August 14, 2002
THIS IS THE WILL OF THE LORD. So many want to know the will of the Lord but too often seek instruction outside of the Word. Here is the pure yet simple direction for our life given to us by the Word. Sanctification and abstinence, from sin and iniquity. A departure from a life style that we well know displeases the Lord. 1 Cor. 6:9-11 To maintain the will of the Lord it is needful that we have the < mind of Christ >. Jesus suffered in the flesh, in other words He made the supreme sacrifice. We too, are to have the < same mind > and put to death ungodly and carnal desires. For the individual that has suffered in the flesh is dead to sin. Death, and death alone brings victory over sin. This is not referring to physical death but death to the wicked and evil lusts of the flesh. With this aspect of the < will of the Lord > accomplished in our lives we may continue the remainder of our natural life knowing that we are doing the will of the Lord. The will of the Lord, is understood by the Spiritual mind and not the natural mind. It is therefore an imperative that the life of one seeking the will of the Lord be involved in those actions which identify with the example that was established in Jesus. 1 Pet. 4:1-2
STEPS TO FULFILLING HIS WILL. One certain and basic phase is to have a comprehension of the Word and to hide it in our hearts. The Spirit of the Lord will bring to remembrance portions of the Word and in such a manner instruct us in the way that we should go. How can He guide us if we do not have His Word in our hearts? The psalmist found great pleasure and delight in doing the will of the Lord, and it came because of the Word. Doing His will is a family affair. It assures one of an excellent relationship with the Heavenly Father. Mt. 12:50 Entrance and residency in the kingdom of heaven is not established by cries or acknowledgment of the name of the Lord. Unfortunately there are those who will be excluded, even though they were very vocal in calling out His name. Why, they did not do His will. This places extremely great importance on fulfilling His will in every aspect of our lives.
HERE IS THE WILL OF THE LORD FOR EVERY CHILD OF GOD. This is one of those messages, in the Word, which will enable one to know that they have done His will. Offer yourself, spirit, soul and body as a holy, living sacrifice to the Lord. This is pleasing to Him. It would certainly place the person offering the sacrifice in good standing with Him. While this is a considerable commitment it is still only that which is reasonable or rational. An action that is very basic to the Christian life. The life in Christ that we are to now live is a metamorphosis, a change an entirely new life. This transformation brings with it a certain knowledge of the complete and perfect will of the Lord is for our lives. If the dedication is complete the full and perfect will of the Lord will be accomplished in our lives. Rom. 12:1-2