Silver City Church Logo

God's Will: Your Sanctification - Silver City Church

Sermon Overview
“God’s Will: Your Sanctification,” from 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, marks the shift from Paul’s long thanksgiving and encouragement into practical application. In light of everything he has prayed and praised, Paul urges the Thessalonians to walk and please God more and more—just as they are already doing. The will of God is clear: your sanctification. This means abstaining from sexual immorality, controlling your own body in holiness and honor (not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God), and not wronging your brother in this matter. God has not called us to impurity but to holiness, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us. To disregard this instruction is to disregard God Himself.
Key Takeaways
Pleasing God More and More
Walk and please God just as you are doing, but do so more and more (v. 1). The sermon calls believers to keep pressing forward in holiness.
God’s Will = Sanctification
This is the will of God: your sanctification (v. 3). The sermon shows holiness is not optional or vague—it is concrete and practical.
Control Your Body in Holiness
Abstain from sexual immorality; control your own body in holiness and honor, not in lust like the Gentiles (vv. 3–5). The sermon contrasts Christian living with pagan culture.
The Holy Spirit Dwells in You
Whoever disregards this disregards God, who gives His Holy Spirit (v. 8). The sermon reminds us holiness flows from the indwelling Spirit.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Please God More and More
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1
Devotional Idea: Keep pressing forward in holiness.
Walk and please God more and more (v. 1). The sermon calls us to “keep on keepin’ on.” Reflect on areas where you are already pleasing God. The sermon urges growth. How can you abound more? Ask God to help you press forward.
Day 2: Sanctification Is God’s Will
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:3
Devotional Idea: Holiness is the big picture.
This is the will of God: your sanctification (v. 3). The sermon shows God desires holiness above all. Reflect on what “God’s will” means to you. The sermon calls for concrete holiness. How is God shaping you? Ask God for a holy heart.
Day 3: Control Your Body in Holiness
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5
Devotional Idea: Honor God with your body.
Control your own body in holiness and honor, not in lust (vv. 4–5). The sermon contrasts Christian living with pagan passion. Reflect on self-control. The sermon calls for purity. How can you honor God today? Ask God for strength.
Day 4: Do Not Wrong Your Brother
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:6
Devotional Idea: Love protects others.
Do not transgress and wrong your brother (v. 6). The sermon warns against harming others through impurity. Reflect on how your actions affect others. The sermon calls for honor. How can you protect your brother/sister? Ask God for purity.
Day 5: The Holy Spirit in You
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
Devotional Idea: Live by the Spirit you received.
God has called us to holiness; the Holy Spirit dwells in you (vv. 7–8). The sermon reminds us holiness flows from the indwelling Spirit. Reflect on the Spirit’s presence. The sermon calls for obedience. How will you walk in holiness? Thank God for His Spirit.
Reflection and Application Questions
  • Reflection: How does Paul’s encouragement to “do so more and more” show that pleasing God is an ongoing journey?
  • Reflection: Why is “your sanctification” described as the clear will of God rather than vague life decisions?
  • Reflection: How does the indwelling Holy Spirit make holiness possible and expected?
  • Application: Identify one area of your life where you need to “control your body in holiness and honor”; take a concrete step this week.
  • Application: Thank God daily this week for giving you His Holy Spirit, and ask Him to produce greater holiness in you.
Scripture References and Cross-References
  • Main Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8
  • Cross-References: 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13 (prayer for abounding love and holiness), Galatians 5:16 (walk by the Spirit), 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (body is a temple), Ephesians 5:3 (no hint of sexual immorality), 1 Peter 1:15–16 (be holy as God is holy)
Westminster Confession Connection

1 Thessalonians 4:1–8’s clear declaration that “this is the will of God, your sanctification” aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 13, Section 1, which teaches that those who are effectually called and regenerated are further sanctified by the Holy Spirit, who works in them to mortify sin and enable them to grow in holiness. The sermon’s emphasis on holiness as the ongoing will of God and the work of the indwelling Spirit reflects this progressive sanctification.

Sermon Resources
1 & 2 Thessalonians