If Any Man Will Do His Will

In John 7, Jesus stood in the Temple teaching those that were there. Jews began questioning how He could teach since He had not been formally trained as a Rabbi. Jesus’ first words of response are important to us today.

First, He asserts that His teachings weren’t His own, but that they had come from God (John 7:16). In a world where new ideas are popular and exciting, it is important to consider the source. If it doesn’t come from God, it doesn’t matter. If it does come from God, then we MUST listen and obey.

Second, Jesus tells us the key to knowing what is from God and what is not. “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” (John 7:17) A genuine desire to do what God wants, no matter the cost is key.

If we truly want to know God’s will and obey it, then we will check every teaching against Scripture, and study the Scriptures to make sure we have the correct understanding of what we read.

If we don’t truly want to know God’s will, then w will be satisfied with teachings that make us comfortable. So the question is, what is your true desire?