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Ephesians 1:11 – His Free Will

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Will

In Him, in whom we also obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Truth to Learn

All of the aspects of our salvation have come about because God determined them of His own free will.

Behind the Words

The word translated “we … obtained an inheritance” is klēroō. Literally, it means “to cast lots.” By application it means “to allot” or “to assign something.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense (a completed action in the past) and the passive voice (something done to the subject). Thus, it refers to something that was allotted to us; that is, an inheritance which was assigned to us at a point in time in the past.

“Being predestined” is from the Greek word prooridzō, which we saw back in verse five. There we learned that it means “to establish or determine something beforehand.”

“The purpose” is from protithēmi, meaning “something put in place beforehand.”

The word “works” is from energeō, which means “to be active, to make something happen, to do something, or to work.”

The phrase “the counsel of His will” is from tēn boulēn tou thelēmatos autou. The two key words are boulēn, meaning “a wish or a desire” and thelēmatos, meaning “a determination.” We could paraphrase this as “The desire of His determination.” Thus, this expression indicates something that God determined to do simply because He wanted to do it.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse two we noted that the content and meaning of these verses is sort of like drinking from a fire hose. Paul has packed a lot of doctrine (teaching) into each of these verses.

Here he tells us that “In Him,” that is, in Christ, we obtained (past completed action) an inheritance from God. This is not something that we earned, but something that is freely given to us simply because we have been adopted into God’s family (see verse five). Paul also tells us that this inheritance (our adoption), our redemption, and the forgiveness of our sins were all put in place beforehand. All of this goes back to His choosing us before He created anything. This is the point in time (actually before time) when God determined the plan of salvation and set it in place. For those of you who believe that we can somehow lose our salvation, how can we possibly lose something that God put in place before the world was created?

The last phrase of this verse is a powerful statement of how our God operates. It says that God does everything He does simply because He wants to. He is not constrained to do anything. Nobody can force or even entice God to do anything. So what Paul is telling us here is that the entire plan of salvation, from His choosing us, to His adopting us, to His paying the ransom for our sins, to His casting our sins far, far away, to granting us an inheritance, is all done simply because He wanted to do it. In other words, God did not do all these things because we chose to believe the gospel message and get saved. That would be us telling God what to do. The entire plan of salvation is all His doing and only His doing.

Application

As hard as it is for many of us to believe, our salvation is all God’s doing. That shouldn’t make us complacent, it should make us eternally grateful and humbled before Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will! Praise God!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:9 – Lord Over All

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Will

having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

Truth to Learn

God is completely sovereign. He does according to His own will.

Behind the Words

The words “having made known” are from gnoridzō, which means “to make known” or “to certify.” It is expressed here as an explanatory participle tied to the phrase “which He made to abound toward us.”

“Mystery” is a transliteration (a word from one language spelled with the letters of another) of the Greek word mustērion. There are two trains of thoughts on the derivation of this word. Some believe that it is based on the verb muō, meaning “to shut the mouth.” Thus, it is something kept secret. Others believe that it is based on the verb mueō, meaning “to initiate;” that is, “to learn a secret.” Therefore, both schools of thought see mustērion as meaning “something kept secret.” In the New Testament it always refers to a truth which has previously been kept secret but that is now revealed.

“Will” is from the Greek word thelēma, which we learned back in verse five means “a determination” as opposed to “a desire.”

The Greek word translated “purposed” is protithēmi, which is made up of pro, meaning “before, in position or time” and tithēmi, meaning “to place.” It is expressed here in the middle voice (action done by the subject to itself.) So, protithēmi literally means “to set before oneself.” By application it means “to purpose” or “to determine for oneself.”

Meaning Explained

In the opening verses of this letter Paul proclaimed a blessing on God because He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing, He chose us before He created anything, and He predestined us to be adopted into His family. All this, we learned, was done to showcase God’s marvelous grace, through which we have redemption and forgiveness. Now he tells us that through this grace God makes known to us a truth about His will (His determined plan). He calls this truth a mystery.

The Apostle Paul talks about mysteries no fewer than seventeen times in his New Testament letters. These mysteries include: the mystery of the rapture (1Corinthians 15:51), the mystery of Israel’s spiritual blindness (Romans 11:25), the mystery of the gospel message (Romans 16:25, Ephesians 6:19, Colossians 4:3), the mystery of the church being the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:32), the mystery of Christ indwelling presence (Colossians 1:26, 27), the mystery of lawlessness in the end times (2Thessalonians 2:7), the mystery of the faith (1Timothy 3:9), and the mystery spoken of here. So what is this mystery of God’s will? Paul tells us more completely in Ephesians 3:3-6 where he says: “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel.”

Why has He revealed the truth of this mystery to us? Paul says it is simply because God thought it was a good thing to do; therefore, He decided to do it.

Application

This is yet another example of God’s sovereignty. God is not constrained to do or not do anything. He acts as He determines to and is answerable to no one. He is Lord over all!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:5 – Holy Adoption

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Will

having predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Truth to Learn

Not only has God chosen us, He also has adopted us.

Behind the Words

“Having predestined” is the translation of the verb prooridzō. The first half of this compound word is pro, meaning “before in time or place.” The second half is horidzō (from which we get our English word horizon), meaning “to mark out or create a boundary,” that is, “to establish or determine.” Therefore, we see that prooridzō means “to establish or determine something beforehand.”

The phrase “adoption as sons” is from huiothesia, which is made up of huios, meaning “son” and a form of tithēmi, meaning “to set in place.” Huiothesia, therefore, refers to the action of establishing a person as a son, not by natural birth but by legal action.

“Good pleasure” is from eudokia, which is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and a form of the verb dokeō, meaning “to think.” Thus, eudokia refers to “good thoughts.” It stresses the freedom of an intention regarding what is good. Thus, it could be translated as “good intent” or “kindness.”

The word translated “will” is thelēma, indicating a determination. It is one of two nouns translated “will.” The other is boulēma which implies a desire. Therefore, we can translate the end of this verse as “… according to the good intent of His determination.”

Meaning Explained

The expression “having predestined us” is grammatically tied to “He chose us” in the previous verse. Thus we see that in eternity past, when God chose us (to be holy and without blemish), He also predestined us. That is, before time began God also established ahead of time (pun intended) that we would be legally adopted as His children. One exciting thing about this is what Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans:

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery again to fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption by which we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, also heirs, truly heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, (Romans 8:15-17a)

Because God chose us, He also adopted us, making us legally his children and heirs to all that He has. This adoption has two aspects. Presently, we Christians are God’s children, having access to our Father and the spiritual riches He has bestowed upon us. The future aspect is alluded to in Romans 8:23:

And not only so, but also we ourselves having the firstfruit of the Spirit, also we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly expecting the adoption, the redemption of our body.

As adopted children, God will one day provide for us a perfect, heavenly body.

Finally, we are told that He has done this according to His own determination, which He is pleased with. It is not legally required of Him, even by His own righteousness. He did it simply because He wanted to do it.

Application

Thank you, God, for choosing me and for adopting me into your heavenly family. In gratitude I offer all that I am and all that I have to be used to bring glory to your name!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Corinthians 1:1 – Commissioned Preacher

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Will

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Truth to Learn

We have a commission from our Lord to make disciples.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “called” is the noun klētos. It means “one who is called, invited, welcomed, or appointed.” It is not a verb, that is, Paul is not saying that he is “referred to as an apostle,” but that he is an “appointed apostle.”

“Apostle” is transliterated (a word of one language spelled with the letters of another language) from the Greek word apostolos. It is made up of apo, meaning “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send.” Thus, literally apostolos means “one who is sent away.” It refers to those disciples of Christ who saw Him personally and were sent away to preach the gospel message.

Thelēma is the Greek word translated “will.” When used of God it expresses “what God Himself does of His own good pleasure.”

“Sosthenes” is a proper name which means “of sound strength.” He was a ruler of the synagogue in Corinth.

Meaning Explained

This letter is identified in our Bible as the first one sent to the Corinthians. It appears, however, that there was a previous letter sent to them from Paul (1 Corinthians 5:9), though it has never been found. The writer immediately identifies himself as the Apostle Paul. As pointed out in the introduction, there is little doubt that this letter was sent by him, and a number of the early church fathers have attributed this letter to him in their own writings.

Paul refers to himself as “a called apostle.” Throughout the ages there have been many who have identified themselves as apostles, but in Scripture only those who have been sent in person by our Lord are identified as apostles. In fact, Paul makes it very clear that he did not simply give himself the title of an apostle, nor was he given that title by other members in the church. He was appointed as an apostle by the determined will of God Himself. His commission from God was to preach the gospel, and he tells us later in this letter:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

A careful reading of the eighteenth chapter of Acts will reveal that Sosthenes was the second ruler of the Jewish synagogue who was converted by Paul’s preaching. Crispus was converted first (Acts 18:8). Later, after Paul’s trial before the proconsul Gallio, Sosthenes (also called the ruler of the synagogue) was taken and beaten by the Jews. This man is now identified by Paul as his companion in writing this letter to the believers in Corinth, and he is identified as a brother in the Lord (a Christian).

Application

We are not all apostles, but we have all been given a commission from our Lord to make disciples, to baptize those who believe, and to teach all things concerning our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:19, 20). This commission binds us to our duty just as much as Paul was bound to his. Woe to us if we do not make disciples and teach God’s truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:10 – A Fine Line

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Will

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between showing love and enabling the laziness of others.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we commanded” is parangellō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “with” and angellō, meaning “to declare a message.” It is used in a military sense of “relaying an order from the commander from one soldier to the next.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense, which implies past, continuous action.

In the New Testament there are three Greek conditional clauses. The first class condition assumes that the condition is true. The second class condition assumes that it is false. The third class condition makes no assumption. The expression “if any will not work” is a first class condition. Therefore, it is assumed that there are some who have determined not to work.

“Will” is from the Greek verb thelō, which means “to determine as an act of the will.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Eat” is from esthiō, meaning “to consume food.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

Meaning Explained

Having written about how unselfishly he and his associates have behaved toward the Thessalonian Christians, Paul now turns his attention towards the members of the church. Apparently, there were people there who refused to work. We’ll learn more about then in the next verse. Instead of working, these people depended on the church to provide for them. Having to work hard for food is a result of the curse. Remember what God told Adam and eve after the fall?

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)

Apparently, the problem of people being disorderly and lazy had existed in the Thessalonian church from the beginning. Paul tells us here that he and his associates passed on a command from our Lord that anyone who can work but refuses to work must not depend on others to feed them. These Thessalonians were also very likely familiar with several of their own philosophers, including Homer, Demosthenes, and Pythagoras, who all declared that lazy people should not be provided with food from those who are industrious.

Keep in mind, there is a difference between those who cannot work and those who will not work. This church had a problem with people who would not work. Christians should always be kind and generous to those who cannot work. In fact, if we truly love our Christian brothers and sisters, we will (as we quoted in yesterday’s verse), “each … look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” But, if we provide the daily needs for others who can work but refuse to, we are only enabling their laziness.

Application

As with many teachings in the Bible, there is a fine line between showing love to others and enabling the laziness of others. We should all be generous toward others, but we must also see that everyone does what they can by working hard.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 4:3 – It’s Very Clear

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Will

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

Truth to Learn

Christians are to avoid all sexual impurity.

Behind the Words

“Will” is translated from the Greek noun thelēma, which is one of two Greek words translated “will.” The other word is boulēma. Both words indicate a desire or intent to do something, but thelēma also implies combining the desire with action. Thus, we often refer to thelēma as God’s determined will and to boulēma as God’s desirous will.

The word translated “sanctification” is hagiasmos, which is based on the verb hagiadzō, meaning “to sanctify.” To sanctify something means to set it apart from common usage to usage devoted to God. Thus, sanctification carries the meaning of being set apart or separated. Sanctification and holiness are often used interchangeably, both indicating separation from sin and dedication to God.

The words “should abstain” are from the Greek verb apechomai, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Thus, apechomai means “to hold off from” or “to hold oneself back from.”

“Sexual immorality” is translated from porneia (from which we get our English word pornography). This word is based on the verb porneuō meaning “to commit any sexual sin” or “sexual immorality.”

Meaning Explained

“What is God’s will for my life?” This is a question that many Christians ask early in their walk with God. While attending a Christian college years ago, I encountered many students asking that same question. I remember one student, not knowing which direction to turn, stating that he was going to just sit and “wait on the Lord,” not making any decision until he knew for sure what God wanted him to do. Fortunately, a wise professor said to him, “It is much easier to turn a ship that is moving than one that is sitting still.” In other words, “Step out on faith and God will guide you by His spirit.”

Sometimes our Father-Guide makes His will very clear, while at other times we have to seek His face in prayer, not knowing if we are going the right direction, but trusting that He will tell us if we are going the wrong way. In today’s verse we are told that God’s determined will is that we be sanctified (set-apart). God has determined that we will be set apart from sin and from the world system. Ultimately He will accomplish that determination when we are glorified in His presence. Until then, however, we are told that there are certain things He desires us to do as we walk the pathway of Christian life. We have a responsibility to be obedient and take the right path.

One of those paths is made very clear in today’s verse. We are to hold ourselves back (separate ourselves) from sexual impurity. The Christian walk is composed of many choices. When we choose, we have to decide whether we will follow our own desires, or take the path He desires for us.

Application

God is very clear on this one. If you are unmarried, stay away from all sexual activity. If you are married, enjoy it, but only with your husband or wife. No if’s, and’s, or but’s!

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:17 – God’s Will?

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Will

Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to understand God’s will.

Behind the Words

“Be” is translated from ginomai, which primarily means “to begin to be” or “to become.” It implies a change of state from one condition to another.

Aphrōn is the Greek word translated “unwise.” It is made up of the negative particle a and a form of phrēn, meaning “understanding.” Thus, the word aphrōn literally means “without understanding.” It is variously translated as “unwise, foolish, mindless, ignorant, or stupid.”

The word “understand” is from the Greek verb suniēmi, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and hiēmi, meaning “to send.” The root meaning of suniēmi, therefore, is “to put together,” that is “to understand or comprehend.”

“Will” is translated from thelēma, which is derived from the verb thelō, meaning “to will,” “to purpose,” or “to determine.” There is another word translated “will” in the New Testament. It is boulomai, meaning “to be disposed or to intend.” It does not indicate that action is taken regarding the decision, whereas thelēma is resolved and is acted upon. God’s will is almost always referred to as thelēma, because He always does that which He determines. Man’s will, however, is expressed in the New Testament as boulēma. Thus, we can think of thelēma as determined will and boulēma as desirous will.

Meaning Explained

We are to be imitators of God, loving others as Christ loved us. We are to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness, forsaking any close fellowship with others who do such things. We are to allow the light of God to shine through us. We are not to allow the comforts of this world and the allure of sin to lull us to sleep. Instead we are to wake up, getting up from among those around us who are spiritually dead and taking a good look at the way we are living our lives. We shouldn’t live like those who are ignorant of God. Instead, we should make the most of every day because the world is full of evil.

Therefore – we should not be ignorant of God’s will for our lives. Instead, we should learn what God’s will is. How can we know what God’s will is for our lives? Paul told the Christians in Rome to do several things to know God’s will:

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)

We need to offer our bodies (our lives) on God’s altar, allowing Him to use us however He wants. We need to resist conformity to the world around us. We need to be mentally transformed by consistently reading and studying His word. If we do these things, then we will know God’s will for our lives.

Application

Knowing what God wants from us takes a lot of commitment and dedication. If Jesus was willing to learn and do God’s will, how can we do any less?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 1:11 – His Free Will

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:11 – His Free Will

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Truth to Learn

All of the aspects of our salvation have come about because God determined them of His own free will.

Behind the Words

The word translated “we have obtained an inheritance” is klēroō. Literally, it means “to cast lots.” By application it means “to allot” or “to assign something.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense (a completed action in the past) and the passive voice (something done to the subject). Thus, it refers to something that was allotted to us; that is, an inheritance which was assigned to us at a point in time in the past.

“Being predestined” is from the Greek word prooridzō, which we saw back in verse five. There we learned that it means “to establish or determine something beforehand.”

“The purpose” is from protithēmi, meaning “something put in place beforehand.”

The word “works” is from energeō, which means “to be active, to make something happen, to do something, or to work.”

The phrase “the counsel of His will” is from tēn boulēn tou thelēmatos autou. The two key words are boulēn, meaning “a wish or a desire” and thelēmatos, meaning “a determination.” Thus, this expression indicates something that God determined to do simply because He wanted to do it.

Meaning Explained

Back in verse two we noted that the content and meaning of these verses is sort of like drinking from a fire hose. Paul has packed a lot of doctrine (teaching) into each of these verses.

Here he tells us that “In Him,” that is, in Christ, we obtained (past completed action) an inheritance from God. This is not something that we earned, but something that is freely given to us simply because we have been adopted into God’s family (see verse five). Paul also tells us that this inheritance, our adoption, our redemption, and the forgiveness of our sins were all put in place beforehand. All of this goes back to His choosing us before He created anything. This is the point in time (actually before time) when God determined the plan of salvation and set it in place.

Application

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Ephesians 1:9 – Lord Over All

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:9 – Lord Over All

having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

Truth to Learn

God is completely sovereign. He does according to His own will.

Behind the Words

“Will” is from the Greek word thelēma, which we learned back in verse five means “a determination” as opposed to “a desire.”

Meaning Explained

Why has He revealed the truth of this mystery to us? Paul says it is simply because God thought it was a good thing to do; therefore, He decided to do it.

Application

This is yet another example of God’s sovereignty. God is not constrained to do or not do anything. He acts as He wants to and is answerable to no one. He is Lord over all!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to:

Ephesians 1:5 – Holy Adoption

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Will

Ephesians 1:5 – Holy Adoption

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Truth to Learn

Not only has God chosen us, He also has adopted us.

Behind the Words

The word translated “will” is thelēma, indicating a determination. It is one of two nouns translated “will.” The other is boulēma which implies a desire or a purpose.

Meaning Explained

The expression “having predestined us” is grammatically tied to “He chose us.” Thus we see that in eternity past, when God chose us (to be holy and without blemish), He also predestined us. That is, before time began God also established ahead of time (pun intended) that we would also be legally adopted as His children. One exciting thing about this is what Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans:

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, (Romans 8:15-17a)

Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

As adopted children, God will one day provide for us a perfect, heavenly body.

Application

Thank you, God, for choosing me and for adopting me into your heavenly family. In gratitude I offer all that I am and all that I have to be used to bring glory to your name!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, send an e-mail to: