God’s Will VS The Father’s Will
Ephesians 1:9 In accordance with his pleasure, he made known the mystery of his will, which he predestined in himself.
Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
|
Aspect |
God’s Will |
The Father’s Will |
|
Meaning |
God’s eternal purpose according to His good pleasure, centered on Christ. |
The Father’s will carried out in time by His children in the reality of the kingdom. |
|
Reason |
God is a God of purpose who created all things to accomplish His plan. |
The Father desires His many sons to live and act with the Firstborn Son. |
|
Nature / Distinction |
Objective, eternal, universal, related to God’s economy. |
Subjective, experiential, practical, related to kingdom living. |
|
Focus / Content |
Christ Himself — in Christ, for Christ, and unto Christ. |
The practice of Christ — living according to the Father’s will. |
|
Illustration |
A master blueprint or eternal design. |
The actual construction and daily living according to the blueprint. |
|
Explanation |
God’s will is not about daily choices but about knowing, experiencing, enjoying, and living Christ. |
The Father’s will is not verbal confession but actual obedience in life. |
|
Relation to the Kingdom |
The kingdom is the fulfillment and expression of God’s will. |
Kingdom people practice the Father’s will on earth as in heaven. |
|
Relation to Christ |
Christ is the center, content, and goal of God’s will. |
Christ is the pattern and way to carry out the Father’s will. |
|
Example of Christ |
He accepted God’s will as His portion (Matt. 11:28–30). |
He fully submitted to the Father’s will, even unto death (Matt. 26:39). |
|
Mutual Relationship |
God’s will is the source and content. |
The Father’s will is the execution and application. |
|
Turning Point |
God’s eternal purpose revealed in Christ. |
Believers become Christ’s relatives by doing the Father’s will. |
|
Example |
Creation exists for God’s will (Rev. 4:11). |
Whoever does the Father’s will is Christ’s brother, sister, and mother (Matt. 12:50). |
|
Object |
The universe throughout all ages. |
Regenerated believers, kingdom citizens. |
|
Application |
Seek the full knowledge of Christ. |
Obey and live out the Father’s will in daily life. |
|
Burden |
Do not deviate from Christ into religion or philosophy. |
Do not merely call Lord, but practice the Father’s will. |
|
Prophesying Guidance |
Declare: God’s will is Christ as all. |
Call: Walk the narrow way and live by the Father’s life. |
|
Conclusion |
God’s will = Christ and the Body of Christ. |
The Father’s will = practicing Christ in life. |
|
Expanded Scriptures |
Col. 1:9; Col. 2:2; Rev. 4:11; Eph. 1:9–11. |
Matt. 6:10; Matt. 7:21; Matt. 12:49–50; 1 Cor. 6:17. |
Summary (Key Points)
• God's will is the content: it is Christ Himself, in God's eternal purpose and economy.
• The Father's will is the implementation: it is the actual living out and fulfillment of God's will by the people of the Kingdom in their lives.
• The Kingdom is the bridge: bringing God's eternal will into time and on earth.
• The key is not in outward choices, but in inward life—whether one is permeated by Christ.
• Those who truly implement the Father's will are not only disciples of the Lord, but also His relatives, members, and companions.
God's will determines "what is needed"; the Father's will determines "how to live it out."
The content is Christ, and the implementation is also Christ.
*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training, General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7, The Most Important Aspects, Week 9: Implementing the Father's Will So that We May Enter the Father's Kingdom on "That Day," the Day of Christ's Judgment Seat.
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