What is God’s Will for Your Life? In I Thessalonians, we learn that God’s Will for us is our sanctification. ( I Thess. 4:3) Sanctification is God’s work in us as we grow spiritually, living in holiness pleasing and honoring Him.
We are set apart for service and holiness. It is a process of maturing in our faith and becoming more and more like Jesus.
The hymnist gives us direction:
“Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord; Abide in Him always, And feed on His Word; Make friends of God’s children, Help those who are weak; Forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek.”
Now let’s listen to the words of Paul as he gives assignments:
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thess. 5:16-18
Because of our new relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ His Son, we recognize our dependence on God.
Phil 1:6 ”… he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion…”. Growth requires the work of the Holy Spirit. Because we are being transformed, our hearts should be grateful!
Next, Paul warns us not to do the negative, but we are encouraged to do the positive.
“Don’t stifle the Spirit. Don’t despise prophecies, but test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.” I Thess. 5:19-22
We should take a balanced approach. We should examine all things. Does the teaching align with the Scriptures. Is it consistent with the nature of God?
Does it align with the life of Christ? Then cling to the Truth!
“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will do it.” I Thess. 5:23-24
Paul ends this section with a prayer of blessing. As Paul’s confidence was in God, so should we be confident that He is both able to sanctify us for a heavenly promotion and to preserve us to be acceptable on that day.
“He leadeth me; His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.”
Our God – He is faithfully leading us on this life journey.
Thank you, O Lord, for your faithfulness!