2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;” (1 Thessalonians 4:2–3 (ESV)
Having been involved in pastoral, and professorial, ministry for over 40 years, many people have asked me “how can I know the will of God for my life?” Usually, this pertains to whom should I marry and what job or position should I take?
A young man approached me years ago announcing to me God was leading him into a full-time music ministry. He was convinced God wanted him to direct God’s people in worship from the platform. He was ready to do so immediately. No training was necessary. No instruction from other worship leaders, musicians or seminary professors was required. In other words, this young man knew all the answers to all the questions regarding the will of God for his life.
I admired his passion. There was just one problem; and it was big one. The individual in question did not sing very well. He did not know how to read music. He also did not play an instrument.
Voice lessons can be taken. Reading music can be learned along with playing an instrument. However, this individual was not interested in any of that. He was enamored with the idea of being on stage but not at all interested in the behind the scenes work and study required to lead as a servant.
How do believers in Christ discern the will of God for their lives? To begin with, we must understand there are various levels regarding the will of God.
First, there is God’s eternal will, which He purposed before the foundation of the world in the election and salvation of sinners (Eph. 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:8-9; I Peter 1:1-2). This refers to God’s ultimate plan for all of creation. It encompasses everything that comes to pass, including events that may seem negative or difficult to understand. It is God’s purposeful sovereignty or providence.
Second, there is God’s moral, or prescriptive, will. This involves instructions and commands found in Scripture. These are God’s revealed commands and principles for how His people are to live. These are guidelines for ethical behavior, moral decision-making, and living in a way that honors Him. See Romans 12-16; Ephesians 4-6; Colossians 3-4.
Third, there is God’s permissive will. This is unique to each individual’s life and circumstances. It involves seeking God’s guidance and direction for decisions such as career choices, relationships, and other personal matters. See Acts 16:6-10.
Paul addressed the subject of the Lord’s moral will when he wrote to the Thessalonian believers. The Holy Spirit’s God-breathed words, revealed through the apostle, were clear and concise. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;”
The moral will (θέλημα; thelema) or purpose solely originating from God the Father involves the believer’s sanctification. Sanctification (ἁγιασμὸς; hagiasmos) refers to consecration, dedication and holiness before God. It means to be far away from sin.
In this particular context, the will of God for believers in Christ was/is to abstain from sexual immorality. To abstain (ἀπέχεσθαι; apechesthai) is a present, middle infinitive verb. It means to be personally far away from and to avoid sexual immorality (πορνείας; porneias). This refers to engaging in any form of sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage between a binary husband and wife. The English word pornography comes from this Greek word.
“All of God’s word contains God’s will—both affirmations and prohibitions. Specifically, God’s will includes salvation (1 Tim. 2:4); self-sacrifice (Rom. 12:1–2); Spirit filling (Eph. 5:18); submission (1 Pet. 2:13–15); suffering (1 Pet. 3:17); satisfaction (1 Thess. 5:18); settledness (Heb. 10:36); and particularly here—sanctification, which literally refers to a state of being set apart from sin to holiness,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
The Apostle Peter also spoke of this important moral will of God in I Peter 1:13-16. “13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13–16 (ESV)
The first instruction designed to produce greater holiness is abstinence from sexual immorality. Paul called his readers to avoid it, implying the need for exercising self-discipline, enabled by God’s Spirit,” explains commentator Thomas L. Constable in the Bible Knowledge Commentary.
“Christians are to avoid and abstain from any and every form of sexual practice that lies outside the circle of God’s revealed will, namely adultery, premarital and extramarital intercourse, homosexuality, and other perversions. The word porneia, translated “sexual immorality,” is a broad one and includes all these practices.”
“The Thessalonians lived in a pagan environment in which sexual looseness was not only practiced openly but was also encouraged. In Greek religion, prostitution was considered a priestly prerogative, and extramarital sex was sometimes an act of worship. To a Christian the will of God is clear: holiness and sexual immorality are mutually exclusive. No appeal to Christian liberty can justify fornication,” concludes Constable.
There are times when the will of God may seem to be unclear. This is not one of those occasions. God makes His moral will known to each believer in Christ. There is to be no debate regarding abstaining from sexual immorality. We must avoid it at all costs.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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