Do the Will of God and Not the Will of Your Flesh (A Bible Study)

Every day, we face choices—whether to follow God’s will or to pursue our own desires. The Bible makes it clear that doing the will of God leads to life, peace, and eternal reward, while following the flesh leads to destruction. When we surrender to God, we align ourselves with His purpose, but when we rely on our own understanding, we risk falling into sin and its consequences.

The Pros of Doing the Will of God:

1. Eternal Life and Blessings

Following God’s will leads to eternal life and His blessings. Matthew 7:21 (KJV) says, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Obedience to God secures our place in His kingdom.

2. Peace and Guidance

When we follow God’s will, He directs our steps and gives us peace. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." God’s guidance ensures that we walk in wisdom and avoid unnecessary struggles.

3. Strength Through the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost empowers us to do God’s will. Acts 1:8 (KJV) says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we gain strength to overcome temptation and fulfill our divine purpose.

4. Protection from Sin and Destruction

God’s will keeps us from the dangers of sin. Romans 12:2 (KJV) says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." When we follow Him, we avoid the traps of the enemy.

5. Fulfillment and Purpose

Living in God’s will brings true fulfillment. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." God’s plan for us is greater than anything we could imagine.

The Cons of Doing Things Our Own Way:

1. Separation from God

When we follow our flesh, we separate ourselves from God. Isaiah 59:2 (KJV) says, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Sin creates a barrier between us and God’s presence.

2. Spiritual and Emotional Turmoil

Ignoring God’s will leads to confusion and unrest. Galatians 5:17 (KJV) says, "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other." When we follow our own desires, we struggle with inner conflict.

3. Consequences of Sin

Sin brings destruction. Romans 6:23 (KJV) warns, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Choosing our own way leads to spiritual death.

4. Loss of Divine Protection

When we reject God’s will, we step outside His covering. Deuteronomy 28:15 (KJV) says, "But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee." Disobedience removes God’s blessings and protection.

5. Judgment and Accountability

We will be held accountable for our choices. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV) says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." Choosing the flesh leads to judgment.

The Consequences of Lying on the Holy Ghost

Lying on the Holy Ghost is a serious offense. Acts 5:3-5 (KJV) tells the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who lied about their offering and faced immediate judgment. "But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?... And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost."

The Holy Ghost is sacred, and dishonoring Him brings severe consequences. Matthew 12:31 (KJV) warns, "Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."

Conclusion: Choose God’s Will Over the Flesh

Every day, we must decide whether to follow God’s will or our own desires. The benefits of obeying God far outweigh the consequences of following the flesh. His will leads to life, peace, and eternal reward, while our own way leads to destruction.

The Holy Ghost is our guide, and we must honor Him by walking in truth. If we surrender to God, He will strengthen us, protect us, and fulfill His purpose in our lives. Choose His will today, and experience the blessings of living in His divine plan!

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

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