Pastor A

Philip was a Jew with a Greek name. Historians suggest that he was probably given his name in honor of Philip the Tetrarch, a Greek king who had ruled the region where the disciple was born. Understandably, there had been a strong Greek influence in Philip’s life, and this was to play an important part in God’s will for Philip’s ministry. One Bible passage illustrates this fact:

John 12:20-21, “And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: 21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.“

Was it coincidental that these Greeks came to Philip and not to Peter or John or some other disciple? No. It was a part of God’s plan for Philip’s life. The Gospel was to be shared with all people (Greeks included) and Philip was to be instrumental in spreading the good news throughout the Grecian world. God used Philip’s knowledge and understanding of the Greek culture to accomplish this vital mission. The most reliable records of Philip’s later life show that his ministry was centered in the areas populated with Greeks. The life of Philip is a simple yet significant example of the way God directs His children into His will.

God has a wonderful plan for your life. To say that He does not is to insult His character. It is ridiculous to question whether the God Who so masterfully created and redeemed you would fail to also provide a plan for your life. The simple truth is that the primary reason for your existence is to live according to His plan, which is called, “the will of God.”

Jesus Himself said, “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me.” John 4:34. So, the purpose of your life is identical to the purpose of Jesus’ life – to do the will of God. But perhaps you are confused about how the will of God is revealed. Certainly there are a lot of wrong ideas about this; but it is safe to say that much confusion can be cleared away by understanding the two aspects of God’s will: written and unwritten.

Tomorrow we will have a few thoughts regarding God’s written will.