“Not As I Will”

“Not As I Will”

We believe that Jesus gives aid to the seed of Abraham. “It was as the Son of Man that He said, ‘Not as I will.’ . . . Once a person has learned these four words, it will become a tremendous comfort that Jesus was manifested in the flesh and justified in the Spirit.” This was written by Johan O. Smith.

Now what matters is coming to know God’s will, for example: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16-18.

When we pray, we learn to say: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name (not my name). Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matt. 6:9-10. Here on earth, we receive power through these four words: “Not as I will.”

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin (that comes from self-will) which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:1-2. He began as the author of our faith with the words: “Not as I will,” and He finished in faithfulness, right to the end. Now His body is being manifested on earth—consisting of everyone who keeps these four words: “Not as I will.”

“But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” 1 Cor. 12:18. And now His kingdom is being revealed through the church—just as He pleases. For we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, all who hold fast to the words: “Not as I will, but as You will.”