The Church's Sanctification | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:25-26

(25)  Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

(26)  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Sanctify - (NT:37 hagiazo ) from NT:40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:

Cleanse - (NT:2511 katharizo) from NT:2513; to cleanse (literally or figuratively):

Washing - (NT:3067 loutron) from NT:3068; a bath, i.e. (figuratively), immersion, baptism:

Word - (NT:4487 rhema) from NT:4483; an utterance (individually, collectively or specifically); by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever:

The sanctifying and cleansing process came not just by Christ giving Himself for us. That was merely the beginning. Now that Christ has us because of His loving gift of salvation, He is working in us to sanctify and wash us. How? Not by physical baptism, but by spiritual baptism - total immersion in God's Word. We will not be cleansed and sanctified just by trying to live uprightly; we will not even be cleansed and sanctified by praying only. Biblically, sanctification comes through Christ -and more specifically, by means of His Word.

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)

"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." (Acts 20:32)

Does a believer wish to be sanctified? Let them submerge themselves in God's Word.

Ephesians 5:27

(27)  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The purpose of sanctification and cleansing: not merely so that we could live "moral, upright lives," but so that Jesus Christ Himself could present us - His bride, His church - as holy and without blemish. Only the washing of water by the Word can make sinful humans in a holy, pure, spotless church!

God faithfully gave us His Son, the means by which we can even begin sanctification, and then He faithfully gave us His Word, the means by which we can continue sanctification until Christ returns for His bride.

Ephesians 5:28-30

(28)  So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

(29)  For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

(30)  For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

Christ is the head of the body (Colossians 1:18, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.") by whom all the joints have nourishment and are increased (Colossians 2:19, "And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God."). As believers, we are members of Him. This means that no longer should we do like we want, but rather, like He would have us to (2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.").

Ephesians 5:32

(32)  This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Even though we are given human comparison, we still can never fully understand the mystery of Christ and His church.

Word Wednesday #30

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10

The grace of God gives us His sufficiency to grow up in Him for His glory.

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Bow the Knee (Tero Family video)

Here is another video we took at the Bible conference. My sister, Elizabeth, is singing "Bow the Knee." The words are amazing - if you have a few minutes, please listen!

By way of testimony, this past Sunday, our family was blessed to sing at Lanier Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. We had an amazing time with this church! Such a sweet, sweet spirit! We sang about eight songs and then Pastor Mike brought a message from Philippians 2. We had already been asked to sing a song for invitation and had decided upon "Bow the Knee." As I sat there, listening to Bro. Mike reading through and expounding on Philippians 2, I was again amazed at how God worked. Before we knew what the message was, He laid it on our hearts to have a song which so beautifully fit in with the message. I'll never stop being amazed at how God works!

~*~

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

 Philippians 4:9-12

The Value of One

Recorded a few years ago for a missionary friend, this is one of my absolute favorite songs that my family and I sing:

Commands for Wives | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:22

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

The parallel passage is Colossians 3:18, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord." As these passages indicate, a woman must first be submitted to Christ before she can submit to her husband. Until a woman accepts that man is her head (1 Corinthians 11:3, "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.")  and submits herself to God's ordinance, she will be unable to submit.

There is no exceptions in submitting. In fact, 1 Peter 3:1-2 seems to cover the ground of a godly woman to an ungodly man, "Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear." The woman has a powerful influence over her husband (Jezebel over Ahab, Sarah over Abraham). By her chaste (proper, clean, innocent, modest) behavior (note: this doesn't sound like Jezebel!), she can influence her husband towards the Word of God. This applies to unbelieving husbands as well as believing husbands who may not be following God's Word. There is no persuasion mentioned here, no nagging; but simple conversation (behavior) - the way she lives her life.

Ephesians 5:23

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Here is a further explanation of why the wife should submit: her husband is her head. He is placed over her as protector and provider. Think of all that Christ does for the church; this is what the husband is to be to his wife and she must reverence him as such.

Ephesians 5:24

Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

For a Bible-operating church, there is no question as to who leads: Christ is the leader. With this concept, the wives should have no question as to who is their head. In every thing, they are to submit to their husbands.

A Story to Share or Truth to Teach?

I challenge you to read the title of this article again and think about it for ten seconds.

As a Christian writer, what is your goal in writing? Do you simply want to share good stories? or do you want to impart to your readers truth?

Many young Christian writers admit that they do not just want to write the moral stories they find themselves churning out, but they want to share God's truth. But many of them are clueless in how to do this. And they surely do not want to sound like those stiff books in which all of the characters are well-behaved, memorizing hundreds of verses a day, mourning over an ounce of sin, and living an impossibly perfect life (okay, so perhaps that is an exaggeration).

As I pondered this situation, I realized something: how can we write good, solid Christian books if we are not striving to live a good, solid Christian life? How can we impart to our readers truths from God's Word if we do not even know what these truths are?

So often, we get so wrapped up in the writing process that we neglect our writing purpose. To write Christian stories, we must be grounded in God's Word. This does not mean to merely look up a few verses if your character is learning about forgiveness. What does your daily devotion life looks like? Are you actively reading, memorizing, studying, and learning from God's Word?

In writing, does your plot detract from the message? Is there an element in the story that pulls your reader's attention away from Christ and places it on something that is but to fade away? Is your message clear? or will your writer come away with, "Well ... she quoted a lot of Bible verses..."? You do not have to strive for some big, theological truth. What lessons has God taught you? Those are important lessons too that you can share with others.

As you ponder these questions, I encourage you to pray for God's direction in your writing. What truths would He have you to teach? Which Scriptures would He have you to use? May He lead you as you seek Him and may all of your writing bring glory to His Name!

Extra: Many novels are written today under the name "Christian," but if God is only mentioned once or twice and prayed to only during troubles, can it really qualify for a "Christian" book?

Submission | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:21

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Submitting - NT:5293 hupotasso (hoop-ot-as'-so); from NT:5259 and NT:5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:

A quick search for the words used from the Greek word hupotasso shows us:

- Servants are to submit to their masters

"Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;" (Titus 2:9)

"Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward." (1 Peter 2:18)

- Civilians are to submit to political government (note: if it does not violate God's Word)

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." (Romans 13:1-2)

"Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work," (Titus 3:1)

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well." (1 Peter 2:13-14)

- Wives are to submit to their husbands

" Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law." (1 Corinthians 14:34)

"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (Ephesians 5:23)

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord." (Colossians 3:18)

"To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:5)

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; . . . For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:" (1 Peter 3:1, 5)

- The church is to submit to Christ

"Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing." (Ephesians 5:23)

- Believers are to submit to godly leaders in the church

"I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth." (1 Corinthians 16:15-16)

- Believers are to submit to God

"Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?" (Hebrews 12:9)

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)

- Younger are to submit to elders

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)

- Believers are to submit one to another

"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." (Ephesians 5:21)

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)

No one is exempt from submission. If you read all of the commands to submit, we all have someone to whom we are to submit - all should submit to God, and all should submit "one to another" and all should submit to civil authority and all should submit to Godly authority. James 4 and 1 Peter 5 indicates the attitude of submission: humility.

James 4:6-7

"But He giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7)

"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:" (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Our pride automatically says, "I am not under anyone." But humility realizes that we are under authority - God given authority. If we refuse to place ourselves under the authority that God has given to us, how do we expect we will place ourselves under God's authority? To refuse to place ourselves under God-given authority is simply to rebel against God and disobey His commands.

Word Wednesday #29

"And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

Fervent charity. Even when others speak evil of us (verse 4). Even when others judge us (verses 5-6).

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People Need the Lord

This past week, my family and I had an extremely blessed time at our local Bible Conference. We worked up a few new songs for the week. Here is one of them: ever hear "People Need the Lord" with banjo? It actually works! ;)

Vocalists: Amanda (tenor), Elizabeth (soprano), Joanna (alto)
Instrumentalists: Samuel (bajo), Timothy (bass guitar), Rebecca (classical guitar)

A New Song | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-20

(15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

(18)  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

(19)  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

(20)  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" is related to "be filled with the Spirit." The parallel passage is Colossians 3:16-17, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

We are not only to speak to ourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, but also to use them to teach and admonish one another. This hints that the songs we sing should be grounded in the Word of God - for "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) If a song is not doctrinally sound, should it be on our lips? Should we use it to sing to others?

The songs are to be in our heart - unto the Lord. What song is in our heart? The songs of the world? or a "new song?"

"Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise." (Psalm 33:3)

"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." (Psalms 40:3)

"O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth." (Psalms 96:1)

"O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." (Psalms 98:1)

"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee." (Psalms 144:9)

"Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints." (Psalms 149:1)

Besides singing, we are to give thanks unto God. For all things. In the name of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 makes it clear that this isn't just a suggestion, but a command, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Filled with the Spirit | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-18

(15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

(18)  And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Right after "understanding what the will of the Lord is" comes the exhortation about wine. There are many arguments I've heard about temperance from the Scriptures, however, this seems to be the strongest. We are exhorted to walk wisely and redeem the time, then added to that, understand the will of God and not be drunk with wine. Drunkenness alters the mind. If a Christian is drunk, how can they be sure that they are following God's will? How can they be sure that they are walking wisely?

The Christian should be filled with the Spirit. I believe this exhortation applies to all of the previous exhortations:

     - walk circumspectly, as wise -- be filled with the Spirit

     - redeem the time -- be filled with the Spirit

     - understand the will of the Lord -- be filled with the Spirit

     - be not drunk with wine -- be filled with the Spirit

"(9) And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (10) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (11) If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? (12) Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? (13) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" (Luke 11:9-13)

Word Wednesday #28

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

Saved to live righteously. Not saved to live in freedom how we want.

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Understanding God's Will - Part 4 | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-17

(15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

We already understand that we must walk wisely and redeem the time. Beyond that, though, we are to understand the will of the Lord - what it is. How do we know God's will? We must redeem the time and instead of seeking after this world's ideas, seek first God and His kingdom.

~*~

1 Peter 2:13-16 - Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Specifically speaking, God's will is that we submit to those in authority - in modern, American terms, to our president, governors, and police officers.

1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

God's will is not that we should suffer for our evil-doing (it is not His will that we should do evil), but it is possible that it is God's will for us to suffer, even if we are doing well in His eyes (think of Joseph who was cast into prison for his stand on purity - which, as we saw in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6, is definitely the will of God).

1 Peter 4:1-5 - Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

God's intent for Christ's suffering was that we would live according to His will. This passage outlines that there are two wills battling - the will of God, and the will of the Gentiles (i.e. the world). The will of the world is completely opposite to the will of God. We cannot follow the will of the world and be following the will of God at the same time.

1 Peter 4:19 - Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

If it is in God's will for us to suffer, our responsibility is simply to commit the keeping of our souls to God. It seems as if one of the ways to do this is by continuing our well-doing.

1 John 2:17 - And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

The will of God (salvation for men) will be rewarded with eternal life. However, the will of this world simply fades away and is destroyed. Which will would we follow?

Some Songs for Your Day

I almost never share videos, but here are a couple of songs that have recently been introduced to me and I think the messages are amazing.

For those of you who know my family, we're actually working on our own rendition of "In Christ Alone." If we ever get it videod, I might have to share that, too. :)

Understanding God's Will - Part 3 | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-17

(15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

We already understand that we must walk wisely and redeem the time. Beyond that, though, we are to understand the will of the Lord - what it is. How do we know God's will? We must redeem the time and instead of seeking after this world's ideas, seek first God and His kingdom.

~*~

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Sanctification (38) hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-mos'); from NT:37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier:

Should abstain (567) apechomai (ap-ekh'-om-ahee); middle voice (reflexively) of NT:568; to hold oneself off, i.e. refrain:

Fornication (4202) porneia (por-ni'-ah); from NT:4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry:

Honor (5092) time (tee-may'); from NT:5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:

Lust (3806) pathos (path'-os); from the alternate of NT:3958; properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence):

Concupiscence (1939) epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah); from NT:1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden):

Defraud (4122) pleonekteo (pleh-on-cek-teh'-o); from NT:4123; to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach:

If, after reading this passage and looking up definitions, one comes away with the mindset that "God doesn't care about purity," they must be blind!!!! This verse seems to clear that it is God's will that all of His children should live in purity - though applicable spiritually, this passage is specifically talking about physically.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

God's will is that we give thanks in every thing (good and bad).

Hebrews 10:36 - For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Again, there is the will of God for our individual lives. However, this verse encourages us to be patient, because if we have done God's will, we will also receive His promise. Ultimately, this is talking about Christ's promised return (Heb 10:37), but given the verses previous, applies to many aspects of life.

Word Wednesday #27

"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." (1 Peter 1:23-25)

Reasons the believers should love God's Word:

     - we are born again by the Word

     - God's Word abides forever

     - the Gospel is preached by God's Word

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" (1 Peter 2:2)

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Understanding God's Will - Part 2 | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-17

(15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

(17)  Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

We already understand that we must walk wisely and redeem the time. Beyond that, though, we are to understand the will of the Lord - what it is. How do we know God's will? We must redeem the time and instead of seeking after this world's ideas, seek first God and His kingdom.

~*~

1 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

 2 Corinthians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

Ephesians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

2 Timothy 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

By God's will, Paul was called to be an apostle. The calling was evident in his life - I wonder if the calling is just as evident in our lives? Do we ignore it?

2 Corinthians 8:5 - And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

God's will for every believer is that we give up ourselves to Him. This must be the first step before God will use us effectively in other areas. Have I surrendered myself to this will of God?

Galatians 1:4 - Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

God's will is to deliver us from the evil world by Christ taking our sins upon Him.

Ephesians 6:6 - Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Doing the will of God begins in our heart. This verse seems to be very applicable to children/daughters and even wives. Though we are not "enslaved" to our parents/husbands, there is a limitation on what we can and cannot do because we are under our father's/husband's authority. I believe that even in any "limitations" I might conceive, my duty is to do God's will from my heart while I am under the authority of another.

Colossians 4:12 - Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

We can stand complete in God's will - I do not think this comes naturally to the born-again believer, but it is possible by dying to self and seeking Christ.