For This is the Will of God

INTRO

1 Thessalonians 5:15–22 ESV

15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

7 Focuses of God’s Will...

1) Refuse Evil (vs. 15a, 22)

Our greatest test is when someone abuses us. Do not seek retribution. (15a)

Abstain from every form of evil. (vs. 22)

Do not seek to justify evil…

God’s goodness and standards are absolute. Straying from them is absolutely evil. There is no room for relative justification!

2) Seek Good (vs. 15b)

Do you look out for the good of others, or the good of yourself?

Seeking God is active not passive.

3) Rejoice Always (vs. 16)

No matter the circumstances…rejoice! Find joy in the Lord

Let the joy of the Lord be your strength (Neh. 8:10)

Story of Judy

4) Pray Always (vs. 17)

Reflexive in our lives

5) Give Thanks Always (vs. 18)

Have an attitude of Gratitude.

True gratitude displays dependence.

6) Do Not Quench the Spirit (vs. 19)

Smother, resist, ignore,

“Walk by the Spirit” (Rom 8:4), “Be filled with the Spirt” (Eph. 5:18), “Produce the Fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23)

7) Do Not Despise Prophecies (vs. 20)

Forth-telling / Revealing God’s Word

Test by examining God’s Word

CLOSING

God’s Greatest Revelation - His love for you.

Do not despise His love for you.

Know Him, Grow in Him, Live for Him.