Aligning Yourself With God’s Will Series

Title: ALIGNING YOURSELF WITH GOD’S WILL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 12:1-2

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:10, James 4:15, Proverbs 3:5-6

INTRODUCTION:

As believers, one of the most important aspects of our walk with God is ensuring that our lives are aligned with His will. Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Aligning ourselves with God's will is not just about following rules, but about surrendering to His plan and purpose for our lives. In this sermon, we will explore how to align ourselves with God's will, understanding that it leads to a life of fulfillment, peace, and purpose.

1. UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WILL

a) God’s Will Is Good, Perfect, and Pleasing:

God’s will for our lives is not to harm us, but to prosper us and bring us into a future of hope (Jeremiah 29:11). His will is always good, perfect, and pleasing (Romans 12:2).

b) God’s Will is Revealed Through His Word:

The primary way God reveals His will is through His Word. The Scriptures are a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).

c) God’s Will is Revealed Through Prayer and the Holy Spirit:

As we seek God in prayer and through the Holy Spirit, He leads us into His will for specific situations in our lives (Romans 8:14).

d) God’s Will Is Often Different from Our Own Desires:

Our natural desires may not always align with God's will. However, aligning our will with God's involves surrendering our desires to His greater plan (Matthew 26:39).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39). Jesus, though in agony, submitted to the will of the Father, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF SURRENDERING TO GOD’S WILL

a) Surrendering Our Own Desires:

Aligning with God’s will begins with surrendering our own desires, knowing that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

b) Trusting God’s Plan:

Trusting in God's plan, even when we don’t fully understand it, is essential in aligning with His will. God works all things for our good, according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

c) Obedience is Key:

Aligning with God’s will requires obedience, even when it challenges our comfort zones or contradicts our plans (John 14:23-24).

d) Humbling Ourselves Before God:

Humility is crucial in aligning with God's will. We must acknowledge that He knows what’s best for us (James 4:10).

e) Biblical Example: Abraham’s Obedience (Genesis 22:1-12). Abraham, in obedience to God, was willing to sacrifice Isaac, showing total submission to God's will.

3. RENEWING YOUR MIND TO DISCERN GOD’S WILL

a) The Role of the Mind in Aligning with God’s Will:

Romans 12:2 teaches that transformation begins with the renewal of the mind. Our minds must be aligned with the truth of God’s Word to discern His will.

b) Rejecting Worldly Patterns:

Worldly ways of thinking and values often contradict God's will. We must reject these and embrace God's ways, which lead to life and peace (Romans 12:2).

c) Meditating on God’s Word:

Regular meditation on Scripture helps to renew our minds and keeps us aligned with God’s will (Psalm 1:2).

d) Being Sensitive to the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in guiding us and helping us discern God’s will (John 16:13).

e) Biblical Example: The Apostles in Acts 13:1-3.

The apostles, through fasting and prayer, were able to discern God’s will and send Paul and Barnabas on their mission.

4. WALKING IN GOD’S WILL DAILY

a) Living Out God’s Will in Everyday Decisions:

Walking in God’s will means applying His truth to every decision we make, whether big or small. This includes our relationships, finances, career, and even leisure activities (Colossians 3:17).

b) Aligning Your Actions with God’s Word:

Our actions should reflect the values and teachings of God’s Word. By doing so, we actively walk in His will (James 1:22).

c) Consistency in Prayer and Meditation:

Daily communion with God through prayer and meditation keeps us sensitive to His will and helps us stay on track (Luke 11:9-10).

d) Living a Life of Service to Others:

Part of aligning with God’s will is serving others selflessly, as Jesus did (Matthew 20:28).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s Commitment to God’s Will (Daniel 6:10-23).

Despite the king’s decree, Daniel continued to pray and remained faithful to God’s will, leading to divine deliverance.

5. BENEFITS OF ALIGNING WITH GOD’S WILL

a) Peace and Joy:

Walking in God’s will brings peace and joy that surpasses understanding, as we are in harmony with Him (Philippians 4:7).

b) Purpose and Fulfillment:

When we align with God’s will, we experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that we are living according to His plan (Jeremiah 29:11).