September 05 2026

September 05 Saturday

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

This Is the Will of God

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Have you ever wondered, “What is God's will for my life?” Christians often ask that question when facing major decisions. “Lord, whom should I marry?” “Where should I live?” “What job should I take?” “What ministry should I pursue?” Certainly, we should seek God's guidance concerning those things. But today Paul tells us something that is unmistakably God's will for every believer. First Thessalonians 4:3 says: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” You don't have to wonder about this part of God's will.

God's will is that you and I become holy. The word sanctification means being set apart unto God. When we trusted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we belonged to Him. Now God is working in us so that our daily lives increasingly reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Sanctification is both a position and a process. We have been set apart as God's people, and now throughout our lives He is making us more like His Son.

Then Paul immediately applies sanctification to a very practical area. He says: “That you should abstain from sexual immorality.” Thessalonica was part of the Greco-Roman world, where sexual immorality was common and often socially accepted. These new believers had come out of that culture. Paul reminds them that following Jesus meant they could no longer allow the culture around them to determine their standards. And that certainly speaks to us today. Our culture may redefine morality. Society may call something acceptable that God's Word calls sin. But God's standard has not changed. God created human sexuality as something beautiful and good within the boundaries He established for it. The problem isn't sexuality. The problem is taking God's gift outside of God's design.

Then Paul says in verses 4 and 5: “That each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.” Whatever interpretive nuance we give the word “vessel,” Paul's central message is clear: A believer should exercise self-control and live in holiness and honor. The world says, “If you desire something, pursue it.” Hallmark say, “Follow your heart.” The Bible says that through God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we don't have to be controlled by our desires.

First Corinthians 6:19 reminds us that our body is “the temple of the Holy Ghost.” Our bodies belong to God. Our minds belong to God. Our eyes belong to God. Our relationships belong to God. Everything about us should be surrendered to Him. And notice how Paul describes those who live only according to uncontrolled passions: “The Gentiles who do not know God.” That is the difference. We know God. Because we know Him, we should live differently.

Holiness isn't simply following a list of rules. Holiness grows out of a relationship with God. We love Him. We belong to Him. We want to honor Him. And therefore we desire purity in our lives. Maybe someone listening today is struggling in this area. Remember, temptation itself is not defeat. Jesus Himself was tempted, yet without sin. When temptation comes, we can turn to God's Word, flee from compromising situations, guard what enters our minds, and depend upon the Holy Spirit. And when we fail, we can confess our sin and receive God's cleansing. First John 1:9 promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So what is God's will for you today? Certainly, He has individual plans for your life. But one thing we know for sure: “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” God wants us to become more like Jesus.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for making Your will clear in Your Word. You have called us to holiness and purity. We live in a world where temptation surrounds us, so please guard our hearts, minds, eyes, and bodies. Give us the strength through Your Holy Spirit to say no to temptation and yes to You. Forgive us when we fail, cleanse us from sin, and continue Your work of sanctification in our lives. May we honor You with our bodies and become more like Jesus every day. In His name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!