“The Counsel Of His Own Will”

Ephesians 1:9-12

9) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Prologue

I

t is important that we remember that nothing in the natural world can harm, hurt or confuse the spiritual being. When we are "moved," it is an indication that one is "processing" things as a human being and not a child of God.

Message

When we read this type of scripture, we are aware that nothing about this life is a function of the individual. We are made aware that all things "work" after the counsel of the will of God. That "will" of which we speak means that God gets exactly what He wants.

For too long, God has been presented to the Church as a type of "glorified Santa Claus." While much is made of the blessings and privileges available to one who serves the Lord, little is said of the responsibility inherent in service or the fact that blessings become available to those who belong to Him. Because of this, we have a generation of "churchgoers" who will pray to get from God what they desire, but who feel little responsibility toward Him.

That is why this scripture becomes so important. You see, we must accept that the things of God (what He puts into motion) do occur "by the counsel of His own will" rather than by anything that we do. This means then, that we have nothing to do with the things of God.

Somewhere along the way, we have forgotten that we are God’s servants, He is not ours. One who is a servant is bound to his master as long as he is his "possession." That being the case, we will be forever servants.

Our joy should be in the fact that we have an opportunity to serve Him. Why, then, are the people of God so often unhappy? Because our "instruction" comes in the form of that which we are not to do because of who and Whose we are.

Salvation is the exact opposite of life in the flesh. What we need to understand is that as humans, we are destined to hell from the moment we breath our first breath. Because the Lord knows this, He grants us salvation that an otherwise "worthless" life can be redeemed from that worthlessness and given back to accomplish miracles in Him.

What do we really think is going on when we do as we want and believe that we are still saved? If the inclinations of the flesh are what necessitate that a man be saved, how then, could that man accept salvation, yet be required to live no differently?

People are being told (over "perverted pulpits") things that "tickle the fancy" as opposed to being instructed in salvation. This perpetuates the belief (in much of apostlicism) that there is "justification" for being "human" (that is, one can indulge in any of the fleshly appetites and attitudes and God "understands.") Not only is this sad, but it is tragic, as well, for it is completely against all that God stands for.

Often, "real" saints of God accept a problem upon seeing "pseudo" saints of God profess allegiance to God while doing as they please. Granted, some "real" saints of God are reluctant saints, therefore, when anyone or anything can be used as an "excuse," it will be.

True saints of God are few and far between for several reasons. First of all, unadulterated salvation is not being taught because it is hardly known. Secondly, the devil makes sure that those who have a desire remain as confused as possible, largely through the type of situation mentioned above.

The people of God have "sat the fence" for too long. The standard set in place (by God) in the scripture and established in the church in the beginning has been "bastardized" to please the flesh until in effect, it no longer exists. The Church has worked so hard at making "people" happy that it has lost sight of its purpose.

The definition of salvation as illustrated in and by Jesus Christ is that to be saved, one must give up one's own desires. This is the only way to do as God commands.

With all of the distractions, discouragements and "dangers" facing the true servant of God, today, if one will be saved, he will have to be "tough" and able and willing to "stick to his guns."

We have developed all sorts of problems about having to "put up" with things on our jobs, in our homes and at our schools. We seem to feel that salvation is a ticket to "flower beds of ease." Now, what we need to consider is" "Where better for a light to shine than where darkness dwells?" Indeed, how much "new" light is able to shine through established light? As in any situation, to make the greatest impact, one must enter the greatest problem.

If we have come this far to accept "the counsel of His own will," then along with that counsel to be "dead to the flesh," we must also accept that we must live for Him. Any living that we do now is going to have to be through faith. Accepting what the Lord says to us by faith is what allows us to operate in His strength and it is this strength which will allow us to live in joy and peace.

The "differences" that we detect amongst those who are all supposed to be operating under "the counsel of His own will" are explained by our "divided loyalty." You see, anyone (or any organization or group) loyal to "self' or anything else will hear God's Word and either consider it an "offense" (for not allowing self-centered behavior) or will open themselves to the truth and be delivered.

When we realize what our "responsibility is (that is, total devotion to the Lord), we will make sure that the Word is always accepted by us as deliverance. We can do no less, for once we have heard the Word, we become responsible for doing it. We must also know that disobedience is not rewarded by God.

As we near the end of this age, the Lord is revealing spiritual things to us more and more. He is giving revelation concerning things that we have dealt with for years.

For example, the "Model Prayer" contains the phrase "on earth as it is in heaven." What does this really mean for us? It means that we are to make all on earth as it is in heaven and in heaven, all is spiritual! If we would but do this (that is view our situations as spiritual) we would be opened to new found joy. The joy would be a result of our realizing that Jesus cares enough to get our attention about ourselves and allow us one more opportunity to change—so that we might move

on in Him.

This is what salvation is—learning and moving on. As "things" (time and situations) are moving forward, only the "unproductive" get left behind. But, the Lord is merciful to us in being unwilling to lose anyone.

As we become pliable to "the counsel of His own will," we will be better able to help our young people. e must wake up to the fact that saving them from the enemy is the only hope of the Church of God.

We are losing them in droves because as they look around them, though they do not necessarily see saved people, they see happy people. Since most of the saved people in their lives have problems and complaints, they become attracted to those who enjoy the flesh—because in a word, to them they seem to be having more fun. So, what is our solution? Stop dealing with the church and the commands of God as a "drag." Who would want a life such as this? Is their lack of salvation really surprising?

God offers "the counsel of His own will" to us that we might be free to be used as opposed, to being impeded by the "hassle" of making decisions. But, we must always remember that all He can do is offer. It is up to us to desire peace, harmony, joy and success enough to accept that counsel. n