Category Archives: God’s Will

Bible, Disobedience, God's Will, Hate, Hatred, Scripture

HATERS OF GOD

ROMANS 1:30

“slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,”

I have known some people who truly hated God. They blamed Him for every bad thing that happened to them. They couldn’t love a God “that allowed that sort of thing.” The fact of the matter is, we were all haters of God until we came to salvation. Living lives opposed to His law makes us haters, according to Scripture. I could have taken any one of the words mentioned in today’s verse, but this one really explains them all.

Paul says these individuals he has been discussing for the past several verses were indeed “haters of God.” The word for “haters” is theostygḗs and is used only here in Romans 1:30. HELPS Word studies says it is “derived from theós, ‘God’ and stygeō, ‘abhor’ – properly, to abhor God (His will). This rare term refers to people who totally turn against the Lord.” A person who fits this category is capable of any of the words mentioned in verse 29 and 30.

APPLICATION

In John 3:20 Jesus says this about these haters of God. “‘For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light, so that his deeds will not be exposed.’” Darkness is used to try to hide our behaviors. I can name all kinds of sin that are done in the cloak of darkness. But God sees through the darkness, does He not?

Jesus tells us in John 7:7, “‘The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify about it, that its deeds are evil.’” When we expose the deeds done in the darkness, the evil will come against us with fangs bared and snarling. Our ministry has seen that all over the world as we have taught men how to come out of the darkness and live in the light. The haters of God do not want this. They want to keep us enslaved to our sins and in their camp as haters of God.

In one more verse from John, Jesus warns us in John 15:18 that, “‘If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.’” Don’t be surprised if you get called names and attacked for living a godly life. Don’t be shocked at the behaviors of others, even some in the church who are living according to God’s will, when you confront their sin. We have a responsibility though to share the truth and let God do the convicting. Their hatred of Him does not surprise Him, nor does it lessen His love for them. We should respond likewise.

Father, allow me to be Your vessel in this ongoing battle against those who hate You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Goodness, Proven, Scripture, Testing

DIDN’T SEE FIT

ROMANS 1:28

“And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper,”

I like that phrase in today’s verse, “did not see fit.” Sometimes I just don’t see fit to do certain things. Maybe I have no interest in it, like crocheting or swimming with sharks (yikes). Maybe I don’t have extra time so I “don’t see fit” to take on an extra task at the moment. As I pondered this verse, however, I discovered that the Greek word for this phrase has a much heavier meaning.

Paul uses the Greek verb dokimazo, which according to HELPS Word studies means “(to approve by testing)” and “is done to demonstrate what is good, i.e. passes the necessary test. Dokimázō does not focus on disproving something (i.e. to show it is bad).” That changes the whole meaning of the verse, doesn’t it? It was not that these individuals Paul has been discussing didn’t get around to acknowledging God. They did not allow God to prove His goodness to them.

APPLICATION

Dokimázō is used in Romans 12:2 which says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” I just love that verse. We show the goodness of God in His will. That’s not hard if we just submit to Him.

Over in 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul uses the word again. “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not intending to please people, but to please God, who examines our hearts.” Look at that again. God approves us and thereby gives us His gospel to share with others. What a blessing and responsibility.

We should be about showing the goodness of God every day. We should live out that Greek word used here, dokimázō. That should be our goal every day. Proving the goodness of God isn’t hard. Just show people what God has done in your life. Boy, I could talk for ages about that. Even through the hard times, God’s goodness shone through. Prove God good today!

God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me!

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Desires, Fire, God's Will, Godliness, Scripture, Ungodly

OUT OF CONTROL

ROMANS 1:27

“and likewise the men, too, abandoned natural relations with women and burned in their desire toward one another, males with males committing shameful acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.”

It seems every year we see reports of wildfires that burn out of control. Many of these are started by lightning strikes that ignite dry vegetation. When fueled by strong winds, these fires can burn hundreds, if not thousands of acres of land, including homes and businesses. Uncontrolled fires cause a lot of damage. So do uncontrolled passions, as we will see today.

Paul continues the thought began in verse 26. Both males and females were “burning” in their passions for the same sex. The resulting carnage from these choices, Paul says, is they were “receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.” Let me repeat what I said yesterday. This sin confronted by Paul here is no worse than other sins we commit that go against God’s Word. All sin has consequences. Paul is truly addressing the fact that disregard of God’s truth leads to uncontrolled passions and desires that lead us astray.

APPLICATION

The Greek word used here for “burned” is only used here in the New Testament. It means to inflame deeply. The Topical Lexicon says this about ekkaiō. It “depicts a fierce, consuming flame of emotion rather than a literal fire. The picture is of desire ignited from within until it blazes out of control, suggesting both intensity and inevitability once the spark is lit.” Can’t you just see that wildfire?

I am reminded of James 3:6. “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” The idea of the ungodly passions burning is the same. This is indeed a deceit of the evil one. He wants to distort the godly and make it ungodly.

For any fire to end, it must be confronted with a force to extinguish it. For ungodly passions to be extinguished, they must be confronted with truth. The washing with the water of the Word will put out these wrong fires. God’s Word will extinguish any sin in our lives if we will live by it. It has the power. It will purify us and wash away the stain of sin. Are you washing yourself with the Word today?

Father God, wash me today with the water of Your Word so that I can walk with You unashamed and holy.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Faith, God's Will, Obedience, Scripture

THE OBEDIENCE OF FAITH

ROMANS 1:5

“through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name,”

The ultimate witness of the love a child has for their parents is their willingness to obey. Obedience shows their faith in what their parents are teaching them. They may not always agree with their parents, but they obey them because they love them. Chances are somewhere down the road they will realize their parents only want what is best for them. I realize not all children have great parents. In fact, some have really bad parents. In that case, they must obey God the Father and trust that He has a plan for their lives to make things better.

Paul uses a phrase in today’s verse which caused me to take pause. What did he mean by “obedience of faith”? Scholars vary in their interpretation of this phrase, but all would agree that real faith is not present unless there also exists obedience. Paul uses the same phrase again in Romans 16:26. Paul knew real faith required obedience. Just take a look at his own journey of faith. That really required obedience on his part to believe and trust God to sustain him through shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonments and even a stoning. Obedience of faith was more than just a nice sounding phrase for Paul. It was his walk.

APPLICATION

Let me ask you to think about moments in your life when you had to step out on faith and obey. I can recall several times in my ministry when God was calling my wife and I to do something that didn’t make a lot of sense. We moved several times in our ministry. I truly believe each and every time we moved, God was directing us. Some of those moves were hard, but we went believing He was directing us and was requiring obedience.

The Greek word for “obedience” is hupakoé and literally means submission to what is heard. True obedience requires more than just hearing God’s voice. It requires doing what He says. I think about Jesus in the garden right before He was betrayed. Do you remember His prayer? He prayed if there was another way for the Father to accomplish His Will. He didn’t want to suffer and die an agonizing death of a cross. Who wants that?! But He knew the choice was clear. Only His obedience on that cross would pave the way for mankind’s redemption.

Are you struggling with a decision right now regarding something you know the Lord is telling you to do? Join the club. We’ve all been there. But, if you want to show the “obedience of faith” to the Faithful One, yield your will to His. Submit to what you have heard Him say to you. Trust He is able to see you through, in this life or the one to come.

O Lord, sometimes it is hard to obey when I want my way. Crucify my flesh today and help me yield my will to Your Will.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Obedience, Sacrifice, Scripture, Willingness

WOULD YOU BE WILLING?

PHILIPPIANS 2:21

“For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”

I have been asked to take on tasks or even positions which I did not want. Sometimes I would grudgingly do it, and other times I would politely decline or make some excuse. When it comes right down to it, most of us would decline a dangerous and lengthy task if it was voluntary. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We have all done that.

It seems from today’s verse that Paul had asked others, besides Timothy, to make the trip to Philippi. Remember, this journey would have taken 3-6 months one way. For someone to give up a year of their life is asking a lot. Many scholars believe this may have been the beginning of the withdrawal of some of Paul’s followers that he writes about in 2 Timothy. But Paul could depend on Timothy. He was willing to sacrifice his life for Paul, if necessary.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “seek” here is the same word used in Matthew 6:33 where we are told by Jesus to seek first the kingdom of God. If these other people who were asked by Paul to go to Philippi had been seeking first His kingdom, they would have made every effort to go. I am not implying they were in sin for not going. It’s just that we seem to seek after ourselves more than Him.

In Luke 19:10 Jesus says, “‘For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.’” Jesus never considered seeking to please Himself. He always sought after the things of the Father and came to seek the lost. Shouldn’t that be what we are seeking after also? When we are asked by the Lord to take up impossible tasks, we do it knowing He will enable us.

Are you willing to do whatever the Lord asks? Sure, Carl. I’ll do anything. Oh really! How about selling everything you own and moving to a third world country? Well, I didn’t mean anything. I am not pointing fingers. We all have our reservations about going and doing, don’t we? Just ask yourself this question – Are you seeking to please self or God? That should be pretty obvious.

Father God, I confess that I normally seek to please myself rather than You. Give me the humility and strength to seek Your will in all things.

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Bible, God's Will, Pleasing, Pleasure, Scripture

HIS GOOD PLEASURE

PHILIPPIANS 2:13

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.”

Some people are people pleasers. They will do just about anything to make people happy. That may seem like a great character trait, but it isn’t. You can’t make anyone happy. You can offer them things or do things in which they can choose to be happy. But you don’t have the power to make them happy. Only they can choose that.

Why do I bring that up? Because God is NOT a people pleaser. Look at today’s verse. Paul plainly says that God does the things He does in our lives for His good pleasure, not ours. He makes Himself happy. Have you ever thought of that? Our job is to do the things that we know will give Him pleasure, things that are according to His will. The Greek word for “good pleasure” is eudokia which “underscores the idea that God’s actions towards humanity are motivated by His benevolent will. It reflects the notion that God’s purposes are inherently good and aimed at the well-being of His creation. This term also highlights the relationship between divine favor and human response, as believers are called to live in a manner that aligns with God’s good pleasure.” (Topical Lexicon)

APPLICATION

We see this same word used in Ephesians 1:5 which reads, “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will.” And then just a few verses later, Paul says this in Ephesians 1:9, “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him,” You see, God does what He does for His good pleasure. It pleases Him to show us mercy. It pleases Him to adopt us as His children. Why wouldn’t we want to please Him?

Jesus recognized this also. In Matthew 11:25-26, He says, “…‘25 I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for this way was well pleasing in Your sight.’” God does what He does according to His own desires and delights. And everything He does has our best interest in mind. Hallelujah!

Today, as you go about your business, do what you do to please the Lord who always has your best in mind. It pleases Him to bless us. We, therefore, should seek to please Him with holy living and pure hearts. Amen?

Lord, I want to please You because I know You are always seeking to satisfy Your desire to bless me. Thank You, Father.  

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Bible, Confession, God's Will, Praise, Prayer, Scripture

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

PHILIPPIANS 2:11

“and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

They say confession is good for the soul. What do you think? I try to stay “confessed up” about my sins. Every morning as I begin my prayer time I confess any known sins in my life. I confess any wrong words or deeds. I confess any wrong or impure thought. I ask forgiveness for anything I may have done that is not pleasing to the Lord. Only then do I begin my prayers for others. I want the slate clean.

The Greek word used by Paul for “confess” is a compound word. It’s “eksomologéō (from ek, ‘wholly out from,’ intensifying homologéō, ‘say the same thing about’) – properly, fully agree and to acknowledge that agreement openly (whole-heartedly); hence, to confess (“openly declare”), without reservation (no holding back).” (HELPS Word Studies). Did you catch that? It means to FULLY agree with God.

APPLICATION

Interestingly, this word can also be translated as “praise.” It is used that way in Luke 10:21 when Jesus is talking to His Father and says, “‘I praise You, O Father.’” Jesus always agreed fully with His Father. He said as much when He said that He only spoke the words His Father gave Him. John 12:49-50 says, “49 ‘For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’”

Wouldn’t it be wise for us to do the same? Our sins are known to the Father. He knows all and sees all. So, just agree with Him about your sins and confess them. Agreeing with God is not so hard. It does take humility and recognizing that He is God and you’re not. Right?

The same word is used in James 5:16 where we are told to “confess your sins to one another.” Now, that is hard. Be careful to whom you confess, though. They should be a trusted brother or sister in Christ and have your best interest at heart. Confession to another is an act of accountability and we all need that. So, today get all “confessed up.”

I confess to You today, O Lord, all my sins and transgressions against You and others. Please forgive me.

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Bible, Creation, Glorify, God's Will, Purpose, Scripture

BY HIS HANDS

COLOSSIANS 1:16

“for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” 

Creation is such an amazing event. We read in Genesis how the Lord spoke everything into existence and then reached down and formed man with His hands. He breathed into him the breath of life. No one evolved into existence. Everything that has ever lived on this earth was the result of God’s interaction. Today’s verse reminds us of this.

Paul took the time to expound on the life we have in Christ. Jesus was there at the very dawn of creation. He was involved in creation. I just love the last phrase of this verse – “all things have been created through Him and for Him.” We not only were His creation. He created us for Himself. Wow! God wanted to make me just like I am. You have heard the expression that God does not make junk. Amen to that. You are special to Him because He chose to create you.

APPLICATION

Barnes speaks of this verse and says this, “the assertion is, that the ‘creative’ power of Christ was exerted on ‘all things.’ It is not in reference to angels only, or to men, or to Jews, or to Gentiles; it is in relation to ‘everything in heaven and in earth;’ that is, to the whole universe.” That kind of covers it, don’t you think?

Why should we, the creation of God, ever doubt His creative work in us? He has made us for a purpose – for His glory. Therefore, all that we do should give glory to Him. So, let me ask you a question. Do you do that? Are you giving Him glory in all that you do? Or are you complaining because your nose is too big or that you are too tall or too short. Remember, God doesn’t make any junk.

Give praise to Him today for creating you in your mother’s womb. Give praise to Him today for making you just like He wanted to – warts and all. Sure, we can all do things to take care of ourselves physically. We can improve our health. But God made you to give Him glory. And if He did that, He expects you to do that.

Father, You are the great Creator. It is You who have made me to glorify You.

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Bible, God's Will, Scripture, Understanding, Wisdom

ALL FILLED UP

COLOSSIANS 1:9

For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” 

This time of the year being “all filled up” has the connotation of being stuffed with turkey, ham, cornbread dressing and pumpkin pie. When is the last time you ate until you were too full? I have learned as I have gotten older to limit what I eat at a meal. My wife and I often will split a meal when we go out to eat. We just don’t want to get “all filled up” and be uncomfortable.

Paul was not talking about eating in today’s verse when he said he was praying for these Colossian believers to “be filled.” No, he was asking the Father to fill them with “the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” That is a good filling. That is a filling worthy of seconds and thirds. That is a filling that we all need on a daily basis. Let’s break this down a bit.

APPLICATION

First, Paul prays they are filled with the knowledge of His will. The Greek word used here for “knowledge” is epignósis. Strong’s Lexicon states that it “refers to a deep, thorough, and precise knowledge. It implies a full understanding or discernment that goes beyond mere factual awareness. In the New Testament, it often denotes a spiritual or moral insight that is granted by God, particularly in the context of knowing Christ and His will.” In other words, Paul didn’t want them to know about God’s will. He wanted them to fully know God’s will.

Then he further defines his prayer. He wants that knowledge to include “all spiritual wisdom.” What does that mean? Paul gives a thorough teaching on God’s wisdom and worldly wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. Let me just pull out one part of one verse. In verse 20, Paul says, “Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?” In today’s verse, Paul is praying for spiritual wisdom. He prayed specifically. We should too.

Finally, Paul prays for “spiritual…understanding.” Okay, this is where the application really begins. Paul is praying that they not only know God’s will and have godly wisdom, but that they also know how to apply this as mature believers. That’s the idea of this word “understanding.” It’s one thing to know something, but it’s another thing to know how to use that knowledge wisely. That is what Paul is praying. Again, we should pray for the same.

O Lord, give me that same spiritual wisdom and understanding of Your will for my life today.

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Abundance, Bible, Fruit, God's Will, Gospel, Scripture, Unfruitful

FRUIT BEARING

COLOSSIANS 1:6

“which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth;” 

Trees that don’t bear fruit often meet a fatal end. The farmers can’t afford to have a tree take up valuable land and nutrients if isn’t producing fruit. There are so many stories in the Bible about fruit bearing. Jesus told several Himself. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells this parable. “6 And He began telling this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, “Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?” 8 But he answered and said to him, “Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.”’”

The Greek word Paul uses for “bearing fruit” is karpophoreó. Strong’s Lexicon says karpophoreó “is often used metaphorically to refer to the visible results or outcomes of a person’s life or actions, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. The term implies productivity and the manifestation of inner qualities or virtues.” Just as God expected Israel to bear fruit (the image of the fig tree in the parable), He expects us to do the same.

APPLICATION

But Carl, I’m not a preacher. Nobody said you had to be a preacher to bear fruit. Our verse today says the gospel will itself bear fruit, if we will just share it. You don’t win a soul to heaven. God does through the Holy Spirit. You are simply the tool He has chosen to use. If you didn’t realize it already, God still uses people to accomplish His will.

This word karpophoreó is used eight times in the New Testament. Four times it is used in the Gospels (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20, 28; Luke 8:15) where Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. Paul uses it twice in Romans (7:4, 5) referring to the battle between law and grace producing fruit for life or death. Then finally we have the last two occurrences in Colossians (1:6, 10). We will see verse 10 in a few days.

Why am I telling you all this? Because fruit bearing is important. Take a minute and read John 15. Look at how the vine and branches are meant to produce fruit. We are the branches designed by God to produce fruit for His kingdom. Share the gospel. Share His Word. Tell someone about Jesus this Christmas season and watch how God will produce the fruit.

Forgive me Father, for not being more bold in witnessing about Jesus. Use me to produce fruit for Your kingdom.

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