Aligning Our Desires with God's Will
Summary
In our walk with God, we must understand the power of aligning our desires with His will. When we surrender our will to God's, we step into a realm of spiritual authority and governance. This is not a passive submission but an active engagement with the divine purpose for our lives. As we pray, we must seek not just to present our requests to God but to ensure that our requests are in harmony with His will. This is the key to unlocking the miraculous in our lives and in the church.
In the recent conference I attended, I experienced firsthand the importance of praying according to God's will. Initially, I struggled to articulate my prayers for the event, but as I sought the Lord's direction, I found peace in simple, God-aligned petitions. This led to a powerful move of the Holy Spirit, affirming that when we pray in alignment with God's will, we see His desires come to fruition.
We must also recognize that our prayers can govern spiritual realities. By declaring God's will, we can remove obstacles and see His plans accomplished. This was evident when an individual with ulterior motives was prevented from disrupting the conference. It is a testament to the fact that anything opposing God's will has no place in our midst.
Furthermore, we must understand the concept of iniquity. Iniquity is not just sin; it is the self-rule that opposes God's sovereignty. It is choosing our own path without seeking God's guidance. This self-rule can have generational consequences, affecting our descendants. Therefore, we must repent and turn from our ways to God's ways, tearing down the idols of self-will and surrendering to His perfect will.
As we look to the future, we must speak faith into existence, declaring God's plans for our church and community. We must support the vision God has given to our leadership and align ourselves with it. This unity and support are crucial for the manifestation of God's promises in our lives and the lives of those around us.
In conclusion, let us tear down the idols of iniquity and self-rule, and instead, build our lives on the solid foundation of God's will. Let us pray with confidence, knowing that when we align our prayers with His will, they will be answered. Let us surrender fully to God, allowing Him to direct our paths and lead us into the fullness of His plans for us.
Key Takeaways:
- Praying according to God's will is not about relinquishing our desires but about aligning them with the divine purpose. When we do this, we operate in a place of spiritual authority, and our prayers become powerful and effective. This alignment is essential for the church to experience revival and for individuals to see God's hand move in their lives. [41:07]
- The concept of iniquity goes beyond mere sin; it is the essence of self-rule and rebellion against God's sovereignty. When we choose our own way without seeking God's direction, we set ourselves and future generations on a path away from His blessings. Repentance is the key to turning from iniquity and embracing God's will for our lives. [32:28]
- The power of our prayers is not in their volume but in their alignment with God's will. When we pray with the understanding that God's will is paramount, we unlock the potential for miracles and divine intervention. This requires a heart fully surrendered to God, ready to receive and act upon His instructions. [39:59]
- Spiritual authority in prayer comes from submission to God and His appointed leadership. When we submit to God and resist the enemy's lies, we are empowered to declare God's will with confidence. This authority allows us to remove any opposition to God's plans and to see His kingdom established on earth as it is in heaven. [43:15]
- Our legacy is not just about material inheritance but about the spiritual heritage we leave for future generations. By living a life surrendered to God and tearing down idols of iniquity, we set a foundation of righteousness for our descendants. This is the true measure of a life well-lived and a legacy worth leaving. [22:38]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)
> "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."
2. Exodus 20:3-5 (KJV)
> "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;"
3. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV)
> "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 5:14-15, what is the condition for God hearing our prayers? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on aligning our prayers with God's will? [05:00]
2. In Exodus 20:3-5, what are the first two commandments, and how do they relate to the concept of iniquity discussed in the sermon? [12:27]
3. What does 1 Samuel 15:22-23 say about obedience and sacrifice? How does this passage define iniquity and idolatry? [31:03]
4. The sermon mentioned a personal experience at a conference where praying according to God's will led to a powerful move of the Holy Spirit. What was the outcome of aligning prayers with God's will in that context? [40:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the confidence described in 1 John 5:14-15 affect a believer's approach to prayer? What does it mean to pray according to God's will? [05:00]
2. The sermon discusses the generational impact of iniquity as mentioned in Exodus 20:3-5. How can self-rule and rebellion against God affect future generations? [18:07]
3. In 1 Samuel 15:22-23, stubbornness is equated with iniquity and idolatry. How does this comparison help us understand the seriousness of self-will and disobedience to God? [31:03]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of supporting the vision given to church leadership. How does this align with the concept of spiritual authority and submission discussed in the sermon? [43:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Are there areas where you might be praying for your own desires rather than seeking God's will? How can you begin to align your prayers more closely with God's will? [05:00]
2. The sermon highlighted the importance of tearing down idols of self-will. Identify any "idols" in your life that might be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take to remove these idols? [12:27]
3. Consider the generational impact of your actions and decisions. How can you ensure that you are leaving a legacy of righteousness for future generations? [18:07]
4. The sermon mentioned the need for unity and support of church leadership. How can you actively support the vision and direction of your church leadership in practical ways? [43:00]
5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a powerful answer to prayer. What was different about that prayer? How did it align with God's will? [40:46]
6. The sermon discussed the importance of repentance and turning from self-rule to God's rule. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and surrender to God's will? [31:03]
7. How can you cultivate a language of faith in your daily conversations and prayers? What specific phrases or declarations can you start using to align your speech with God's will? [43:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Desires with Divine Purpose
When individuals align their desires with God's will, they enter a space of spiritual authority where their prayers carry significant weight and impact. This alignment is not about giving up personal desires but about refining them to resonate with God's intentions. It is a process of transformation that empowers believers to pray with confidence and expectation. In this state, prayers are not merely words spoken into the void but powerful declarations that can shape reality and bring about the miraculous. The church thrives and individuals witness the tangible hand of God moving in their lives when this alignment is achieved. [41:07]
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." - Psalm 37:4-5
Reflection: What is one specific desire you have that you need to align with God's will, and how can you begin to seek His guidance on it today?
Day 2: The True Nature of Iniquity
Iniquity is more than just sin; it represents a fundamental self-rule that stands in opposition to God's sovereignty. It is the deliberate choice to follow one's own path without seeking divine guidance. This rebellion has far-reaching effects, potentially influencing generations to come. To combat iniquity, one must embrace repentance, turning away from self-rule and towards God's will. This act of turning is not merely for personal benefit but is a crucial step in establishing a legacy of righteousness and blessing for one's descendants. [32:28]
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." - Proverbs 28:13
Reflection: In what ways have you seen the impact of self-rule in your life, and what steps can you take to seek God's mercy and align with His sovereignty?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer in God's Will
The potency of prayer is not found in its loudness or length but in its alignment with the will of God. When prayers are crafted with an understanding of and submission to God's desires, they become conduits for miracles and divine intervention. This requires a heart that is fully surrendered to God, one that is willing to listen and act upon His instructions. Such a heart can confidently approach the throne of grace, knowing that its petitions are in sync with the heartbeat of heaven. [39:59]
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." - 1 John 5:14
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart that is more attuned to God's will, and what is one prayer you can offer today that reflects this alignment?
Day 4: Spiritual Authority Through Submission
Spiritual authority in prayer is rooted in submission to God and His appointed leaders. By yielding to God's authority and resisting the enemy's deceptions, believers are empowered to speak God's will into existence with boldness. This authority is not for personal gain but for the advancement of God's kingdom, enabling the faithful to dismantle opposition to divine plans and establish His rule on earth as it is in heaven. [43:15]
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." - James 4:7
Reflection: What are some ways you can demonstrate submission to God's authority in your life, and how can you exercise spiritual authority through prayer today?
Day 5: Legacy of Righteousness for Future Generations
The legacy left behind by believers is not measured in material wealth but in the spiritual heritage they establish for future generations. By living a life surrendered to God and dismantling the idols of iniquity, individuals lay a foundation of righteousness that will benefit their descendants. This spiritual inheritance is the true measure of a life well-lived and a legacy that endures beyond one's lifetime. [22:38]
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous." - Proverbs 13:22
Reflection: What spiritual inheritance do you want to leave for future generations, and what changes can you make now to ensure that legacy?
Quotes
- "When we transfer our allegiance to righteousness, and His righteousness, and blessing and elevating, that's what I want, God. Iniquity is when I choose to do things my way." [37:47] (Download | )
- "We step into a place of governance and authority and we begin to speak things in the spirit because they're going to happen. You unlock and you open according to your faith." [41:43] (Download | )
- "We need to get good at declaring prayers that speak according to God's will so we can have them. Anything that opposes the will of God, we have the authority to move it out of the way." [43:15] (Download | )
- "Iniquity is self-rule. It's when we never ask God what he wants to order our lives in. We're always choosing our own path for our lives. This is iniquity." [32:28] (Download | )
- "Jeroboam created idols because he didn't wanna do God's plan. He wanted to have his own plan. He wanted to protect his turf. He wanted to build his kingdom. And as a result, he led Israel into destruction." [31:45] (Download | )
- "God, if you want me to have it, give it to me. That was on Thursday. On Monday, we had a signed contract. In one week, without looking for a house, and without calling a realtor, God gave us our house." [35:46] (Download | )
- "We need to speak what God wants to speak. And so I believe there's a spiritual alignment and a language of faith that comes with being a part of the kingdom of God." [43:51] (Download | )
- "If you got a God of entertainment in your living room, would you rip it off the wall and destroy it? If you've been living a double standard, one life in the church, true to my family, Iniquity must come down today in Jesus' name." [52:19] (Download | )
- "I said to my wife on Friday, I have not because I ask not because when you ask according to the will of God you get what you ask for." [39:59] (Download | )
- "We need people supporting leaders, every leader in this room needs to feel the support. It's time for the body to shift in and say, come on, pastor, we support the vision 100%." [46:11] (Download | )
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