Read 1 Thessalonians 4.
Paul taught the Thessalonian believers how to live in a manner that pleases
God. These instructions were not from human ideas, or denominational
rules, but his teaching are in fact from the Lord Jesus Christ (v.2).
The focus in this chapter became very personal. Knowing Jesus is only the
beginning. Living a lifestyle that pleases God requires daily discipline.
There is no discipleship without personal discipline.
1. Live in holiness with one another. (vv.1-8)
The Bible is not unclear concerning sexuality. The subject is taught in
plain terms both in the Old and the New Testaments. God's standards are
in writing and do not change with the changing winds of culture, political
correctness, or denominational votes. Sex outside the marriage commitment
between one man and one woman is an abomination. Jesus even warned about
one's lustful thoughts turning to sin (Matthew 5:28).
Sanctification means purity or holiness. The Bible teaches two aspects of
our sanctification. We are positionally sanctified, cleansed from our
sin, at the moment of salvation. We are then to be practically living as
a sanctified people and daily dealing with our sin (1 John 1:9). Our
behaviors are to be pure and holy from the inside out. Notice the list of
things about our conduct in just these few verses. We are responsible to
"control" ourselves in this area. Lustful passions are signs of
those who do not know God. "Therefore whoever disregards this,
disregards not man but God..." (v.8) It is not only sin against
God, it involves sin against others.
Five times in the New Testament we are told "this is the will of
God." You do not have to pray about it. It is not open for
debate. It is absolute. And, living in sexual purity is one of
those five.
2. Love one another. (vv.9-12)
Paul had already mentioned this to them. They were already doing this.
Indeed, their good testimony of how they treated each other had actually
influenced other churches. His reminder here to them is not only for the
internal health of the congregation. Their manner of life displayed to
"outsiders" the difference Christ makes.
3. Encourage one another. (vv.13-18)
Nothing pleases God more than believers who live with moment by moment
anticipation of the Lord's return. "...but we know that when he
appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And
everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." (1 John
3:2b-3) Sanctification and the Lord's return go hand in hand. Those
who fail to regularly preach and teach what used to be called "the blessed
hope" rob the people of a main source of encouragement.
The basis of our hope is fixed in our steadfast belief in Jesus' resurrection,
in Jesus' return, and our reunion with all the saints of God.
"Encourage one another with these words."
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