DOES GOD HAVE 3 WILLS?

Monday 16 September

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Have you ever wondered what this passage actually means? I have over the years. Some say it indicates that there are 3 wills of God. Others believe that not every Christian is operating in one or all of these categories. If you read your Bible through the words of your native language, you will most likely miss the true meaning. Let’s take a closer look.

Firstly we should observe the word ‘brethren’ in verse 1. This tells us to whom it is addressed. In this case, the church in Rome. In our case, it is a letter by Apostle Paul inspired by the Spirit. We should take note therefore that those who are unsaved do not have the wherewithal to follow these spiritual instructions.

This leads us to the idea that the good, acceptable and perfect will of God only exists within the parameters of Christ. If we are in Christ, we have the ability to operate in these ‘3 wills of God’.

Now what if I told you that they are not actually 3 levels of the will of God, but 3 descriptions of 1 will of God. Let me explain.

The word ‘kai’ which is the conjunction ‘and’ in between good and acceptable and perfect will in this context is ‘therefore’. It could also be interpreted here as ‘even’ or ‘which is’ or ‘that is’. When you paraphrase the verse it shows you something remarkable. “That you may prove what is that good, therefore acceptable, therefore perfect will of God!

Let’s go a little further. The word good in Greek is ‘agathos’ which means well and beneficial. The Greek word for acceptable is ‘euarestos’ meaning well pleasing and fully agreeable. ‘Teleios’ in Greek means completeness, maturity and finished. In summary, God’s will in Christ is good and beneficial, well pleasing and acceptable, complete and finished.

Let me assure you, God’s will for your life are all these descriptors, however we must be born again to ‘prove’ or allow these qualities in our spirit to permeate into our minds and bodies. Part of all this, is keeping out or disallowing anything that is contrary to the will of God. Time to outwork His good, acceptable, perfect will from within into your life, health, finances and future. This is His will.

APPLICATION

Recognise that the will of God is only found in Christ Jesus and that your oneness with Him causes you to make choices and decisions that are aligned with His perfect will.