The Cross is an Obstacle to Selfishness
It is God’s Will – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 NLT

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 NLT

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

As we studied yesterday, our passage of scripture uses very direct and clear language.  I want to pick up at verse three: “God’s will is for you…”  This is really a direct command.  The NIV translation says, “It is God’s will.”  The instructions following these words are the fulfillment of God’s will in your life and mine.

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.  Sanctification is the purging of selfishness out of your life.  It comes to those who say that they will put their bodies (and all evil desires) under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  There is no more: “I will do it because I really want to.”  From now on, some form of these words must be said, “I want to do it, but I will only do it if it doesn’t go against God’s will for me.”  These words are indications that you have set yourself aside for the will and purposes of God—exclusively—and that is the essence of sanctification!

Paul continues: “It is God’s will…to stop lusting another man’s wife.”  This is the ultimate selfish act that God will punish!  When we wrong people this way, God is taking notes—He will not sweep this stuff under the rug!  God calls us to walk away from those temptations.  Being tempted doesn’t make me impure, but I must immediately run from every hint of immorality!  This is God’s will!

Father, I am committed to doing your will today!  I will control my body, bringing it into submission to the Lordship of Jesus.