God’s Will for You
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Pastor Jesse Smith
Part of 1 Thessalonians—Hope and Holiness
July 2, 2023

God’s Will for You

It is God’s will for you to:

1. Be joyful always.


How?


• Joy is found in Jesus.


I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you…As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
- John 15:1-4a, 9-11 (NIV 84)


• Avoid what will steal your joy.


2. Give thanks always.


Why? It will:


• Increase your personal joy.


• Improve your witness for Jesus.


Live such good lives among the pagans that they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
- 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV 84)


• Enhance your relationships.


• Improve your relationship with God.


3. Pray always.


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Philippians 4:6 (NIV 84)