Holiness In Our Wills Series

Title: HOLINESS IN OUR WILLS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 12:2

"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."

Supporting Texts:

Ephesians 5:17

1 Thessalonians 4:3

James 4:7-8

Colossians 1:9

Matthew 6:10

INTRODUCTION:

Our will is a powerful part of our being. It determines the choices we make, the paths we take, and ultimately, the direction of our lives. Holiness in our will means surrendering our desires, plans, and ambitions to God’s perfect will. It involves aligning our desires with God's, rejecting the desires of the flesh, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds. This study explores how we can cultivate holiness in our will by surrendering to God’s leading, understanding His will, and actively choosing to live in it.

1. THE IMPORTANCE OF SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD

Holiness in our will begins with the surrender of our personal desires to God's perfect will.

a) Surrendering Our Will to God Is a Sign of True Worship

True worship involves the full surrender of our will, offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).

b) Surrendering Our Will Aligns Us with God's Purpose

When we surrender our will, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives, positioning ourselves to walk in His perfect will (Ephesians 5:17).

c) The Battle of the Will

Our will often battles with God’s will, and it is through submission to His will that we find peace and alignment (James 4:7-8).

d) Surrendering Our Will Leads to Transformation

When we let go of our own will, we invite transformation in our lives, renewing our mind and setting us apart for God’s purposes (Romans 12:2).

e) Biblical Example:

Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, demonstrated perfect surrender of His will, saying, "Not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

2. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ALIGNING OUR WILL WITH GOD’S

The Holy Spirit plays a central role in helping us align our will with God's.

a) The Holy Spirit Guides Us into God’s Will

The Holy Spirit is our guide, teaching us to desire what God desires and to choose what aligns with His will (John 16:13).

b) The Holy Spirit Convicts Us to Submit Our Will

The Spirit convicts us when our will contradicts God's will, helping us recognize areas where we need to surrender (John 16:8).

c) The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Resist the Flesh

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist the desires of the flesh and to choose holiness over sin (Galatians 5:16).

d) The Holy Spirit Helps Us to Pray in God’s Will

In times of weakness, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, helping us pray according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27).

e) Biblical Example:

Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, chose to endure hardship for the sake of God’s will, saying, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering" (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

3. KNOWING GOD’S WILL FOR OUR LIVES

Holiness in our will is only possible when we understand what God’s will is and actively seek to follow it.

a) God’s Will Is Revealed Through Scripture

The Bible is the primary source of God’s will. We must diligently study it to understand God’s instructions for our lives (Colossians 1:9).

b) Prayer and Fasting Help Us Discern God’s Will

Through prayer and fasting, we can sharpen our spiritual sensitivity and hear from God regarding His will for our lives (Matthew 6:10).

c) God’s Will Involves Sanctification

God's will is for us to live lives of holiness and sanctification, set apart for His purposes (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

d) God's Will Is for Us to Be Transformed

God desires that our minds be renewed so that we can understand and embrace His perfect will (Romans 12:2).

e) Biblical Example:

Paul prayed for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, so they would walk worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:9-10).

4. ACTIVELY CHOOSING TO LIVE OUT GOD'S WILL

Once we know God's will, we must actively choose to align our actions and decisions with it.

a) Obeying God’s Will Requires Daily Commitment

Living in God’s will is a daily decision to obey His commands, even when it’s difficult or countercultural (Matthew 6:10).

b) Seeking God’s Will in Every Area of Life

Holiness in our will means submitting every aspect of our lives—career, relationships, finances—to God’s will (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) God’s Will Is Not Always Easy, But It Is Best

Following God’s will often requires sacrifice, but it leads to a life of fulfillment and peace (Matthew 16:24-25).

d) Trusting God’s Will in Difficult Circumstances

When we face challenges, we must trust that God’s will is perfect, even when we don’t understand it (Romans 8:28).