What is God’s Will for You?

God’s Will

Decreed, sovereign, or hidden will29 “The secret things belong to the

LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Deuteronomy 29:29

Preceptive or revealed will

The will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Θελημα thelema

a determination (properly the thing), that is, (actively) choice (specifically purpose, decree; abstractly volition) or (passively) inclination: - desire, pleasure, will.

Thayer Definition:

1) what one wishes or has determined shall be done

1b) of what God wishes to be done by us

What is God’s Will for You?

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

3 Commands & Adverbs

RejoicePrayGive thanksAlways, at all times (without

ceasing), in all circumstances

Rejoiceχαιρω

chairoA primary verb; to be full of “cheer”,

that is, calmly happy or well off; impersonal especially as a salutation (on meeting or parting), be well: - farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joy (-fully), rejoice.

Prayπροσευχομαι

proseuchomaito pray to God, that is, supplicate, worship: - pray (X earnestly, for), make prayer.

Give thanksευχαριστεω

eucharisteoto be grateful, that is, (actually) to express gratitude (towards); specifically to say grace at a meal: - (give) thank (-ful, -s).

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanksinter-related

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:2 (ESV)

Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! Psalm 97:12 (ESV)

A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Psalm 100:1(ESV)

And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. 1 Samuel 2:1 (ESV)

then man prays to God, and he accepts him; he sees his face with a shout of joy, and he restores to man his righteousness. Job 33:26 (ESV)

Rejoice, Pray, Give Thanksinter-related

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Daniel 6:10 (ESV)

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, Colossians 1:3 (ESV)

Always, without ceasing, in all circumstances

Παντοτε

pantote

every when, that is, at all times: - always (-s), ever (-more).

αδιαλειπτως adialeipto

uninterruptedly, that is, without omission (on an appropriate occasion): - without ceasing.

πας

pas

Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: - all (manner of, means) alway (-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no (-thing), X throughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

The will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Joy is fruit of the Spirit But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

He must be our Father to hear our prayers Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name Matthew 6:9

We must be in Christ to give thanks

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened Romans 1:21

 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5

What keeps us from rejoicing, praying, giving thanks?

Sin Lack of faith/worry

Discontentment/coveting

Circumstances Suffering

Companions

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 In His works

But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create… Isaiah 65:18

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it Psalm 118:24

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness… Isaiah 61:10 (ESV)

yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:18(ESV)

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 In His works

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” 1 Chronicles 16:31

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. Psalm 5:11

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Psalm 67:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 In His character/nature

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul Psalm 31:7

Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the LORD, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Psalm 35:27

And you shall rejoice in all the good that the LORD your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you. Deuteronomy 26:11

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 In His word

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 

the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart… Psalm 19:8 

Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Psalm 119:111

I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil Psalm 119:162

Rejoice in …

Food/feasting Dt 14:26, Ecc 9:7

In our inheritance Ps 106:5, Lk 10:20

In our wife Pro 5:18, Son 1:4, Is 62:5 & children Pro 23:24-5, Jn 16:21

In righteousness Pro 29:2

In work Ecc 3:22, 5:19

In years lived Ecc 11:8 & in youth Ecc 11:9

In salvation of lost Mt 18:13,Lk 15:5-7,9-10, 32; joh 4:36, Ac 8:39, 13:48, 15:3,16:34

In hope Rom 5:2, 12:12, 15:13

In reconciliation Rom 5:11

Rejoice in …

With others Rom 12:15, 1 Co 12:26, 2Jn 1:12

In truth 1 Co 13:6

In comfort of others 2 Co 2:3, 7:7, 16, Php 2:28 4:10, 2Ti 1:4

In others’ obedience Rom 16:19, 2 Jn 1:4, 3 Jn 1:3, Col 2:5. Php 4:1, 3Jn 1:4, 1Th 3:9

In Fellowship with others 1 Co 16:17, Php 2:28

In repentance 2 Co 7:9

In proclamation of gospel Php 1:18, 1Th 1:6

In his glory revealed 1 Pe 4:13, Rev 19:7, Jud 1:24

In deliverance Ex 18:9, 1 Sa 6:13, 11:15, 19:15

Rejoice in …

In sacrificial giving 1 Ch 29:9, 2 Ch 24:10

In great accomplishments Neh 12:43

In sanctification Php 1:4

In unity Php 2:2

Rejoice in suffering

as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:10

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you Matthew 5:11-12

looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God Hebrews 12:2

Rejoice in suffering

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:20 For his deeds/works 1 Ch 16:8, Ps 9:1, 26:7145:10

For he is good/steadfast love endures forever 1 Ch 16:34, Ps 106:1, 107:1, 118:1, 136:1ff, Jer 33:11

For his righteousness Psa 7:17

For his salvation Ps 106:47

For he is personal Ps 118:28

For his Love/faithfulness Ps 138:2

For his deliverance Ps 142:7

For turning away his wrath Is 12:1

For giving wisdom Dan 2:23

For his reign Rev 11:17

For giving us an inheritance Col 1:12

Give thanks in all circumstances

In Worship - Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! Psalm 100:4 With singing Ps 28:7, 30:4, 95:2

With instruments Ps 33:2

With offerings Ps 54:6

With prayer Php 4:6, Col 4:2

Give thanks in all circumstances

Among others Ps 108:3, 109:30, 111:1

For other believers Rom 1:8, 16:4, 1 Co 1:4, 2 Cor 1:11, Eph 1:16, 1Th1:2, 2 Th 1:3

For encouragement of believers Ac 28:15

For spiritual gifts 1Co 14:18

For working of gospel 1Th 2:13

Growing in faith and love 2Th 1:3

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving 1 Timothy 4:4

Give thanks in all circumstances – Antidote to sin

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4

Pray without ceasing – The Lord’s Prayer

 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come, your will be done,  on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13

Pray without ceasing – How

With humility Lk 18:13, Not pretense Mat 6:5, Lk 18:11-12

As a discipline Dan 6:10

Alone Mt 14;23, Mk 1:35, 6:46, Luk 5:16, 9:18 & with others Ac 12:12, 20:36, Lk 1:10

With faith Mar 11:24

Earnestly Jas 5:17 & without giving up Lk 18:1-8

Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication

Pray without ceasing – What

Filled with knowledge of his will, spiritual wisdom, understanding Col 1:9

For opening to gospel Col 4:3, Eph 6:19

For effectiveness of word Phm 1:6

For suffering/illness Jas 5:13ff

For healing 2 Ki 19:15, Ac 28:8

For wellbeing of others 3Jn 1:2

For firmness in faith Luk 22:32

For forgiveness Mar 11:25

For our enemies Mat 5:44, Luk 6:28

For love to abound more and more Php 1:9

Pray without ceasing – During trials

 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:39-41

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God … Acts 16:25

Pray without ceasing - Others

For important decision Luk 6:12, Ac 1:24

For children Mat 19:13

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26