THE TRUTH ABOUT: God's Will (Pt. 1)

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

It Is Embedded In Who You Are 

  • Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” 

○ These generalities are true of every person

○ You are not a windup toy released to see what happens

○ There is design 

  • Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

○ Intelligent design reveals purpose 

○ Like a tool on the shelf, a closer look reveals purpose. 

We tend to look outward for His will to be revealed when so often it can be discovered by looking more closely at who we are. Not all of it, but the shadows are there. 

It Can Be General, Permissive Or Specific 

  • Romans 12:2 that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

    • Good - General - Zip Code 

      • Everyone Saved 

      • Everyone Involved In Discipleship 

      • Everyone Builds His Kingdom 

      • Everyone Walks In Kingdom Favor/Provision - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

    • Acceptable - Permissive - Neighborhood 

      • Career

      • Spouse 

      • Car 

      • Specific Church 

    • Perfect - Specific - Address 

      • Micro moments of right wrong 

      • Micro decisions that unlock destiny 

        • Widow who gave prophet last of oil and flour 

        • Woman who anointed Jesus for burial 

        • Region vs opportunity 

      • Micro Calling 

So which one is it? 

Testing Over Time Will Enable You To Discern Which Applies 

You will make poor decisions. 

Some you will have to live with. 

Others you can launch from. 

It Can Go Unfulfilled 

  • 1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

  • Mark 16:16 (ESV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Reasons: 

  • ignorance 

  • Rebellion 

  • Desire Things Outside Of It 

  • Failure To Discern It 

  • Failure to seek 

  • Get Pushed From it 

○ Outside influences 

○ Lack strength/understanding 

○ Fall victim 

○ Submit 

  • Wrong decision for “right” reason

  • Failure To Enforce It 

○ Lack the understanding 

○ Lack the strength/faith 

○ Submission to “less-than”

Leslie ParrishSteve ParrishComment