Dear Friends,
This week we are going to focus on the Greek word θέλημα (thelēma). This noun is translated as “will,” in Matthew 6:10 (KJV): “ Thy kingdom come, Thy ‘will’ be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” But what precisely does “thy will be done” mean?
The Amplified Bible adds a helpful footnote to Matthew 6:10: “Thy will be done… Including what God wishes to be done by the individual believer—His commands and precepts.” God’s will is spelled out in His Word.
The Contemporary English Version suggests that Jesus was looking to a future time, when God’s kingdom would be established on Earth. “Come and set up
your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you, as you are obeyed in heaven.”
The International Children’s Version puts it simply, “We pray that what you want will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.”
But isn’t God in charge? Why isn’t what he wants automatically done? In Jeremiah, doesn’t God compare himself to the potter working with clay? “…can I not do to you as this potter has done to his clay? As the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.”
The problem is there is a conflict of wills. God gave mankind the freedom to choose, and there are times when our human will may be in opposition to God’s will. Even Jesus felt this conflict, but he chose to obey. “Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 (NIV)
There is also the fact that the will of the devil stands in direct opposition to the will of God. We may make light of temptation—talking about the angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other—but the devil is real. Failure to follow the truth found in the Bible leaves us vulnerable to the devil’s trap.
In Second Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote about the role the devil:
“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants (thelēma). 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (NLT)
Romans 12:2 tells us, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good, and perfect, and pleasing.”
Scripture for the Week: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20a (NIV)
Best wishes,
Your Friends in Christ
Because He Loves Us Press 