Living Out God’s Will

 Living Out God’s Will

 

Scripture Text: Romans 12:1-2

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Introduction:

As believers, we often ask, “What is God’s will for my life?” But perhaps a better question is, “How can I live out God’s will each day?” The truth is, God’s will is not hidden—it is revealed through His Word and His Spirit. Today, we’ll explore how we can discover, embrace, and live out God’s will, allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives.

1. Understanding God’s Will

 

Before we can live out God’s will, we need to understand what it is.

God’s will is a sovereign will, it is a moral will, and it is a specific will. Let us look at each of these briefly.

a. God’s Sovereign Will:

This is His overarching plan for all of creation. It is unchanging and unstoppable. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us, “He works all things according to the counsel of His will.” God’s sovereign will includes His eternal purposes and plans, like the redemption of humanity through Christ.

The application of God’s sovereign will is a concept deeply rooted in theology and often relates to God’s ultimate authority, power, and control over all creation. Below are ways this idea is applied or understood in different aspects of faith and life:

1. Creation and Sustenance • God’s sovereign will is evident in the creation and ongoing sustenance of the universe (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16-17). Everything exists and functions according to His divine plan.

2. Salvation • Many Christian traditions view salvation as a result of God’s sovereign will. For instance, passages like Ephesians 1:4-5 suggest that God predestined certain individuals for salvation out of His grace and purpose, rather than their works.

3. Providence • God’s sovereign will is seen in His providence, where He orchestrates events for His purposes. This includes guiding history, nations, and individuals (Proverbs 19:21; Romans 8:28).

Application in Daily Life:

• Trust: Believers are encouraged to trust in God’s plan, even in uncertainty.

• Obedience: Knowing that God’s sovereign will is perfect motivates a life of obedience and submission.

• Prayer: Christians often pray for God’s will to be done, aligning their desires with His purposes (Matthew 6:10).

• Worship: Recognizing God’s sovereignty inspires worship and adoration.

b. God’s Moral Will:

This is revealed in Scripture and shows us how we are to live. It includes His commands, principles, and teachings. Micah 6:8 summarizes it beautifully: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Applying God’s moral will involves aligning one’s life with the ethical and moral principles revealed in Scripture. Unlike God’s sovereign will, which is often hidden and beyond human comprehension, His moral will is clearly revealed and accessible through His Word. Here’s how it can be applied:

1. Study the Word: Regularly read and meditate on Scripture to understand His will (Psalm 119:105).

2. Pray for Guidance: Ask for clarity and strength to follow His moral commands (James 1:5).

3. Practice Accountability: Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage obedience and growth.

4. Examine Your Life: Regularly evaluate your actions and attitudes to ensure they align with God’s moral will.c. God’s Specific Will:

c. God’s Specific Will:

This refers to His guidance in individual circumstances, such as career choices, relationships, or ministry opportunities. While the Bible may not give us specific answers, it provides principles and wisdom to help us discern the right path.

Applying God’s specific will involves discerning and following His unique plan for your life in areas not explicitly addressed in Scripture, such as choosing a career, spouse, or place to live. While God’s moral will is universal and clear, His specific will is personal and often requires careful seeking and sensitivity to His guidance. Here’s how to approach and apply it:

1. Foundations for Seeking God’s Specific Will

• Start with God’s Moral Will: Align your life with God’s moral will as revealed in Scripture. God’s specific guidance often comes to those who are walking in obedience to Him (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 3:5-6).

• Pursue Intimacy with God: Cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Knowing God’s specific will requires familiarity with His character and purposes (John 15:4-5).

2. Ways to Discern God’s Specific Will

• Prayer: Ask God for wisdom and clarity regarding decisions (James 1:5). Pray with an open heart, ready to accept His answer.

• The Word of God: Although Scripture may not directly address specific choices, it provides principles that can guide decision-making (Psalm 119:105).

• The Holy Spirit: Be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading through conviction, peace, or a sense of direction (John 16:13; Galatians 5:25).

• Circumstances: Sometimes, God uses circumstances to open or close doors. Evaluate opportunities prayerfully to see if they align with His purposes (Revelation 3:8).

• Godly Counsel: Seek advice from mature Christians who can provide wisdom and perspective (Proverbs 15:22).

• Inner Peace: A sense of peace from God can often confirm a decision is in line with His will (Philippians 4:6-7).

3. Practical Steps in Applying God’s Specific Will

• Evaluate Motives: Ensure your decisions are driven by a desire to glorify God, not personal gain or fear (1 Corinthians 10:31).

• Consider Your Gifts and Calling: Reflect on your God-given talents, passions, and opportunities. These often align with His specific will for your life (Ephesians 2:10).

• Take Small Steps in Faith: Trust God by acting on what you believe He is leading you to do, even if the full picture isn’t clear (Hebrews 11:1).

• Be Patient: God’s timing is perfect. If clarity doesn’t come immediately, continue to wait on Him and remain faithful in what He has already revealed (Isaiah 40:31).

• Accept His Sovereignty: Trust that God’s specific will for your life will unfold as you remain obedient and seek Him wholeheartedly (Romans 8:28).

Examples of Applying God’s Specific Will

• Career: Pray about your career choices and evaluate how they align with your gifts, passions, and opportunities to glorify God.

• Relationships: Seek God’s will in relationships by ensuring they reflect His moral will (e.g., mutual faith in Christ, love, and respect).

• Life Transitions: Trust God’s guidance when making significant changes like moving to a new city or starting a new venture.

2. Living Out God’s Will Requires Sacrifice

Paul begins Romans 12:1 with a powerful challenge: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” Living out God’s will means surrendering every part of ourselves—our time, resources, talents, and desires—to Him.

 

Illustration: Think of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice Isaac because he trusted God’s plan. While God ultimately spared Isaac, Abraham’s willingness demonstrated his obedience and faith.

 

Living sacrificially means laying down our own plans and preferences so that God’s purposes can take precedence. It’s a daily decision to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

3. Living Out God’s Will Requires Transformation

Paul continues in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

a. Rejecting Conformity:

The world tries to mold us into its image—its values, priorities, and standards. But living out God’s will requires that we reject this pressure. 1 John 2:15 reminds us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”

b. Embracing Renewal:

Transformation begins with a renewed mind. This happens when we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and attitudes. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

 

Illustration: Imagine a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. The process is slow and unseen, but the result is remarkable. Similarly, as we renew our minds, God transforms us into the likeness of Christ.

4. Living Out God’s Will Is Practical

Paul concludes by saying, “That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” God’s will is not just a theoretical concept—it is something we live out in our daily actions.

 

a. Good: God’s will leads to what is morally good, beneficial, and aligned with His character.

b. Acceptable: Living out His will pleases Him and brings Him glory.

c. Perfect: God’s will is complete and flawless, leading us to fulfillment and joy.

To live this out practically:

      •     In our relationships: We love, forgive, and serve others as Christ did.

      •     In our work: We do everything as unto the Lord, with integrity and excellence.

      •     In our decisions: We seek God’s guidance through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.

5. Trusting God in the Process

Living out God’s will requires faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

 

We may not always understand where God is leading us, but we can trust that His will is good, acceptable, and perfect. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

 

Illustration: Think of a GPS. It doesn’t show you the entire route at once—it guides you step by step. Similarly, God reveals His will as we take one step of obedience at a time.

Conclusion:

Living out God’s will is a journey of surrender, transformation, and trust. It is not about perfection but about daily seeking to align our lives with His purpose.

 

Let me leave you with a question: Are you willing to fully surrender to God’s will today? Are you ready to let Him transform you, guide you, and use you for His glory?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Your will through Your Word and Spirit. Help us to surrender our lives as living sacrifices, rejecting the ways of the world and embracing the transformation You desire. May we trust You in every step, living out Your good, acceptable, and perfect will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Loving and Comforting Arms

Loving and Comforting Arms of a Father.

When you think of revival what do you picture in your mind? Or what does it mean to you?

When I picture revival, I picture a child who has wandered off/from their Father.  I’m talking about when a child has disobeyed their father and brought a separation between them.

Before my earthly father passed away, I didn’t always do the right things or things that my father approved of. There were times that my actions would cause me to put some space between me and my father because I knew he was disappointed in me and that he couldn’t love me because of my actions. there were times that I would goes days, weeks, and even months without talking with my dad. When I would begin realizing my fault and man-up I would reach out to my father to apologize for my actions. My father would always be there with loving arms to offer forgiveness and reconcile me back into a right relationship with him. He would never refuse me to come to him and would always be excited to reconnect the broken relationship.  Some of the final words my father spoke to me was, “you haven’t always done things I approve of but I’m proud to call you my son”.

In preparing this message it reminded me of the story of the Prodigal son found in Luke 15. while I’m not going to read the whole story, I want to summarize it for you here today. There was this young man who went to his father and asked him to divide out his portion of his estate and give it to him so he could go and live the life he wanted. The father, knowing that it was not the best decision the son had made, did as the young man asked and divided his estate. the young man took his portion and left to go live his best life (he thought).  as the story goes the young man blew all his money, became broke and homeless, and found himself in the worst possible position he could have been in. When the young man realized his fault and decided to man-up he went back to his father to ask forgiveness. Then in my opinion the best part of the story happens.

 Luke 15:20 “And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

He started back to his father and as he was returning the father saw him and ran to him. Before the young man could speak a word, the father wrapped his arms around, kissed him, and reconcile the relationship between them.

You see like my earthly father and the father found in this story, God our Heavenly Father feels the same about you and me. It grieves Him when we do wrong and things He doesn’t approve of, but He is always there with loving arms to reconcile back into His good graces.

Loving and Comforting Arms of the Son.

 

There is also another picture I see. This second picture is of Christ coming to a believer and calling them to return to Him. The best story to explain this thought is that of Peter after he had denied Christ three times. Peter was one of the chosen few that had the opportunity to have a close intimate relationship with Christ. While Christ had many followers and twelve to be disciples / apostles, he held just three in his intimate circle, Peter, James, and John.

Peter, like many of us, walked with the Lord but didn’t always understand or obey the teachings of Christ. This to the point that he denied Christ three times even after Christ had forewarned him, he would do it. John 13:38 “Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.” Sure, enough the time came, and Peter fell into his sin. John 18:16–27

John 18:16–27 ESV

but Peter stood outside at the door. So, the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So, they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

The act of Peter denying Christ is recorded in all for Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record that when the cock crowed that Peter remembered what Christ had said and wept bitterly. Peter realized he had let down the Lord and ran from the place and wept. His feeling of guilt causes a separation that Peter wasn’t there for the crucifixion or the burial.

After the crucifixion of Peter returned to the world, he was comfortable in {a life of fishing).  The bible doesn’t specifically say that Peter asked for forgiveness or that he didn’t.

What I read is that Jesus lovingly came looking for Peter. John 21:4-17

John 21:4–17 ESV

Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So, they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So, Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

 

Jesus came to where they were and waited on the seashore for the disciples to recognize Him and come back to Him.

He Didn’t remind them/ Peter of the denial or the sin he had committed. He just lovingly reminded Peter that he loved him and wanted to have a relationship with him.

In fact, He only asked one question, “Peter, do you love me?” He asked this question three separate time. Peter answered Him three time, “Lord, you know I love thee.” Jesus’ response was basically keep my commandment to feed His sheep.

 

Revival is all about allowing our hearts to return to the Lord. The way we know our hearts have returned to the Lord is to keep His commandments. Jesus says “if you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15 ““If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

 

What are His commandments?

1.) Love the Lord your God. Matthew 22:36–40 ““Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.””

2.) Love your neighbor Luke 10:27 “And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.””

3.) Go make disciples Matthew 28:19–20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

4.) Be His witness. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

 

You see revival isn’t something you do occasionally, or even once a year. Revival is a practice that should be continuously happening in our lives. Every time we feel separated from God and wanting to return to our old ways of living, we should be looking toward the shore to see Jesus lovingly calling us back to Himself.

 

Revival is returning to your father (like my personal story and that of the Prodigal Son) and being embraced in the loving and comfortable arms of God the Father and Christ the Son, being reconciled into a right relationship to the Family.