His Will on Earth
In a recent message, Pastor Drew Shofner, Senior Pastor at The Church at Severn Run, asked us what it means to follow God’s will. There are so many verses such as these that offer insight:
Philippians 2:3-4, 2:19-30
Matthew 6:33
Romans 8:28
John 20:21, 17:23
2 Corinthians 2, 5:11, 5:14-15, 5:18-19
We can clearly see how God’s will is accomplished in the world. These scriptures also highlight the connection to incarnation theology, the belief that God manifests Himself through us – His followers. Paul and John’s messages are clear when they say our lives are a testament to God’s will, and through us, His purposes are fulfilled.
Philippians 2:3-4 sets the stage for understanding God’s will by emphasizing humility and selflessness: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This verse is the essence of living out God’s will through service and love for others. It calls us to set aside our egos and focus on the needs of those around us. When we embody this selflessness, we reflect God’s love and compassion, fulfilling His will on Earth.
Further illustrating this, Philippians 2:19-30 commends Timothy and Epaphroditus for their dedication and service. Paul highlights their willingness to put others before themselves, even at great personal cost. Their lives serve as examples of incarnation theology; they become living representations of Christ’s love and sacrifice. This passage shows how God’s will is carried out through our actions and relationships.
Matthew 6:33 encourages us to “…seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Prioritizing God’s kingdom means aligning our lives with His will, trusting that our needs will be met. This verse challenges us to shift our focus from worldly concerns to spiritual ones. In doing so, we become instruments through which God’s will is realized.
Romans 8:28 reassures us that “…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse offers a comforting reminder that even in our trials and tribulations, God’s will is at work. It’s a testament to His sovereignty and the intricate plan He has for each of us. By trusting in His purpose, we find peace and confidence in His divine orchestration.
John 20:21 records Jesus saying, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” This commission underscores our role as Christ’s representatives on Earth. Just as Jesus was sent to fulfill God’s will, we too are sent to continue His mission. This is the essence of incarnation theology: we are the hands and feet of Christ, called to enact His will through our daily lives.
In John 17:23, Jesus prays, “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” This prayer for unity reflects the heart of God’s will. Our unity as believers is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s love and the truth of Jesus’ mission. It’s a call to live in harmony and reflect His love in our interactions.
2 Corinthians 5:11 reminds us of our responsibility to persuade others of God’s truth, motivated by the “fear of the Lord.” This reverence for God compels us to share His message and live lives that exemplify His will. In verses 14-15, Paul writes, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” Here, Paul stresses that our lives should be a response to Christ’s sacrificial love. This sacrificial living is how we embody God’s will.
Finally, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 speaks of the ministry of reconciliation, a core aspect of God’s will: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” We are entrusted with this ministry, called to be agents of reconciliation, bringing others into a restored relationship with God.
These verses paint a picture of how God’s will is done in the world. They reveal that His will is manifested through our selfless actions, our commitment to His kingdom, our trust in His purpose, our unity, our evangelism, and our ministry of reconciliation. This incarnation theology shows that we are the vessels through which God’s will is accomplished.
These scriptures are an urgent call to action for us – you and me. They challenge us to live lives that:
- reflect God’s love
- prioritize His kingdom
- trust in His sovereign plan
- become agents of reconciliation
By embracing these principles, we fulfill our calling and participate in the unfolding of God’s will on earth.
JG