Young Adults' Group

The Will Of God

by Pastor Mark
April 27, 2017

Understanding the will of God

People often tend to think that the will of God always is something that is mysterious and unclear. On the contrary, the will of God is clearly stated in His word. It is for us to discover what that will of God is.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church about the will of God, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:18) The word “will” in Greek is “thelema” which means “desire”. The will of God has to do with His desire. He has certain desired plans that is meant for us to discover in His word.

This will of God can be best understood in a relationship with the Lord Jesus. Only when we truly believe in Christ and are living in the sphere of Him that we would be able to know and to do the will of God. There are three aspects of the will of God that Paul highlighted plainly to the Thessalonian brethren.

1. The aspect of joy

“Rejoice always,” (1 Thess 5:16)

The word “rejoice” in Greek is “chairo” which has a connection with the word “charis” (grace). This means that rejoicing stems from the word “grace.” It is out of grace that we are able to find joy. If grace has been poured into our lives, we should be able rejoice much.

Joy is something that should not be for the moment. It is something that we should cultivate consistently. Let us be challenged to do the will of God by rejoicing always.

2. The aspect of prayer

“pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess 5:17)

Another aspect is prayer. Prayer is something that is most important and should be given priority every day. Everything should be prayed over.

The challenge is given for us to praying incessantly. We should learn to cultivate prayerfulness in our life and ministry. This is the will of God.

3. The aspect of thanksgiving

“in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:18)

The word “give thanks” in Greek is “eucharisteo”. It means to have the good grace to give thanks. When we have experienced so much of the grace of God poured into our life, our response should be one of thanksgiving.

What should we give thanks for? Everything. All that we have been given is because of the grace of God. In all circumstances of life and ministry, let us fulfil the will of God by giving thanks to God.

The challenge to do the will of God

For all three aspects of the will of God…to rejoice, to pray and to give thanks, they were all written in the imperative mode. These are commands made by Paul for us to fulfil. The imperative often involves our volition…our will. Let us exercise our will to fulfil these imperatives. Our wills must match the will of God. Let us be challenged to fulfil the will of God in our lives by rejoicing, praying and giving thanks.

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