SUBMITTING TO GOD'S WILL

Title: SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: James 4:7
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6, Luke 22:42, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 6:10, Hebrews 13:20-21

INTRODUCTION:
Submitting to God’s will is the hallmark of a true believer. It involves surrendering every aspect of your life—your plans, desires, and decisions—to align with His purpose. Though it may seem challenging at times, submission to God brings peace, divine direction, and victory over the enemy. This study explores the importance, principles, and blessings of submitting to God's will.

1. THE MEANING OF SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL

Submitting to God means yielding completely to His authority and guidance.

a) Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty
Recognise that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and works all things for His glory (Isaiah 46:9-10).

b) Obedience to His Word
Submission is demonstrated through active obedience to the commands in Scripture (John 14:15).

c) Surrendering Your Plans
Yield your personal goals and desires to God’s purpose (Proverbs 16:9).

d) Trusting God’s Timing
Trust that God’s plans are perfect and His timing is best (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus demonstrated perfect submission in Gethsemane, praying, "Not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

2. THE NEED TO RESIST THE DEVIL

Submission to God empowers believers to overcome the schemes of the devil.

a) Recognise the Enemy’s Tactics
The devil seeks to lead you away from God’s will through temptation and distraction (1 Peter 5:8).

b) Resist Through the Word
Use Scripture as a weapon to resist the devil, as Jesus did during His temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

c) Stand Firm in Faith
Submitting to God strengthens your resolve to resist the devil’s lies (Ephesians 6:16).

d) Flee from Sin
Submission includes turning away from sin and refusing to give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).

e) Biblical Example:
Job resisted the devil’s attempts to make him curse God and remained submitted to God’s will (Job 1:20-22).

3. THE PRINCIPLES OF SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL

Living in submission to God requires intentional practices.

a) Seek God in Prayer
Prayer aligns your heart with God’s will and provides direction (Matthew 6:10).

b) Delight in God’s Word
Studying and meditating on Scripture reveals His will (Psalm 119:105).

c) Be Humble Before God
Acknowledge your need for His guidance and surrender pride (1 Peter 5:6).

d) Walk in the Spirit
Depend on the Holy Spirit to lead you in every decision (Galatians 5:16).

e) Biblical Example:
Mary, the mother of Jesus, submitted to God’s will, saying, "Be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).

4. THE CHALLENGES OF SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL

Obedience to God’s will may come with trials and tests.

a) Overcoming Self-Will
Letting go of personal desires can be difficult but necessary (Matthew 16:24).

b) Facing Opposition
The world may oppose your submission to God (John 15:18-19).

c) Enduring Uncertainty
Trusting God’s will often requires faith in the unknown (Hebrews 11:8).

d) Patience in Waiting
Waiting for God’s timing can be challenging but builds character (Psalm 27:14).

e) Biblical Example:
Abraham faced the challenge of sacrificing Isaac, but his submission to God’s will brought blessings (Genesis 22:1-18).

5. THE BLESSINGS OF SUBMITTING TO GOD’S WILL

Submission to God results in spiritual growth, blessings, and victory.

a) Peace of Mind
Submitting to God brings peace, knowing He is in control (Isaiah 26:3).

b) Divine Guidance
God directs the steps of those who trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

c) Victory Over the Enemy
Submission empowers believers to resist the devil successfully (James 4:7).

d) Eternal Reward
Obedience to God’s will secures an inheritance in heaven (Matthew 25:21).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel’s submission to God’s will in Babylon brought him promotion, protection, and favour (Daniel 6:1-28).

CONCLUSION:
Submitting to God’s will is the pathway to spiritual victory and divine blessings. It requires humility, obedience, and a heart fully surrendered to Him. When you trust and follow His will, you experience His peace, power, and purpose for your life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to submit to Your will in every area of my life.

2. Holy Spirit, guide me to trust and obey God’s direction.

3. Father, strengthen me to resist the devil and his schemes.

4. Lord, help me surrender my plans and desires to Your purpose.

5. Father, teach me to delight in Your Word and follow it daily.

6. Holy Spirit, empower me to walk in submission and humility.

7. Lord, grant me patience as I wait for Your perfect timing.

8. Father, let Your will be done in my life as it is in heaven.

9. Lord, protect me from distractions that lead me away from Your will.

10. Father, bless me with peace and victory as I follow Your path.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will submit fully to God’s will and experience His peace.

2. The Lord will guide your steps into divine purpose and blessings.

3. You will resist the devil, and he will flee from your life.

4. Every spirit of disobedience is broken in Jesus’ name.

5. The Holy Spirit will empower you to live a life of surrender.

6. God’s will shall prevail in your life, despite challenges.

7. You will receive divine strength to overcome self-will and pride.

8. Your obedience to God will open doors of favour and victory.

9. The peace of God will guard your heart and mind as you trust Him.

10. You will enjoy the blessings of submission now and in eternity.