“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” – John 7:17 (KJV)
“Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.” – John 7:17 (NLT)
“Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own.” – John 7:17 (MSG)
What Does John 7:17 Mean?
This verse from John 7:17 invites us to reflect on the relationship between our willingness to do God’s will and our ability to discern truth. The message here is profound. If we genuinely desire to follow God, we will be able to understand His teachings and recognize what comes from Him versus what is simply human opinion. This theme is not just a call to action; it is a promise that aligns our hearts with divine truth. Such a willingness is a precondition for knowing and understanding. It beckons us to align our desires and actions with God’s purposes, suggesting that our readiness to obey God allows clarity and understanding to unfold in our lives.
Our exploration of this scripture compels us to acknowledge the importance of being open and receptive to God. The act of doing God’s will, whether that involves serving others, trusting His guidance, or living out biblical principles, positions us to gain insight. Love, sacrifice, humility, and obedience become the lenses through which the teachings of Jesus are revealed and understood. There is an intimate connection between knowing God’s truth and our actions. By living out our faith, we not only express our love for God but also pave the way for a more profound understanding of His will and teaching.
John 7:17 Explanation and Commentary
We often find ourselves wrestling with questions about truth, purpose, and moral direction. What we notice in John 7:17 is that deep within each of us lies a desire for understanding. Yet, this desire must be accompanied by action. We cannot expect to embrace divine wisdom and preach God’s love if we are unwilling to align our lives with His commands. This verse challenges us to live out our faith authentically. What does it mean to do God’s will? It involves seeking a relationship with Him through prayer and reading scripture, ensuring that our hearts and attitudes align with His teachings.
Moreover, acting on God’s will often requires courage and conviction. When we step out in faith, we encounter experiences that broaden our understanding of God’s character and purpose. We gain insights from situations we might never have understood without taking the initial steps of obedience. Let us remember the stories of biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and Ruth, who acted on God’s guidance despite uncertainty. Their willingness to obey propelled them into the fullness of God’s plans for their lives and taught them critical lessons along the way.
This verse also highlights the relational aspect of knowing God. It underscores that relationships with Him and with His truth are not simply intellectual endeavors. They involve participation and experience. To know God is to be in a community of faith where we gather, pray, share, learn, and grow with one another. We find clarity and understanding as we engage with His word together, fostering our collective journey and deepening our faith.
It’s essential for us to surround ourselves with so many positive role models and mentors in our spiritual journey. They challenge us but also encourage us in our pursuit to live according to God’s will. By observing their lives and the fruits of their faith, we gain a deeper appreciation for how God’s will is lived out practically. Hence, we are not merely passive observers but active participants in God’s purpose.
This verse doesn’t just call us to know; it points us toward a life rich with action. As we engage in service, compassion, and love for others, we discover more profound truths about ourselves and God. Our actions give us clarity, directing us continually toward understanding God’s will.
Context of John 7:17
To appreciate the depth of John 7:17, we must place it in context. The backdrop of this verse occurs during the Feast of Tabernacles, where various opinions about Jesus were circulating among the people. Some hailed Him as a prophet, while others considered Him a mere teacher. As crowds gathered to seek answers about his identity, Jesus boldly spoke in the temple, addressing their doubts and misconceptions. His presence stirred excitement and confusion.
In this context, Jesus presents an invitation to discern His teachings genuinely. His assertion directs the focus away from mere human accolades or assumptions to a higher truth rooted profoundly in God. Standing at the crossroads of various opinions, He emphasizes that the foundation of understanding is not based on human accolades or acceptance but rather on aligning one’s heart and actions with God’s will. It’s a clarion call inviting us not only to listen but also to act in manners reflective of our commitment to His teachings.
The implications are significant for us as believers. The reality is our faith is not a passive belief system; it calls for active engagement and obedience. We need to consider the world around us and lest we forget, we live in a society rife with conflicting ideologies where truth is often challenged. In a world clamoring for our attention and dictating truth, we can find our clarity in doing God’s will. Our choices and actions reflect our relationship to Christ and, bit by bit, influence our world.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 7:17
The verse begins with, “If any man will do his will.” This phrase implies a voluntary action. It’s a remarkable choice we all have — the choice of whether or not to act according to God’s will. When we choose to align ourselves with God’s purposes, we begin to open the floodgates for understanding. It reflects a heart posture of surrender and commitment. It calls us to reflect inwardly and ask ourselves: Are we truly willing to prioritize what God desires above our selfish pursuits?
The next part states, “he shall know of the doctrine.” The term “doctrine” refers to teachings or principles. As we navigate life, we often seek guidance or insights for the decisions we face. Knowing God’s doctrine is not simply about memorizing scripture but embodying the principles that derive from it. It teaches us that understanding grows from our commitment to act according to God’s teachings, allowing us to develop a cohesive worldview.
The final phrase, “whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself,” affirms that discernment will develop as we align with God’s will. Jesus draws a line exploring the source of wisdom. We can seek validation from our worldly understanding or lean into the divine wisdom God provides. Here lies the crux; are we willing to let God’s truth guide us away from our assumptions and biases? It encourages us to align our hearts with Jesus in our quest for truth, freedom, and wisdom.
Lessons to Learn From John 7:17
As we reflect on John 7:17, several key lessons emerge. The first lesson involves the importance of willingness. Being open to understanding God’s will requires us to cultivate a heart of humility. We must set aside preconceived notions and desires to embrace divine guidance. Our journey of faith invites us to surrender our desires and navigate life through a lens that affirms God’s will, reminding us that joy often arises from selfless acts of obedience.
Another valuable lesson from this verse is the interconnectedness of action and knowledge. Knowing the truth of God’s will is closely linked to our willingness to rely on Him. It is one thing to acknowledge God with our words and an entirely different matter to act on that acknowledgment. We realize that knowledge is not merely an intellectual exercise but something that transforms our lives. When we embrace God’s teachings, we uncover divine truths that guide us in our everyday lives.
Furthermore, we learn that discernment develops through our experiences, relationships, and involvement in the community of believers. In our collective faith journeys, we can support, uplift, and challenge one another to seek clarity in a world filled with conflicting definitions of truth. The church serves as a vibrant community where we learn and grow together as we earnestly pursue God’s will.
Lastly, we find comfort in the understanding that God desires a relationship with us. When we are intentional about doing His will, we can rest assured that He will reveal His truth. We can hold onto the promise that God meets us where we are and invites us into deeper intimacy with Him. This journey is about connection, love, and a desire to understand the heart of God.
Final Thoughts
In closing, John 7:17 offers a profound picture of the connection between our desires, actions, and understanding of God’s teachings. It prompts us to consider how willingly we engage with His will in our lives. As we navigate the challenges of faith, we must acknowledge that obedience opens the door to wisdom and understanding. We can take comfort in knowing that God’s truth is accessible to us as we prioritize His will above our own.
As we continue to learn and grow, let’s encourage one another to act in ways that reflect our commitment to God’s teachings. We can partner together and support one another in pursuing His will wholeheartedly. If you feel moved to explore other related scripture, consider reading about the context in John 7:12 or explore the teachings of guidance and discernment found in Numbers 13:13. May we continue to deepen our relationship with God and stand firm in our pursuit of living out His will.