Junior High | God’s Will For You (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) | Joel Pickett

Main message: The sermon teaches that God’s will for believers is not a mystery to decode but something to live out through three simple, ongoing commands: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. These practices are the fruit of being “in Christ” and lead believers into a life that aligns with God’s plan.

Key points:

• God’s will is clear and understandable; believers should focus on obeying what God has already revealed.
• The commands in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 are continual, present-tense practices, not one-time actions.
• Rejoicing is a choice to find joy in the Lord, not mere happiness based on circumstances.
• Praying without ceasing means living in an ongoing attitude of prayer throughout the day.
• Thankfulness should be expressed to God in every situation, and gratitude grows as believers practice it.
• These commands are the fruit of salvation, not the basis for it; first a person must be “in Christ.”

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Ephesians 5:17, Matthew 5:12, Philippians 3:1, Philippians 4:4, John 15:11, 2 Corinthians 6:10, Romans 12:12, Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18, Nehemiah 2:4–5, Colossians 4:2, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 2:7, John 10:10, John 3:16