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God's Sovereignty, Ecclesiastes, and God's Will

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God's will is central to understanding our purpose and responsibilities. It is His will to save us, and we are commanded to submit to it, for failing to do so is sin, which brings death. God has an overriding purpose He is working out, established before the foundation of the world, though not all aspects are revealed to us. Some of His purposes impact us selectively, affecting some but not others. He permits sin within His purpose, as seen with Adam and Eve, whom He did not stop from sinning, making His permission part of His will. Nobody overrides God's will; He is fully aware of all that occurs in His creation and only allows what aligns with His purpose. God does not directly will sin, yet He has designed its existence within His purpose for mankind, without being the author of sin. He has willed that we experience the tragic effects of sin as part of our preparation for His Kingdom. He commands us to choose life and avoid sin, as declared in His Word, which outlines our responsibilities to Him. Not all of His will is fully declared at once; it has been revealed progressively throughout time. To those with His Spirit, God grants understanding of His revealed will, blessing some with insight while withholding it from others, demonstrating His selectivity. God's will often remains secret, held within Himself, including the reasons for calling some and not others. He imparts truth through revelation so we might fulfill our purpose and be like Him, but we are admonished to focus on His clearly revealed will in the Bible, which we must obey to prepare for His Kingdom. Prophecies and events, such as the return of Christ, remain hidden until He chooses to reveal them. As with Israel in the wilderness, God wills paths and trials for our preparation, often without prior disclosure, guiding us through unexpected twists and turns to shape us for His Kingdom. Our responsibility is to live by faith, submitting to what He has revealed in His Word and keeping His commandments amidst life's challenges. God has willed the entrance of sin into His purpose, despite His hatred for it, as a means to prepare us to hate sin as He does and to live eternally in His Kingdom. He ensures that the trials we face are never too difficult, having willed that we can overcome them without resorting to sin. We must patiently endure and follow the path He has chosen, trusting that He knows the end from the beginning and will lead us to His Kingdom.

Seeking God's Will (Part Seven): Conclusion

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's will is central to our transformation from darkness to light, and we are called to conform to it through a lifelong process of sanctification. We are obligated to live as children of light, reflecting the presence of the Father and the Son within us by upholding the high standard of conduct that light represents—the spotless character of Almighty God. This involves being transformed by what we have been given, developing God's character over time with His help, so that His light shines from us as we grow to embody it. Conforming to God's will requires walking as children of light, which means living in a way that proves what is acceptable to the Lord through our actions. By putting God's way of life into practice, we come to understand over time what pleases Him, seeing the blessings and positive results that emerge from this process. This understanding grows as we continue to do what is right, building a record of proof that confirms God's way as the best, fostering confidence in His path through consistent application. Walking in wisdom is also essential to aligning with God's will, moving beyond rote obedience to making decisions that He would approve, even in situations not explicitly covered by His word. We must evaluate circumstances carefully, apply the principles and experiences we have learned, and make wise choices within God's standards. This higher level of living involves thinking deeply, using what God has revealed about His way of life to determine His will in any matter, ensuring our responses align with His character. Emulating God's character traits—holiness, faithfulness, patience, sacrifice, goodness, and forethought—is key to falling in line with His will, as His will is tied to His character. By striving to be holy, faithful, patient, sacrificial, good, and thoughtful in our interactions, we act in ways that God desires, ensuring our decisions and behaviors reflect His nature. God has provided all we need to know and do His will, equipping us with His Spirit, examples, and the promise of help in every situation, so that with thought, prayer, and determination, we can discover and follow His will, no matter the challenge. Finally, we are encouraged to trust God and persevere in seeking and doing His will, with the assurance that He is always with us through His Spirit, providing solutions and support. By pressing forward and cooperating with Him, we have all we need to face life's trials and finish strong, confident in the promises He has made for those who align with His purpose.

Are You Alive to God?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

God's will is central to the transformation of a Christian's life, as it calls for a profound shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. As believers, we are raised with Christ, moving from spiritual death to a new life where we are alive to God. This renewal of mind and heart compels us to align our will with His, focusing on righteousness and true holiness. Our exercise of will is now directed toward conforming to the desires of our Father and Jesus Christ, striving to develop righteous character through self-discipline and choosing the right path. Living according to God's way of life requires us to walk in newness of life, reflecting a changed perspective that values eternity over temporary pleasures. Our decisions, convictions, and actions must demonstrate this new outlook, governed by a desire to glorify God. We are called to grow in grace and knowledge, overcoming the pulls of human nature, the world, and satan's influences, with the help of God's Holy Spirit. This ongoing process of conversion demands perseverance, love, and active service, as we work to produce the fruit of the Spirit and endure trials. Ultimately, our greatest desire as Christians is to draw nearer to God, to be well-pleasing in His sight, and to live in accordance with His laws, which express His will. This transformation is not passive; it requires daily renewal and a commitment to resist sinful desires, giving ourselves anew to God each day. Through this journey, we build holy, righteous character, preparing for the promise of eternal life as we remain faithful to His calling.

The Model Prayer (Part Five): Your Will Be Done

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The prayer's third petition requests, not only that God's purpose be fulfilled, but particularly that the individual follow His will more fully.

The Sovereignty of God (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The purpose of prayer is not to overcome God's reluctance, but to help in yielding to His will. 'Prayer changes things' is only true if it conforms to God's will.

The Reversal of Human Will

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Numerous examples in scripture demonstrate a sudden reversal by God, who overturns the pride of human will, revealing His plans to the lowly and the humble.

The Sovereignty of God: Part Eight

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

If God is manipulating everything in His sovereignty, why pray? What does prayer teach us? Here is why God commands us to come before Him in prayer.

Human Will

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's children should never emulate the self-willed attitude Frank Sinatra's song "My Way" glorifies. Human nature and godly character are polar opposites.

Approaching God Through Christ (Part Six)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The altar of incense in the Tabernacle was designed to create a pleasing odor, representing the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ, which covers our uncleanness.

Unity (Part 4): The Voice of God

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The voice of God, whether expressed through thunder, events of His providence, handiwork of creation, or the preaching of His truth, is recognizable to His flock.

What's Going On Up There?

Article by Staff

Does it seem like your prayers never reach God's throne—that at best they are only recorded on His answering machine? Here is another way to look at prayer.

These Things We Know

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The writings of John contain nine categories of "we know" assertions. Fully knowing consists of developing a deep intense relationship with God.

What Every Christian Must Know

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

I John is a very encouraging epistle, giving us a testimonial of what God has done. It teaches that there are foundational things every Christian must know.

Submitting (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Liberty without guidelines will turn into chaos. We will be free only if we submit to the truth. All authority, even incompetent authority, derives from God.

Spiritual Maturity

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Kingdom parables allude to the process of spiritual maturity, depicting a planted and cultivated seed becoming a sprout, eventually bearing fruit.

Elements of Motivation (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We can become energized and motivated by our high calling and summons to do the will of God, seeing how vitally important we are to God's purpose.

Heavenly Citizenship (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As citizens of the Kingdom of God, we are strangers, foreigners, aliens, or pilgrims to the world, but full-fledged citizens of God's Kingdom.

Love's Emotional Dimension

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Love doesn't become 'love' until we act. If we don't do what is right, the right feeling will never be formed; emotions are largely developed by our experiences.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Fifteen)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Our relationship with God is often strengthened through hardship. We must choose to yield to God, living for a much higher goal than raw materialism.