1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.  For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.  For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.  For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.  Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

 

This church has multiplying faith that is spreading and strong even in the face of great persecution.  Paul has been assured of their affection for him and their steadfastness in following the Lord.  Productive churches like this one will become the target of Satan to try to make them ineffective.  Satan will constantly use immorality and false teachings as a means of attacking these churches so they will lose their effectiveness.

 

BE STRENGTHENED IN GODLY INTEGRITY: This church has done much to walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.  However, nobody will ever reach a point in their Christian walk where they will have “arrived.”  Pleasing the Lord is always our objective, and we must strive to do so in an ever-increasing manner.  This includes things that are both positive and negative.  There are virtues that need to be built into our lives more and more.  There are also vices in our lives that we need to set aside more and more.  The body of Christ should be constantly striving to grow in godliness, and we need to strive to strengthen one another and be strengthened in these areas.

 

BE SANCTIFIED WITH SEXUAL PURITY: We don’t need to wonder what God’s will is for our lives.  It is God’s will that we be sanctified.  We are to be set apart as holy unto the Lord.  This is especially true in the area of our sexuality.  The way that we use our bodies is of great importance to God and needs to be dedicated to God.  We all have sexual desires and temptations that are not pleasing to the Lord.  God intends for sex to be enjoyed between one man and one woman within the commitment of marriage.  Any sexual desire that go beyond this standard are sinful and must be set aside for the cause of Christ and our own good.  God is not out to spoil our lives, He knows what is best for us and is committed to us and what is best for us both now and in eternity.  We are called to exercise self-control in all areas of life but specifically our sexuality.  Our bodies are to be kept in holiness and honor, dedicated to the Lord.     

 

BE SUBMISSIVE TO GOD’S AUTHORITY: God has established the principle of holiness for His followers. These commandments to be sanctified are not man-made principles but are established by God.  Those who refuse to be obedient in these areas of life and ministry are living in rebellion against God and are subject to His judgment.  When we use our bodies for sinful purposes, we are offending the Lord and specifically the Holy Spirit who abides in us.  His wrath will be poured out on all who refuse to walk in rebellion against His standard of holiness.  The call to holiness comes from God and is not made up by men or spiritual leaders.  Submitting our desires to God’s authority is fundamental to our walk with Him.

 

APPLICATION: Never be satisfied with our personal walk with the Lord.  Seek to grow more and more in our efforts to please the Lord.  Our bodies should be set apart for the work of the Lord and used in ways that reflect His holiness and the standards He has established in His Word.  Recognize that the call to holiness comes from God Himself.

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