Sermon:The will of God

WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD?

○Divine purpose:God's will represents His intentions and purposes for creation, guiding how the world operates and how individuals should live within it.

○ Desire for humanity: It reflects what God desires for humanity—how people should act,relate to one another,and develop spiritually.

○Guidance for life: It signifies the direction and decisions God wishes for individuals, helping them navigate their personal journeys and align with His overarching plan.

WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD FOR US?

•The will of God is to save and restore all people to a right relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5, 2 Peter 3:9). 

-Ephesians 1:5,":Having predestined us to adoption as son by Jesus Christ himself, according to the good pleasure of His will."

-2 Peter 3:9,":...But is long-suffering toward us,not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

•God's will is for believers to live a life of obedience to His commands, which include loving Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30, Deuteronomy 6:5).

- Mark 12:30,":And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul,with all your mind,and with all your strength."

 •God's will is for believers to be holy, just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).

-1 Peter 1:15-16,":But as He who called you is holy,you also be holy in all your conduct,...."Be holy,for I am holy."

•The will of God is for all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.(1 Timothy 2:3-4)

-1 Timothy 2:3-4,":For this good and acceptable in the sight of God our saviour,who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth."

• God's will is for us to be joyful always,and be thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,in everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD

▪︎THANKFULNESS:We are called to give thanks in all circumstances. 

-1 Thessalonians 5:18,"Give thanks in everything;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

▪︎SANCTIFICATION:God desires us to abstain from sexual immorality.

-1 Thessalonians 4:3,"For this the will of God ,your sanctification:that you should abstain from sexual immortality. 

▪︎FAITH IN JESUS:Believing in Jesus grants us everlasting life.

-John 6:40,"And this is the will of Him who sent me,that everyone who sees the son and believes in Him may have everlasting life.

▪︎GOOD DEEDS:By doing good,we can silence ignorance and showcase God's will.

-1 Peter 2:15,"For this is the will of God,that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

▪︎COMPLETION OF GOOD WORKS:God aims to make us complete in good works.

-Hebrews 13:21,"Make you complete in every good work to do His will,working in you what is well pleasing in His sight.

▪︎PRAYER:He hears our prayers when they align with God's will.

-1 John 5:14,"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him,that if we ask anything according to His will,He hears us.

▪︎SUFFERING FOR DOING GOOD:It's better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil, if it's God's will.

-1 Peter 3:17,"For it is better,if it's the will of God to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

▪︎ENTRANCE INTO GOD'S KINGDOM:Entry into the kingdom of heaven requires doing the will of God. 

-Matthew 7:21,"Not everyone who says to me Lord,Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven but he who does the will of my Father in heaven. 

▪︎TRANSFORMATION:We should not conform to the world's standards but be transformed to discern the good and perfect will of God.

-Romans 12:2,"Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of the mind,that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

 ▪︎DISCERNMENT:Willingness to do God's will leads to understanding His teachings.

-John 7:17,"If anyone wills to do His will,he shall know concerning the doctrine,whether it is from God or whether I speak on my own authority. 

▪︎KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL:We should seek to be filled with the knowledge of God's will.

-Colossians 1:9,":We do not cease to pray for you,and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. 

▪︎ETERNAL ABIDING:Those who do God’s will abide forever.

-1 John 2:17,":Whoever does the will of God abides forever.

▪︎LIVING  FOR HIS WILL: Our lives should be oriented toward fulfilling God's will rather than our own desires.

-1 Peter 4:2,":That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

TYPES OF GOD'S WILL

□The sovereign will of God:This refers to His ultimate authority and control over all creation.This encompasses everything that happens according to His divine plan, regardless of human actions. 

- Isaiah 46:10:"Declaring the end from the beginning,And from ancient times things that are not yet done,Saying,'My counsel shall stand,And I will do all My pleasure."

□The moral will of God:This pertains to His ethical standards and commandments for human behavior.It represents what God desires for humanity in terms of morality, justice,and righteousness.

- 1 Thessalonians 4:3:"For this is the will of God,your sanctification:that you should abstain from sexual immortality."

□The personal will of God:This relates to His specific plans and purposes for individuals. This may include guidance on life decisions, vocations, and relationships.Believers often seek discernment to understand and follow God’s personal will for their lives.

- Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,says the Lord,thoughts of peaceand not of evil,to give you a future and a hope."

HOW TO LIVE IN THE WILL OF GOD

▪︎Seek God through prayer:Consistent prayer is vital for discerning God's will. Communicate openly with Him,seeking clarity and understanding regarding your decisions and life path.

- James 1:5:"If any of you lacks wisdom,let him ask of God,who gives to all liberally and without reproach,and it will be given to him."

▪︎Engage with scripture:This helps to understand God’s moral will and principles.Regular study and meditation on scripture can illuminate God’s desires and commands.

- Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

▪︎Seek counsel:Consulting wise and spiritually mature individuals can provide insight and confirmation about the direction you feel led to pursue.Community and fellowship play a crucial role in discerning God’s will.

- Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel,plans go awry,But in the multitude of counselors they are established.

▪︎Be open to the Holy Spirit:Cultivating sensitivity to His promptings and leading can help align your life with God’s will.

- Romans 8:14: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,these are sons of God."

▪︎Evaluate your desires:Seek to align your desires with His purpose through self-examination and prayer.

- Philippians 2:13: "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. "

▪︎Practice obedience:Obeying His commands and leading, even when it’s challenging, is a crucial part of living in His will.

- John 14:15: "If you love Me, keep my commandments."

▪︎Trust in God’s timing:Be patient and trust that He knows what’s best for you, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

- Ecclesiastes 3:11:"He has made everything beautiful in its time."

BENEFITS OF FOLLOWING GOD'S WILL

•Peace of mind:Aligning with God's will often brings a deep sense of peace and reassurance,knowing you are on the right path.

•Purpose and direction:Following God's will provides a clear sense of purpose and guidance in life’s decisions.

•Joy and fulfillment:Living in accordance with God’s will can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.

•Wisdom and insight:Seeking God's guidance can lead to greater wisdom and discernment in everyday situations.

•Hope and encouragement:Trusting in God's will fosters hope for the future,knowing that there is a greater plan at work.

•Spiritual growth:Following God's will encourages personal and spiritual growth, deepening your faith and understanding.

PRAYERS

1.Lord, help me to live the rest of my time on earth in accordance with your will, leaving behind desires of the flesh,in Jesus name.

2.God, ignite my passion for your house and your purposes, that I may seek to honor you in all I do,in Jesus name.

3.Father,fill me with the knowledge of your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding,in Jesus name.

4.Help me, Lord, to truly desire to do your will, that I may come to know and understand your truth,in Jesus name.

5.Transform my mind, God, so that I may discern what is good and pleasing and perfect in your will,in Jesus name.

6. Teach me, Lord, to give thanks in every circumstance, knowing that this is your will for my life in Christ,in Jesus name.

7. Father,guide me in living a life of holiness, for I know that your will is my sanctification,in Jesus name.

8.Lord, help me to believe in you, so that I may have eternal life, fulfilling your will for all who come to you,in Jesus name.

9)O Lord,help me to understand the will of God for my life,in Jesus name.

10.Equip me, God, with everything good for doing your will, that I may work in alignment with your purpose,in Jesus name.

11.Help me, Lord, to live at peace with everyone, striving to fulfill your will in my relationships,in Jesus name.

12.Father,i pray for divine discernment to recognize and avoid those who would pull me away from your will,in Jesus name.

13.Lord, help me to love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, living out your will in every aspect of my life,in Jesus name.

14)Lord Jesus,help me to complete every good work according to your will,in Jesus name.

15.Lord,make me holy,as you are holy. Let my life reflect your character and fulfill your will,in Jesus name.

16.Teach me, Lord, to lead a quiet life and to work with my hands, so that I may live in a way that honors you,in Jesus name.

17.May everything I do, in word or deed, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, fulfilling your will in my life,in Jesus name.

18.Grant me wisdom, God, as I seek your will in my decisions and life choices,in Jesus name.

19.Work in me, Lord, to will and to act according to your good purpose, aligning my desires with yours,in Jesus name.

20. Lord,grant me wisdom,creativity,and favor in all that i do,so that i may prosper according to your will and bring glory to your name,in Jesus name.

May the God of peace make you complete in every good work to do His will through Jesus Christ,to whom be glory forever and ever.Amen