Will of God Rom. 12:1-2 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
In Rom 12:1-2 Paul writes about the will of God. The will of God is the same for every Christian and, as we will see, his will is specifically stated in the Bible. The plan of God, on the other hand, is different for each of us and you discover his plan for your life as you walk in his will for your life.
The Will of God – The will of God falls into several categories:
- Reconciliation – 2 Pet. 3:9, it is the Lord’s will that not any should perish [Rom 5:10].
- Sanctification – 1 Thes. 4:3-7, that is you are supposed to live a separated and holy life.
- Presentation – Rom 12:1, the Lord says that it is our reasonable service to present our bodies to him as a living sacrifice.
- Transformation – Rom. 12:2, that is you are to not be conformed to this world but rather to be transformed by the renewing of your mind and to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
- Submission – 1 Pet. 2:13-15, that is you are to obey the ordinances of men (unless they contradict the clear will of God [Acts 4:19-20; 5:29]).
- Devotion – Eph. 6:5-8, that is you are to serve others as if you were serving the Lord Jesus Christ, himself.
- Gratification – 1 Thes. 5:18, that is you are to be thankful in everything which pleases God.
The Plan of God – Many people confuse the will of God with the plan of God. Remember that the will of God is the same for every believer. God wills that all believers do the things above. However, most Christians want out find out what they should do about a spouse or a job or an education (the plan of God) without concerning themselves with the will of God. This is a common mistake. Seek the plan of God without doing the will of God and you will find neither. Do the will of God and his plan will begin to unfold.
The plan of God is found through:
- The Word of God – Rom. 10:17; Ps. 119:105, that is the Bible will provide the “light” for your steps. Remember, faith comes from “hearing” the word of God. The Bible speaks to you as you believe what you read and humbly follow what it shows you to do.
- The Spirit of God – Rom 8:14; Gal 5:25, the Holy Spirit will gently lead you each day. Be responsive to his leading. Don’t grieve him by your disobedience.
- The faith of God – 2 Cor. 5:7; Prov. 16:9; Prov 3:5-6, we should simply trust God to direct us. Don’t “look” for what people often call “open doors.” One of them might be a trap door. Some people try to anticipate the Lord’s direction, by faith. Don’t. Follow the Lord’s direction, instead.
- The counsel of God – Prov. 15:22; Prov 19:20, that is as you seek the Lord in the Bible, trust him by faith and follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, seek godly counsel as needed. God will prepare your heart to receive, and the heart of the counsellor to speak, his counsel.
- Prayer to God – Phil. 4:6-7, that is when you are in the will of God and walking in the plan of God, the Lord gives you a peace that passeth all understanding. He settles your heart and mind so that there is a certainty about how his plan is unfolding in your life.
Conclusion: the will of God is more about who you are and the plan of God is more about what you do. Be obedient to the will of God and it will be much easier to discern and do the plan of God. Become who God wants you to be and the Lord will direct you in what he wants you to do.