Laying Down Our Will

Introduction

• In order to grow in the things of God and to be used in a powerful way for Jesus, we must lay down our will.

• In order for God's life (His will) to be expressed through us, we must lay our life (our will) down.

• Laying our will down is an act of obedience to God; that sets us up for a great reward. Obedience brings blessings in our lives.

• Let us look to the scriptures this evening as we lay down our will.

A. Choose God’s Will.

1. Abraham chose the will of God over his own will.

(NKJV) Genesis 22 1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”

2 Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.”

2. Laying down your will provides a platform for God's will.

3. God will honor those who serve Him.

(NKJV) John 12 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

4. You don't need more of God, He needs more of you.

a. What are we withholding from God?

b. Give God all you have.

B. We must die to self-interests if we want to do the will of God.

(NKJV) John 12 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

1. A seed falls to the ground and dies. If it didn't, we would never see the fruit of the seed.

2. If we plant our life like a seed, then God's life will be expressed through us.

3. When we die to the flesh, we take on the will and nature of Jesus Christ.

a. A man's life equals his will.

b. God's life is God's will.

c. God cannot live through us until our life dies.

4. When we persist on pursuing our will over God's will for our life, we demonstrate selfishness.

a. Our will for our life must die so God's will can live.

b. Our will must be treated like a seed that is planted so we can see the harvest.

i. Example: If you plant an apple seed, you will get a harvest of apples. The seed grows into a tree that produces a harvest of apples.

5. Living a life our own way limits God from doing great things through you. It hinders God from living through you.

6. You fight a losing battle when you run from the will of God for your life.

7. When we plant our life as a seed, by faith, God will reveal what He wants you to do.

C. Pursue the will of God.

1. Become like Jesus who pursued the will of God.

(NKJV) Mark 14 32 Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. 34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” 35 He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

a. We must lay down our will and serve Him.

Conclusion

• Laying down our will brings blessings in our lives.

• We must die to the flesh and embrace the cross of Jesus Christ. We must be about the will of the Father.

• Our will satisfies the flesh, but once it is satisfied, it seeks more to keep it happy.