InstaStudy

The Unfolding Counsel of His Will

An exploration of God's sovereign purpose and how all things are orchestrated according to His singular, divine counsel, revealing His eternal plan and our place within it.

1. The Singular Source of All Counsel

1.1 The Oneness of God's Being and Will

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6; Malachi 2:10
  • There is one God, and His will is unified and indivisible.
  • His counsel originates from His singular, eternal nature.
  • Any manifestation of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is the one God acting in different capacities, not separate persons.

1.2 Jesus Christ: The Manifestation of God's Counsel

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9; Isaiah 9:6
  • Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily, the visible expression of the invisible God.
  • His words and actions are the direct counsel of the one God.
  • He is both the Father (in spirit) and the Son (in flesh), embodying the singular divine will.

1.3 The Holy Spirit: The Spirit of His Counsel

Verses: John 14:16-18; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the one God, the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
  • It is through His Spirit that God's counsel is revealed and empowered in believers.
  • The Spirit's guidance is always in perfect alignment with the singular will of God.

2. God's Eternal Purpose and Design

2.1 Creation According to His Sovereign Will

Verses: Psalm 33:6, 9-11; Proverbs 19:21; Revelation 4:11
  • The universe was brought into existence by the singular word and will of God.
  • His counsel predates creation, establishing its purpose and order.
  • All things exist for His pleasure and according to His predetermined design.

2.2 Redemption: The Centrality of His Counsel

Verses: Ephesians 1:7-10; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:28
  • God's plan for salvation was established in His counsel before the foundation of the world.
  • The atoning work of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God's redemptive will.
  • Through repentance, water baptism in Jesus' name, and receiving the Holy Spirit, believers are brought into His redemptive purpose.

2.3 The Church: Called by His Purpose

Verses: Ephesians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:47
  • Believers are chosen and called according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will.
  • The church is the body of Christ, united by the one Spirit, fulfilling God's ongoing plan on earth.
  • Our individual callings and gifts contribute to the singular purpose of God's kingdom.

3. Aligning Our Lives with His Counsel

3.1 Seeking His Counsel Through His Word

Verses: Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Joshua 1:8
  • The Scriptures are the primary revelation of God's will and counsel for our lives.
  • Diligent study and meditation on the Word are essential for understanding His purpose.
  • His Word provides wisdom and direction for every decision and circumstance.

3.2 Submission and Obedience to His Will

Verses: Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:7; Matthew 7:21
  • True alignment with God's counsel requires a complete surrender of our own will to His.
  • Obedience is the practical demonstration of our trust in His perfect plan.
  • Living in submission brings peace and fulfillment, knowing we are in His divine order.

3.3 Trusting in His Sovereign Guidance

Verses: Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:6-7
  • Even when circumstances are unclear, we can trust that God is working all things according to His good counsel.
  • His plans for us are for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope.
  • Anxiety is replaced by peace when we rest in His unfailing wisdom and control.