[ZNPaaneah]

In Colossians Paul is an apostle by God's will. He prays that we would be filled with the full knowledge of His will.

He then says that it was given to him to "complete the word of God, the mystery". The word of God reveals God's will. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

He then says "27*to whom God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you the hope of glory:"

Then in chapter 2 he says

2*to the end that their hearts may be encouraged, being united together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to [the] full knowledge of the mystery of God;
3*in which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge…3*praying at the same time for us also, that God may open to us a door of the word to speak the mystery of Christ, on account of which also I am bound,

In the Local church with WL's ministry we heard a lot about these mysteries: the mystery of God's will, the mystery of God, the mystery of Christ, the great mystery. Christ in you, the hope of glory was a golden verse that everyone memorized whether or not they intended to. But at the same time we wouldn't have this forum if we had truly been united together unto the full knowledge of the mystery of God. We missed something and that is why I am reexamining this question.

I have two words that to my mind focus very clearly on the mystery of God's will: delight and detest.

This is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight. Matt 3:17

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul has found its delight. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall shew forth judgment to the nations. Matt 12:18

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying, *This* is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight: hear him. Matt 17:5

It is reasonable, though simplistic, to say that the revelation of Jesus was the revelation of the mystery of God's will which was hidden from previous generations.

What exactly does this mean?

Let them exult and rejoice that delight in my righteousness; and let them say continually, Jehovah be magnified, who delighteth in the prosperity of his servant. Ps 35:27

The person who delights in the Lord’s righteousness is referred to as “His servant”. This is a service to the Lord, delighting in Christ our righteousness, and the Lord delights in the prosperity of his servant. Think about Job in this way, Job was "delighting in the Lord's righteousness". It is easy to bless the Lord when things go well, but that is not the point of Job. And, as a service, proclaiming and demonstrating God's righteousness Job was successful.

Hallelujah! Blessed is the man that feareth Jehovah, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. Ps 112:1

Delighting greatly in His commandments follows from fearing Jehovah. These things cause us to be blessed. The blessings of Abraham are on those that keep His covenant. What is it to keep the covenant other than to “fear Him” and to delight greatly in His commandments. In other words we see that this is closely associated with the things God detests -- those that don't fear Him and those that don't keep his commandments. You can claim to fear God, to reverence God, to worship God, but the proof is if you keep His commandments. Faith without works is dead.

A false balance is an abomination to Jehovah; but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1

This is an example of fearing Jehovah and delighting in His commandments. When RG and BP claimed that PL was a "local matter" and covered their ears, that was a false balance. That is an abomination.

Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah; but they that deal truly are his delight. Proverbs 12:22

This is an example of fearing Jehovah and delighting in His commandments. The sister's rebellion as claimed by WL was an abomination to Jehovah.

For I delight in loving-kindness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings. Hosea 6:6

Who is a God like unto thee, that forgiveth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in loving-kindness. Micah 7:18

This is an example of fearing Jehovah and delighting in His commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is why James refers to pure religion as those who are faithful to the royal commandment -- visiting orphans and widows in their affliction.

The perverse in heart are abomination to Jehovah; but they that are perfect in [their] way are his delight. Proverbs 11:20

According to James a perfect work is a patient work. Think of the patience of Job. We might not understand all the pain and suffering and long-suffering, but this results in a perfect work through patience. This perfect work is His delight.

you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest. Ps. 5:6

For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence Pr 3:32

The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, the way of the wicked and the thoughts of the wicked. The lord detests the proud. The Lord detests those who acquit the guilty and also those who condemn the innocent.

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable. Pr 28:9

This verse is very interesting because

the prayer of the upright is his delight. Proverbs 15:8

Do you want to be brought into the Lord's confidence. Do you want Him to delight in your prayers? Do you want Him to delight in your success? Do you want Him to bless you with every spiritual blessing? Then take heed to His instruction.

Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations— I cannot bear your worthless assemblies. Is 1:13

Stop parroting footnotes, stop all those worthless meetings. Stop "pray reading" the footnotes, it is detestable to God.


14 Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals
I hate with all my being.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I hide my eyes from you;
even when you offer many prayers,
I am not listening.
Your hands are full of blood!
16 Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.
17 Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.[a]
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow.