Matt. 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The premise for this section: When is the will of God done? Consider, is the will of God for mankind to willingly follow God? ...
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Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
The presentation of our bodies as a living sacrifice to God is logical, and is part of proving what is the will of God.
Remember the four artisans (Zechariah 1:20-21) which fray the nations? Is this another example of God working through His people to accomplish His will?
Mountains are as the faithful, yielding to the will of God. Remember faith as a grain of mustard seed?
- Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
- Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, part two.
- The will of God verses the will of mankind.
- To will and to do are two different things.
- How far are we willing to walk in His footsteps?
- Those that have the faith of the Bible do what they 'have in mind', 'will'!
Thy will come into existence on earth as it is in heaven.
Note a possible rendering of ebe donef (1096 in the Strongs numbering system), come into existence. In this case come into existence adds wondrous possibilities to what Jesus is saying, but also leads to a question; why could not the will of God be done on earth as it is in heaven? The answer to this question is freewill, God has given mankind the power to make a choice, therefore mankind, and His servants, do not always do the will of God, and if they do it might not be done as quickly, properly, or lovingly as God would have it done.
Stated another way, what hinders the will of God from being done? Has God limited Himself in His desire to save as many as possible?
The power of God could force people into His service contrary to their will, or instill the will to serve in them; but this is contrary to the nature of God. If the nature of God was to coerce, then why is any of His creation walking in disobedience?
The author is unaware of any instance where God commanded an individual against their will to perform an act, please let me know if this is incorrect. But, ... God has acted to punish individuals after warning them to correct their ways.
Dan. 4:34-37 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.
God did act upon Nebuchadnezzar, after warning him first. But God did not remove Nebuchadnezzars ability to think for himself, or to act according to his own will before or after being turned into a beast. Was the greatest sin of Nebuchadnezzar that he did not give God the glory?
It seems that God has limited Himself in dealings with mankind, generally and for now. Odd to consider that the stubbornness and hard heartedness of some is a gift of Godfs grace, that God allows mankind to continue contrary to His will, still God in His mercy has tolerated much wickedness from His own people, His children. God does not force/impose His will on us, which shows the greatness of God beyond the comprehension of mortals; the love of God is evident that He allows us to find Him and His way.
When our Savior Jesus Christ, the son of man said, 'thy will be done'; was He saying 'it is the end of the will of mankind'? And, if mankind is not doing according to their will what are they doing? ... Mankind is doing the will of God, willingly; putting God first in all things.
Remember that the second part of the Lordfs prayer shows that God has the priority over mankind, God should be first in our thoughts and not ourselves. If the will of God is done on earth then come Lord Jesus ... meaning that the will of God is the earth being ruled in Righteousness through His Son Jesus Christ, this is the will of God's people.
Therefore, the coming kingdom of God is the end for the plans of mankind, or the will of mankind.
Will (Matthew 6:9) = 2307 thelema {thel'-ay-mah} Meaning: 1) what one wishes or has determined shall be done ...
... and mankind does not like this. Why should the will, or plans, of mankind be forsaken for the plans of God and Christ Jesus? What about us? What about me? The plans of some are simple, to be able to read a book, pursue a hobby etc.; while the plans of others are complex, owning and managing large corporations, or to influence nations thereby influencing the world. But however harmless, or otherwise mankindfs plans/will are, it will be Godfs will/plans that is done.
Mk. 8:34-38 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
The word will in Mark 34:34 & 35 is the same as Revelation 22:17 referenced below, and carries the same implications; to will, have in mind, intend.
Ask yourselves what do you have in mind? What are your intentions regarding the Father and the Son? Are you serious about this marriage (Matthew 25:1-13), and its associated obligations? Are you prepared to give up your life as an individual in order to make this relationship work?
Verse 34: The path to follow is in the footsteps of Jesus, is it our intention to follow Jesus? If it is our will/intention then we must deny ourselves (where do those footsteps lead), take up His cross; this is not a reference to a heavy piece of wood, it speaks of continuing the work of the son of man on the earth, which is glorifying the Father through the doing of His will; and follow Him (walk in the footsteps of Jesus).
Verse 35: Mankind in pursuit of his own will, or life, destroys that life; but mankind pursuing Godfs will keeps his life safe.
Verse 36: Mankind doing his own will could be compared with gaining the whole world; but the world is not the prize for those that follow after God, neither are the riches of the world; pursuit of the world will damage their life/will (5590 same word as previous uses of life).
Verse 37: What can be given in exchange for ones will, i.e. life? c Strange comparison? Consider, is not the life lived an extension of our will? Granted some are forced into situations beyond their control, this is where the mercy and grace of God play a role; but on a whole people are doing as they have in mind within the limitations they are given.
Will (Mark 8:34)= 2309 thelo {thel'-o} or ethelo {eth-el'-o} in certain tenses theleo {thel-eh'-o} and etheleo {eth-el-eh'-o} which are otherwise obsolete Meaning: 1) to will, have in mind, intend 1a) to be resolved or determined, to purpose 1b) to desire, to wish 1c) to love 1c1) to like to do a thing, be fond of doing 1d) to take delight in, have pleasure Origin: apparently strengthened from the alternate form of 138; TDNT - 3:44,318; v Usage: AV - will/would 159, will/would have 16, desire 13, desirous 3, list 3, to will 2, misc 4; 210 5719 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Active (See 5784) Mood - Indicative (See 5791) Count - 3019
To will, have in mind, intend. What a great definition, which leads to questions. Do you intend to serve God, or just be a distant supporter whose voice is not heard and whose presence is unknown? What do you have in mind, what do you intend? There are people in the Lordfs churches that do not even intend to stay, do they really have a desire for God, do they hunger and thirst for God; do they intend to serve God according to His will? Or, do they have plans/will of their own?
When Jesus said, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, the son of man again illustrates what the desire of the people of God should be, the advancement of the purpose of God, while forsaking the will of the individual. The will of God should be the will of mankind i.e., the desire of the individual.
God has always desired the willing sacrifice, which is to be accompanied by willing service.
Exodus 35:1-29 And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the words which the LORD hath commanded, that ye should do them. 2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. 3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day. 4 And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, 5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass, 6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, 7 And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood, 8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense, 9 And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate. 10 And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the LORD hath commanded; 11 The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets, 12 The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering, 13 The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread, 14 The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light, 15 And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle, 16 The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot, 17 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court, 18 The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords, 19 The cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest's office. 20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD. 23 And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them. 24 Every one that did offer an offering of silver and brass brought the LORD'S offering: and every man, with whom was found shittim wood for any work of the service, brought it. 25 And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. 26 And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair. 27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate; 28 And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
It is a blessing to see the scriptures speak the words of God so plainly.
This passage is speaking of the tabernacle where God meets with mankind, and where offerings are offered according to the word of God. In this passage note that the willing servants of God will provide all of the materials that is needed, and the labor needed, under the eyes of a skilled artisan, to build the tabernacle.
Verses 4-5: The Lord commanded, to take from the willing. It is important today that the people of God do service from a willing heart. In the hearts of mankind many different things can be found, and there are many reasons that underlay actions that is amazing; but in Godfs service it is all rather simple. Are you willing, what is the intention of your heart, how far are you willing to go?
Verse 10: Strange, but the freewill offering does not complete the task at hand. Somebody has eto dof the work of the Lord. In this case it is not just a few, but every wise hearted among you. First, they must be willing, and second, they must have some experience for the particular task.
Just as it is in the house of God today. The Lord gives to each according to his ability, and then it is up to the individual to willingly use what they have been given to do the work of the Lord.
Verses 11-19: It is amazing how many different things there are that need to be done in the service of the Lord. Are there this many things that need to done today?
Verse 20-22: And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD'S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted,
'And they came' what a beautiful statement, it puts a smile on the face to see the willing hearted in their desire to do the service of God, ... whose heart stirred him up ...
The multiple references to the heart, and willing heart, shows where service to God comes from, and shows what the spirit stirs up; yes, yes, the heart.
Verse 25-26: They came willingly, they brought their goods willingly, then they put that will into action in the things where God has given them talent, willingly.
Verse 29: The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.
Again, and again, it is the willing, who are driven by an inner desire (whose heart made them willing), who supply what is needed and/or do what needs to be done. Are the people of God today willing to do the things that God desires to be done?
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Exodus 35 is not far removed the Golden calf of Exodus 32:1- . Notice how quickly the whims of the people of God can change; it is frightening to consider that these things are written for our learning. Is Godfs people of old a reflection of those that call themselves the people of God today? Remember Romans 15:4 and 1Corinthians 10:11-12.
Exodus 32:1-6 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. 3 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. 4 And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD. 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Break off = 06561 tear off. Is this a freewill offering?
The willing, that heed the call (follow), will take of the water of life.
Rev. 22:17-21 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The 22nd chapter of Revelation is continuing the description of the New Jerusalem and the kingdom of God, these verses above are the last verses of the book of Revelation. Note the longing of the Spirit and the bride, note the desire of the one who wrote the book; He which bears witness says, Surely I come quickly, amen; Even so come, Lord Jesus.
Do we share the same desire? Note the shared desire of the Spirit and the Bride.
At this time two things stand out in this passage. First, the Spirit and the bride say come, let the thirsty come and the willing take of the water of life freely (second, the desire of Lord Jesus to return in glory to rule the earth in righteousness).
The invitation given, 'come' is a beautiful thing to contemplate, freely it is given and it can only be accepted freely. And consider the source of this invitation, the Spirit and the bride speaking in unison. There are few greater things to be contemplated than people that willingly follow after the call of Jesus, the Spirit, and the bride; who then begin to drink of the water of life freely because they desire to do so. What a blessed time the people of God can have when they are united in a desire to serve God. What are your intentions? What do you have in mind?
Will (Revelation 22:17) = 2309 thelo {thel'-o} or ethelo {eth-el'-o} in certain tenses theleo {thel-eh'-o} and etheleo {eth-el-eh'-o} which are otherwise obsolete Meaning: 1) to will, have in mind, intend 1a) to be resolved or determined, to purpose 1b) to desire, to wish 1c) to love 1c1) to like to do a thing, be fond of doing 1d) to take delight in, have pleasure Origin: apparently strengthened from the alternate form of 138; TDNT - 3:44,318; v Usage: AV - will/would 159, will/would have 16, desire 13, desirous 3, list 3, to will 2, misc 4; 210
A simple but important distinction. What is intended is not what is always done. We can see that the son of man makes this clear.
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy will come into existence on earth as it is in heaven.
The difference between the two is obvious, will (Matthew 6:9) is what one wishes or has determined shall be done ...
Will (Matthew 6:9) = 2307 thelema {thel'-ay-mah} Meaning: 1) what one wishes or has determined shall be done ...
... but something needs to follow that brings will into reality. The will of God on earth is not accomplished with wishes, but with something else. The people of God need to pick up His (Jesus) cross and follow after Jesus. This is the something else, where wishes become reality, follow.
Do we have in mind to serve God according to His will? What are we willing to do to make what is in our mind a reality?
Matt. 4:18-22 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
It is important to know that the service of God is a voluntary service. The people of God are no longer from birth a part of the people (nation) of God, no longer expected to serve God contrary to their will. The draft is gone and it is now a voluntary service, what do we intend to do?
Verse 19: ... follow me ... Jesus said to them, 'come here'.
Follow = 1205 deute {dyoo'-teh} Meaning: 1) come hither, come here, come 2) interjection, come!, come now! Origin: from 1204 and an imperative form of eimi (to go);; adv Usage: AV - come 12, follow + 3694 1; 13
Note: By this time these individuals are disciples (John 1:35-2:2), have been with Jesus, and are known to Jesus; listening to him teach, seeing the water made into wine, etc. But this is the call, the time to set aside the things of the world that make them part time servants, it is now time to make the full commitment to Jesus.
Are they ready to make the full commitment? Are they ready to move intentions to the next stage? The decision to leave their nets was up to the individuals, and there is no indication of hesitancy on their part.
Verse 20: They immediately leave their nets and join Him. A willing service to the Son of God, a step of faith, or the next step of faith. The same Greek word is found in verse 22, they immediately leave their father and the ship and join Jesus as He begins His public ministry.
Good intentions, or wishful thinking, is not enough. The people of God must move to put wishful thinking into action, in this case to be with Jesus wherever He may be going. So those with hearts given to Christ made the decision walk after Christ; without hesitation.
Follow Him = 190 akoloutheo {ak-ol-oo-theh'-o} Meaning: 1) to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him 2) to join one as a disciple, become or be his disciple 2a) side with his party Origin: from 1 (as a particle of union) and keleuthos (a road); TDNT - 1:210,33; v Usage: AV - follow 91, reach 1; 92
Would Luke 14:25-35 be part of this discussion? Do the people that say they are the people of God need to count the cost? Discipleship, that is, a student or learner, is a serious commitment to Christ Jesus.
It is amazing to consider the number of times the people of God are encouraged to follow God from a free exercise of will. Consider some of the words of the bible that speak of being willing; will, come, follow, desire, love, forgiveness, thanks, longsuffering, peace, goodness, ... Wait, is this list starting to get ridiculous? No, it is starting to get into the heart of the issue, which is the heart.
Consider the fruits of the Spirit, how many of them involve the exercise of free will? Almost all, if not all, involve a willingness on the part of an individual to exercise the fruits/gifts of the spirit. Even faith cannot be forced or coerced for anything but a brief moment; people are faithful over the long term because they desire to be faithful, people are loving over the long term because they desire to be loving, people are patient over the long term because they want to be patient, and so down the list of the fruit of the Spirit. Takes us back Revelation 22 whosoever will, let him drink of the water of life freely; what do we have in mind, what is our intention? Did we in a moment of passion drink of the water, or have we decided that for the rest of lives we will drink of the water of life freely?
Gal. 5:22-26 2 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
2 Peter 1:1-7 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
At what point does the will of God become the will of us?
Lk. 22:39-46 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.
Hard to comprehend, but Jesus struggles with the desires of the flesh, self, at this critical time in His life. It does make sense when you remember that Jesus is the son of man at this time. The son of man is learning to bring His will, or the will of His flesh/earthly, into subjection to the will of God, just as all that live in the body of flesh must learn to put the will of God first over the will of the flesh/earthly.
Heb. 5:5-10 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Jesus was the Son of God, but when He was of the flesh He was the son of man, and He learned what all that dwell in the flesh must learn, to live in submission to the will of the righteous God. In this way Jesus understands the infirmities of mankind.
Hebrews 12:1-4 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
Jesus is the leader (author) of our faith, and the perfector (finisher) of our faith. This is a very interesting statement. Jesus leads the way in faith, showing us where and how to walk, giving us confidence in the practice of faith, it is a sure path that leads to everlasting life. Jesus is also the perfecter of faith, and set before us the highest example of faith.
As the fourth verse says, you have not yet resisted unto blood striving against sin; and understand, striving against sin is striving on behalf of faith. Have the people of God even begun to fight against sin, or do they follow at a distance?
All of us need to consider Him and the actions of the people of this world against Him so that we do not grow sick and weak in our soul/conscience life.
Heb. 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Abraham was a volunteer in Godfs service, and he willingly followed after Godfs instructions; although not perfectly, it took time for Abraham to follow after God according to His will.
The voluntary walk of faith, or love, is contrasted with the demands of service to God that the people of God could not meet because it did not come from a heart of love, or faith. Faith done out of necessity and not out of love does not please God, and biblical faith actually is ineffective apart from love (Galatians 5:6 faith becomes operative through love).
Note the absence of the word works, especially in association with law, in this discussion. This is because the law was intended to be practiced willingly, out of a heart of faith and love; the same expectation that is found in the New Testament. For Israel the law/works becomes something that is done to please God apart from faith which operates through love. Fittingly God grew tired of the sacrifice of animals, the blood, and other offerings, that were done out of necessity rather than love. Love which makes the sacrifices desirable to God, and gives desire to those to those who follow after God in love.
