spirit. Is it so with the subject of the “will?” Yes.
When Peter denied the Lord Jesus three times, it was not that he did not want to do so. He could do no other, considering the weight of spiritual pressure and opposition on him at that time. His “will” gave way. Why did the Lord know this would occur, and speak to him of it? Because Peter needed to see that the “will of God” is different from the “will of man.” So, how does one DO the will of God, as Jesus did?
Paul wrote to the believers in Galatia: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision, but a NEW CREATION.” (6:15) By these words Paul is revealing the starting point, Christ alone, and His finished work. The WELL from which the believer is to drink is Christ alone. To do the will of God is first to KNOW the will of God, revealed by the Spirit, according to the objective truth of His word. Next, only by trusting wholly in Christ, can the power be received to accomplish it.
Dear Father, Teach us Thy way, and strengthen our hearts to believe and obey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad