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John 7:17

17 Anyone who chooses to do what God wants him to do will find out whether my teaching comes from God or from me.

John 7:17 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:17

If any man will do his will
Meaning, not one that perfectly fulfils the law, which is the good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God; for there is no man that does this, or can do it; nor is it so said here, "if any man do his will", but "if any man will do" it; that is, is desirous of doing it; who has it wrought in him both to will and do, of the good pleasure of God, by his grace and Spirit; with whom to will is present, though, he has not power to perform, and so is a spiritual man; and who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, which is one branch of the will of God; and who depends upon the Spirit and grace of God, and acts from a principle of love to God, and in the exercise of faith on Christ:

he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I
speak of myself;
not a man of mere natural knowledge and learning, or a man of theory and speculation, is a judge of doctrine; but he that leans not to his own understanding, and implores the assistance of the Divine Spirit, and who is for reducing doctrine into practice: he knows by the efficacy of the doctrine upon his heart, and the influence it has on his life and conversation; by its coming not in word only, but in power; and by its working effectually in him, whether it is divine or human, of God or of man.

John 7:17 In-Context

15 The Jews were amazed. They asked, "How did this man learn so much without studying?"
16 Jesus answered, "What I teach is not my own. It comes from the One who sent me.
17 Anyone who chooses to do what God wants him to do will find out whether my teaching comes from God or from me.
18 Someone who speaks on his own does it to get honor for himself. But someone who works for the honor of the One who sent him is truthful. There is nothing false about him.
19 "Didn't Moses give you the law? But not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?"
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