It Starts Small

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; ⁶ and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. ⁸ Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

As for other matters

Many of Paul’s epistles burst forth with a powerful blend of doctrinal and practical wisdom, igniting the hearts of readers. While other versions may echo the word “finally,” this transformative book unfolds splendidly between personal history and compelling practicality. The term “finally” isn’t merely a conclusion. It signifies a momentous shift. It is a dynamic transition between the two vibrant segments of this sacred text. Paul passionately recounts their shared journey. It is a testament to their rich Christian heritage. He then unveils the divine blueprint for a life of holiness that God desires for each of them.

 we instructed you

Paul fervently continues his practice of inspiring Christlike behavior. He does this through heartfelt encouragement and passionate exhortation. He does not merely rely on straightforward commands. In verse 2, we see that he had indeed provided them with commands. He also gave them instructions. Yet, he chooses a richer method of communication that encompasses both. Each approach holds its significance and power in the right context. In the previous chapter, we witnessed how Paul came alongside them. He embraced them with the warmth of a father. He earnestly pleaded with them as a loving dad would with his beloved children. This reveals the depth of his care for them. His concern is not just surface-level. It is profoundly genuine and deeply rooted in his heart.

how to live in order to please God

“Walk” is a powerful word frequently found in the Bible. It illustrates the essence of a believer’s journey. It also signifies their profound relationship with the Lord. It compels us to embrace a life bursting with action, filled with direction and purpose. I often reflect on my own walking style. While many savor a leisurely stroll or amble. They simply pass the time with no particular destination. I struggle to understand that mindset. It’s ingrained in my very being that when I walk, I must do so with fervor and intent! I need to be heading somewhere, and if I’m on a journey, I yearn to arrive with urgency! There are moments when my family and I wander along the riverbank. I often catch myself wrestling with the urge to dash forward. I am driven by an unquenchable desire to pick up the pace. This happens even when we’re just savoring the simple joy of being together.

Well, the Christian life is meant to be “walked” with fervor, just as I walk! It’s an exhilarating journey with a magnificent destination awaiting us. We don’t simply drift through life. Instead, we are called to be dynamic individuals. We should brim with purpose and be driven by a clear, unwavering direction!

And to please God.

The first part of that phrase passionately reveals our actions, our fervent behavior. The second part delves deep into the essence of our motives, igniting a desire within us. Pleasing God must be the driving force behind every aspect of our lives! We should fiercely pursue careers that honor Him. We should manage our finances with a heart that seeks His glory. When we tie the knot, let our wedding be a radiant celebration that pleases Him. As we nurture our children, nurture them in a way that reflects His love. Ensure that every facet of our lives seeks to please our Creator. In all that we undertake, let it be for His delight. He ardently cares about our actions and our motives!

as in fact you are living

Paul passionately emphasizes that he is in no way directing accusations toward them. He fully understands they are not to blame for the current circumstances. He firmly believes that even those who are thriving need encouragement. This helps them maintain their momentum and strive for greater heights.

• Be encouraging to others. Do not only focus on the negatives by nitpicking others’ faults. Avoid pointing out their mistakes. Instead, when you see them doing well, tell them so. Take the time to acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Recognizing their efforts can boost their confidence and motivate them to continue improving and striving for excellence.
• Success yesterday does not guarantee success tomorrow – Paul held this profound truth close to his heart. In moments of victory, it’s easy to let pride take control. It is also easy to become complacent. Both attitudes are treacherous paths leading to failure. With unwavering determination, Paul galvanized the team, ensuring their focus remained razor-sharp until the very last moment.

Whatever you have done in the past, whether it be glorious or regretful, it is time to rise above it! Embrace each new day with fervor. Live each day with purpose. Draw upon God’s unwavering strength. Conquer every challenge and claim your victory!

urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

This was Paul’s fervent hope! Despite their accomplishments, he yearned for them to reach even greater heights. Believers ought to embody a vibrant sense of “healthy dissatisfaction.” This doesn’t imply a discontent with our situations. Instead, it is a relentless pursuit of excellence in our actions and thoughts. We should ignite a passion within ourselves to “excel still more!”

instructions

We are in dire need of constant reminders! Countless Christians yearn to uncover “new truth.” Pastors and teachers feel relentless pressure. They strive to deliver sermons that shine with fresh perspectives. But the reality is, the Bible is already complete; there is no new truth to unveil! The Christmas story, for instance, can only be told in so many captivating ways. The essence of the Bible is not about discovering novel ideas. It is about revisiting the profound truths that resonate through time. These truths are repeated and re-experienced with fresh passion and fervor each time!

 It is God’s will

In the world today, many people hastily label believers who champion fidelity and sexual purity as bigoted. They dismiss us as relics of a bygone era. They claim we are out of touch with reality, resistant to progress. Some may even say, “It’s your choice, but keep it to yourself.” Let me be clear. This is not merely Paul’s opinion or ours. It is the undeniable will of God! The message in the following verses resounds with clarity. He desires for us to embrace holiness and purity. He encourages us to honor His guidelines as we navigate our sexual desires.

be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

This principle emerged not from a world steeped in conservatism or tradition—no, far from it! Greek culture was a swirling cauldron of decadence, where sexual immorality was not merely tolerated but celebrated. Divorce ran rampant, and mistresses flourished as a common fixture of life. Slaves were commodified and treated as mere concubines, while every imaginable act of sexual perversion was explored with abandon. This wasn’t cloaked in secrecy; rather, it was drenched in boldness, leaving little room for shame to linger.

One of the fundamental reasons was the prevailing religion of that region, where temple cult prostitution was tragically normalized. This abhorrent practice was, shockingly, seen as a form of worship, a misguided expression of devotion. This command did not arise from a merely “backward” cultural perspective. Instead, it emerged as a desperate necessity. This was because humanity and culture had strayed so far from God’s divine and perfect plan.

Thessalonian believers emerged from a world steeped in temptation, confronting these challenges daily and at every turn. Yet, the pervasive corruption surrounding them was no excuse to indulge in the very sins that permeated their lives. God fervently desired their sanctification. He wanted them to shine brightly as a beacon apart from the darkness surrounding them. He called them to stand out, to be radically different. While those around them ran headlong into moral decay, God urged them to sprint in the opposite direction! The Thessalonians were called to staunchly abstain, to maintain a resolute distance from sin. Echoing this call, other scriptures, like 2 Timothy 2:22, urge us to flee. We should act just as Joseph did with courage and conviction.

Let’s passionately dive into a riveting discussion. We will explore the prevalent realms of sexual immorality. These challenge our values these days.

• Fornication. The alarming normalization of cohabitation before marriage has woven itself into the very fabric of society. Across the globe, it has gained unshakeable acceptance, leaving those who choose a different path labeled as oddities. Brainwashing starts in our public schools under the guise of sex education. Influential organizations like Planned Parenthood perpetuate this. What are our schools imparting on this critical issue today? We do not foster meaningful relationships. Instead, we teach young minds lessons on “safe sex.” We focus solely on how they can shield themselves from STDs. Women have access to a variety of birth control methods. Meanwhile, the deeper implications of intimacy remain shrouded in silence. The commitment associated with intimacy is also rarely discussed.

What is God’s uncompromising guide to “safe sex”? You don’t need an exhaustive curriculum filled with jargon or complex terms. What’s more, it represents the most affordable and undeniably the safest way to safeguard yourself. ABSTAIN. The sacred realm for sex is exclusively within the sanctity of marriage. Every other context is a deviation from morality. Let me be unequivocal: this verse does not condemn sex outright; it boldly declares, “abstain from sexual immorality.”

God crafted our sex drive, and like every magnificent creation of His, it is undeniably “good.” Yet, much like other aspects of life, it can be distorted into something detrimental. Evolutionists propose that our sex drive is nature’s fierce mechanism for ensuring the survival of our species. It is essential for the continuation of humanity. God designed sex not as a mere obligation but as an experience to be savored and celebrated. How do I know this? Immerse yourself in the Song of Solomon and the wisdom found in Proverbs. Within the sacred bounds of a lifelong marriage between one man and one woman, sex unfolds as an exquisite joy. If God intended for sex to be anything less than delightful, He wouldn’t have orchestrated it so beautifully. Curiously, those who stray from God often tout their so-called liberation regarding sex. However, it is our theology that unveils the truth. Sex is meant to be a source of pleasure and enjoyment. It transcends its role in reproduction.

• Adultery. Note that the Bible includes impure thoughts and divorce/remarriage as types of adultery in God’s eyes. It is essential to understand the moral implications of such actions. These implications extend beyond physical acts. They encompass one’s thoughts and intentions. These are seen as equally significant in maintaining the sanctity of marriage.

• Pornography. This is an alarming reality. It permeates even the sacred walls of the church. It fuels deeply complex questions about its ethical implications. Is it right or wrong? How do we find the truth in a world that technology has radically transformed? The internet is a dominant force in this exposure, yet it was nonexistent in the past. The rapid advancements we face today have caused the accessibility and normalization of pornography to spiral out of control. We must urgently ask ourselves: how can we fiercely guard our hearts and minds against this insidious influence? What strategies can we employ to reclaim our purity? How can we achieve and sustain victory over these insidious temptations? They seek to undermine our spiritual and emotional well-being.
  
• Masturbation. It is sinful. Don’t let Satan deceive you. Many people wrongly believe it is a normal part of life. It is not. This act can create a false sense of intimacy. It can lead individuals away from true connection and fulfillment in relationships.

• Lust. This is a profound and intricate category that encompasses all of the above and so much more. Let’s be honest. We live in a fast-paced society. Many women choose to express themselves through their attire. They often lean towards bold and revealing styles. Picture this: you’re strolling along. You might be immersing yourself in the spiritual solace of reading the Bible on your phone. Suddenly—boom!—right before your eyes stands a striking woman adorned in enticing clothing. So, what’s a man to do? It’s tempting to gawk or stare; after all, can you really blame them? It’s only natural to be captivated by beauty, right? But this raises important questions. Is it truly wrong to admire a lovely woman? Is it inappropriate to acknowledge beauty that stands before us? What solutions can we explore to navigate these intoxicating challenges?

With verses 4-5, we unveil two powerful interpretations of this verse that pulse with significance. One interpretation passionately presents “his own vessel” as a heartfelt tribute to one’s cherished spouse (1 Corinthians 7:2-5). In essence, a husband is called to wholeheartedly treasure his marriage and to boldly exemplify his unwavering commitment. This profound directive found in Hebrews 13:4 ardently implores us. We are urged to revere the sacred marriage bed. It is a divine gift that deserves the utmost honor from all. Alternatively, the second interpretation suggests that “his own vessel” reflects the individual himself. In this light, he is urged to embrace his sexual capabilities according to God’s divine design. He should steer clear of the pitfalls depicted in Proverbs 5:16.

The interpretation being considered remains a mystery. Yet, the debate holds a quiet intensity. The application of either option remains strikingly identical. Husbands and wives are called to a profound purity. Embracing God’s standards is not just honorable; it is a sacred commitment to a higher purpose. Those who dedicate themselves to God’s path unlock the extraordinary blueprint He has devised just for them. True joy comes from wholeheartedly obeying God’s directives. It also involves patiently awaiting His perfect timing. This is better than succumbing to fleeting desires outside His divine framework.

This verse 6 carries immense weight. It reveals a profound truth. When a person engages in fornication, he is not just sinning. He is robbing another man of his future love. No husband would willingly accept the idea of someone else claiming his wife, sharing sacred moments meant for their union. Yet, that tragic reality unfolds. A man sleeps with a woman without the commitment of marriage. He does this, especially knowing she is destined to be someone’s wife someday.

Fornication is a profoundly selfish act that steals joy from everyone entangled in its web. It strips away something sacred from both individuals involved. It leaves a haunting trail of guilt and shame. This can poison even the most loving union. Even if they later marry, that darkness can loom over their relationship, casting shadows on their shared happiness. And if they choose not to bind themselves in marriage, they become thieves. They rob their future partners of purity and trust. This forever taints the promise of true love.

The Lord is the fierce avenger! He will not turn a blind eye to those who dare defy His sacred laws. You may believe that your actions go unseen, but rest assured, God is always watching, ready to deliver justice!

In verse 7, God fervently calls us to embrace purity! He desires that we no longer dwell in the old ways of our past, but instead, experience a powerful transformation! Our lives must reflect this remarkable change, our minds ignited with new thoughts, and our hearts renewed with His love. How can you seize control and passionately direct your thoughts to triumph in the fierce battle within your mind?

In verse 8, this is the profound truth revealed by God, not a mere notion from mankind. This is the urgent message that resonates for each of us today! We desperately need it. We are all human, flawed, and imperfect. Each one of us has fallen into sin, navigating this tumultuous world. We all thirst for God’s grace—it’s the lifeline we crave! Every single one of us has stumbled and strayed from God’s divine commands in this critical area. Refusing to change means turning our backs on God. Not repenting dismisses His love. Disobedience means rejecting His call. Yet, in His infinite mercy, He has bestowed upon us the Holy Spirit, our powerful ally in this struggle! Embrace the help you need!

Two helpful resources are covenanteyes.com and settingcaptivesfree.com.

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Cross References

• 1 Timothy 4:12
• 1 Corinthians 6:18
• Hebrews 13:4
• Ephesians 5:5
• Romans 13:14
• Psalm 51:10
• Colossians 3:5
• Titus 2:12

Discussion Questions

• Why does Paul use the word “finally” in chapter 4 when there is so much of the book left?
• What kind of teaching had Paul and his team given them before?
• What was the basis by which Paul could give them commands on these important and sensitive topics?
• Whose opinion or idea is found in verses 3-8?
• What does sanctification mean?
• What are some examples of sexual immorality?
• So, what is the negative command which they are NOT allowed to do?
• In contrast, what are they supposed to do?
• What does this negative and positive example teach us about the proper view of sex?
• What Biblical examples show both positive and negative examples in this area?
• What temptations might we face in the modern world?
• How can we resist and flee from these temptations?
• What does verse 4 refer to? What does “his own vessel” refer to?
• What does verse 6 mean? How could someone transgress and defraud a brother?
• How can a single person apply this passage? What can a single person do to ensure that he/she remains pure?
• What can someone who is courting do to safeguard both his and his potential spouse’s purity?
• How about someone who is married?

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