Week 7 | Knowing and Doing God’s Will

What is God’s will for my life?

We often ask that question when making major decisions, but Scripture shows us that God has already revealed much of His will for His people. He calls us to know His Word, obey His instruction, and live holy lives that please Him.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, Paul challenges believers not to settle for simply knowing the truth. The gospel transforms how we live. Because we belong to Jesus and have been given the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to pursue holiness and increasingly become more like Christ.

The Lord’s Church delights to do His will and live holy lives empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1️⃣ Live to Obey the Lord | vv. 1–2

The Christian faith asks something of us. Jesus does not simply save us from sin and leave us unchanged. He gives us a new life to live.

The Thessalonians had received the gospel, learned the truth of Christ’s return, endured suffering for their faith, and understood that their ultimate allegiance belonged to God’s Kingdom. Paul now encourages them to continue living out what they had been taught.

Knowing God’s Word should lead to obeying God’s Word.

2️⃣ God’s Will Is Your Sanctification | vv. 3–7

What does God want to do with your life? Scripture gives us a clear answer: God wants to make you more like Jesus.

The Christian life moves from justification, being declared righteous through the finished work of Christ, through sanctification, the ongoing work of becoming more like Christ, and ultimately to glorification when our redemption is complete.

Paul applies this directly to sexual holiness. Our bodies belong to the Lord, so believers are called to reject sexual immorality, exercise self-control, and refuse to allow the desires and standards of the culture to determine how we live.

God supplies the power through His Spirit. We are called to yield and obey.

3️⃣ God’s People Obey and Walk in Holiness | v. 8

God has not called His people to impurity, but to holiness. And holiness is not a punishment. Living a holy life is a joy because it pleases God.

Through Christ we have been made new, and through the Holy Spirit we have been given the power to walk in obedience. The question is not simply, “Do I know what God says?” but “Am I living what I say I believe?”

💬 Reflect & Respond:

Do you know what you believe, and is your life reflecting it? Where might God be calling you to stop skirting the line and fully surrender to His will?