Step 3: A Commitment to God’s Will: Romans 12
STEP 3: We made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
Romans 12, the chapter containing the Biblical comparison for Step 3, shows us God’s will for our lives and offers a road map to make the changes He desires in us.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
The command to not copy the behavior and customs of this world means we may need to make some pretty drastic changes in our relationships, activities, and priorities to work this step. Our choices when practicing our additions and other compulsive behaviors caused harm to us and others we love, and it may be difficult to make those changes God wants in our lives, but as long as we let God transform us, we can then learn God’s will for our lives and act accordingly.
Take some time this week to read through the entire chapter of Romans 12. It reviews the following points of how God wants us to display His will in our lives.
| · Humility | · Honesty | · Acceptance |
| · Use of Gifts | · Service | · Faith |
| · Encouragement | · Teaching | · Generosity |
| · Kindness | · Leadership | · Brotherly Love |
| · Hard Work | · Hospitality | · Helpfulness |
| · Live in Harmony | · Love Your Enemy | · Support Each Other |
If we are considering doing something that doesn’t fit into this list, we should ask ourselves, “Is this my will or God’s will?”
Other Key Verses
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
Examine your heart
- Turning our will over to God is at times a daily challenge. Is there something in your life you are having a hard time turning over?
- Do you see God at work in your life? If so, in which areas?
Prayer
Dear Lord—I commit to turn my will and life over to You. I ask that you fill me with the fruits of Your Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control so that I may do Your will always. Amen