1 Thes. 4: 1-12 (3)
Introduction: Is there any problem more preplexing for a Christian than "knowing, finding, following and being in" the will of God. For those who take living for God seriously there seems to be a constant struggle "finding" the will of God for their lives. For those who could care less, there is a serious question that they are a Christian at all.
* What is the Will of God? A "Will" is something desired or ordered by one in authority, a resolve. The Will of God is the manner desired for our lives as ordered by God.
(1) Some wrong idea's about "finding" the Will of God for our life.
(A) The idea of finding what God wants me to "DO"
(B) How will I know God's will in who I am to marry ?
(C) How do I know the will of God in; Business, Vocation, Where i am to live?
(D) God's will has become only a matter of "Guidance", ( Looing for signs, conformation)
* As long as you search for the "Will" of God in this manner you will never be satisfied.
* The Will of God is NOT searching for what "We" are to "Do".
* The Will of God is a "Relationship", Not what we "Do", but "Who" you are.
(2) The Word of God tells us what the Will of God is concerning our lives.
(A) 1Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: ( Sanctification: Gr.> Purification, or the state of purity, to be, or to make holy in character.)
(B) So the "Will", Desire, Resolve of God is to make you "Holy."
* What do we mean when we say Something or Someone is "Holy"?
* Why is the Bible called the Holy Bible, Israel called the Holy Land, Jerusalem called the Holy City ? Because they "Belong" to God !
(C) It is God's desire to dwell in you in a way to completely "Control" every aspect of your life
* Imagine: A person whose whole Spirit, Soul, and Body is at the disposal of God to do as He wishes. We would never have to worry about Guidance, or "What to Do"! We could live in total confidence!
(3) The Question; Are you willing to become "His Property"?
(A) How do you feel about God having "Exclusive" use of you ? Would it be an intrusion on the life you have planned ? Or would you regard it an honor to have God manifest himself through your life ?
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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. (Rom. 12: 1-2)
(B) The question now becomes, How do I do that ?" Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (1 Thes. 4:1 )
(C) Paul said; " The Word that you received, walk or pracitice it, then you will go into maturity
(4) What kind of life "pleases"God ? (Heb. 11:6, Without Faith it is impossible to please God.)
- Faith is a complete trust in God.
- Faith Believes Jesus took your old life, judged it, sentenced it, executed it !
- Faith Believes Nothing within you is any good and benefit in itself, your abilities, knowledge, skills, can produce nothing in itself to benefit God.
- Faith Believes God gave you a totally new purpose, no longer doing good by your own means.
- Faith Believes God's promise to do through you what you cannot do yourself.
* The Will of God is; To make you his property, your faith completely in him !
(5) How do you know for sure when you have found the Will of God ?
(A) What are some unmistakable marks that indicate you are fully His property ?
(1) Purity and Holiness is a "Practiced Lifestyle." For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: ( 1 Thes. 4: 3-5)
* Concupiscence: A longing for the forbidden
(2) Giving thanks in every circumstance is a mark thta you have found the Will of God. " In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thes 5:18)