Knowing What God's Will Is
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles, uncategorizedA querist asks, “A man is reading his Bible, wanting to know what God’s will is. In what way is this man to know God’s will?”
Some teaching methods Jesus used in communicating His will to man, was the use of example, necessary inference, statement, and command.
For example, when He wanted to teach about humility, He set an example of one way in which it could be demonstrated (John 13:1-17). He used necessary inference when teaching important truths about Himself (Matthew 22:41-46). When talking about entering the kingdom, our Lord made a simple statement (John 3:3-5). And when giving the Great Commission to the apostles, He gave commands (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
In like manner, the inspired writers of the New Testament urged the following of examples (cf. Acts 20:35; Philippians 3:17); taught by necessary inference about the priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 7:11-17); made a statement about what baptism does for us Gal. 3:27); and gave commands regarding disciplinary action (2 Thessalonians 3:6) and baptism (Acts 10:48).
In using examples, necessary inferences, statements, and commands, God communicates His will to us in the same way we communicate our will to others. Therefore, understanding God’s revelation and establishing authority for religious practices should pose no difficulty to a man who truly desires to know and do the Father’s will (cf. Acts 8:26-39).
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