It seems rather presumptuous to title any lesson “God’s Will for You.” At first glance it carries an arrogance that I know exactly what God wants for your life. I don’t. Well, not the details. However, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, as well as several other passages of scripture, provide quite a bit of clarity on the subject. God wants His children to know His will. The confusion arises when we focus our energies on God’s will as it relates to certain decisions, actions, and outcomes. We seem to continually seek the proverbial checklist.
 

1 & 2 Thessalonians reveal an emphasis on who God wants us to be rather than what He wants us to do. Central to these two letters is 1 Thessalonians 5:18 which reads, in part, “This is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”   Everything Paul shares before and after that verse works to describe God’s will for the strong spiritual foundation of believers.  We can know God’s will for our life, and it begins with understanding who He wants us to become in Jesus.

Prior to beginning this study of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, it is helpful to read Acts 17:1-15 concerning Paul’s original missionary journey to this area. While many Jews and Greeks responded favorably to Paul’s message, many turned against him. He eventually had to slip out of town at night while his host was punished by community leaders.

 

These two letters were Paul’s way of encouraging the believers and helping them grow in their new relationship with Jesus. He wanted them to know, understand, and experience God’s will in its purest form. I pray you will as well.

Preliminary Questions:

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase “God’s will”?
What aspects of God’s will interest you the most?

 

FOR DEEPER STUDY: Using a concordance, look up “God’s will” (NIV has 14 “his will”, 5 “the Lord’s will”, 14 “God’s will”, and 9 “your will”). Review as many of the passages in context as possible. Do you believe you can discover God’s will daily? What is His will for you today?