Today was Week 100 of Rightly Dividing the Word of truth…our study / overview of Paul’s epistles to believers in this dispensation of the grace of God. In Philippians 1:12-13, Paul intimates his understanding of the will of God and the plan of God.
Philippians 1:12-13: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
Being the apostle to the Gentiles, he clarifies the will of God, along with Peter’s help. The will of God is spiritual, and is the same for everyone – be conformed to Christ. This is a lifelong journey of personal sanctification, regardless of your profession. This is also known as God’s directive will.
- God’s will is that we be saved – 2 Peter 3:9
- God’s will is that we be thankful – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- God’s will is that we be good citizens – 1 Peter 2:13-15
- God’s will is that we live holy lives – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
- God’s will is that we serve with pure motives – Ephesians 6:5-8
- God’s will is that we use our time wisely – Ephesians 5:15-17
- God’s will is that we live transformed lives – Romans 12:1-2
In contrast, God’s plan for your life is physical – where you live and what you do. Paul knew God’s plan for him would take him to all points of the Roman empire from Israel to Italy. He would be in the presence of royalty, and get acquainted with many of the local prisons in his destinations. God’s plan for each of us is very different from one another, but His will remains the same – be conformed to Christ.
Romans 8:28-29: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
God exercised his permissive will in Paul’s life, after Paul was warned several times, In Acts 21, not to go to Jerusalem. Paul disobeyed the Holy Spirit, exercising his own free will, going to Jerusalem, and was arrested. His disobedience ultimately found him in Rome, in Caesar’s house, and in bonds. He wound where God wanted him, but the way he went to Rome was different than God planned for him.
Philippians 1:20-24: According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.