the lords will.

Tim Keel from Jacobs Well had this to say on Sunday about the Lord's will. It has completely rocked my thinking.

Ephesians 5: “Be very careful then how you live. Not as unwise but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil, therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the lords will is.”

What is the Lords will? The Lord doesn’t have a will for whether you marry this person or that person, take this job or that job, live in this city or that city. That’s not what God’s will is about. That’s a pagan way of understanding the Lord’s will. Greek pagan people would go to the temple of the seer (oracle) and they would flip a coin into the deal and whichever way it would turn out you would say, “Lord do you want me to do this or do you want me to do you that?” That’s the pagan way.

The only time the Lord’s will is ever used in the New Testament is in regard of you being in Christ Jesus. You want to know what the Lords will is? Jesus Christ in your life. After that, have wisdom. That’s why maturity is so important. Then whether you turn to the right or you turn to the left, we read in the prophet Isaiah, you will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”

So what is the Lords will for you? (Ephesians 5) verses 18-20 “Do not get drunk on wine.” Why? Because you’re being animated by the spirit. Do not get drunk on fear. Do not get drunk on anxiety. Do not get drunk on news, which leads to debauchery. Instead “be filled with the spirit that manifests itself in this way; speak to one another with palms, hymns and songs.” Soundtrack! Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord! Go through your life singing and making music to the Lord! That’s Gods will for you! Amen?

What is the music playing in the background of your life? You live the way you listen. How are you using your time? What is filling and animating your life? –Tim Keel

The entire sermon audio if you want to hear more: http://www.jacobswellchurch.org/sermon_audio# Sept. 11, 2011