1. As we saw in our previous study, Paul concluded his apostolic reflections with a prayer
a. In which he expressed his desire for his brethren - 1 Thessalonians 3:11-12
b. In particular, that their hearts be established blameless in holiness - 1 Thessalonians 3:13
2. In the second half of this epistle, Paul gives apostolic instructions
a. In other words, exhortations, commands, urgings, etc.
b. All designed to help answer his own prayer
1) That they increase and abound in love
2) That they be blameless in holiness at the coming of the Lord
A. NOTE THE FORCEFULNESS OF THIS EXHORTATION
1. Paul urges and exhorts them
2. He reminds them this is:
a. What they received from him on how they ought to walk and to please God
b. In keeping with commandments given to them
3. Twice he appeals to the name of Jesus (which adds to the force of his appeal)
a. Urging and exhorting in the Lord Jesus
b. Commandments given through the Lord Jesus
4. These instructions are not suggestions; they carry the force of commands necessary to keep in order to please God!
a. Which Jesus expected His apostles to teach - Matthew 28:20
b. Which Paul certainly stressed - 1 Corinthian 7:19
B. A COMMAND FOR INCREASING SERVICE
1. They should abound more and more
a. As he prayed earlier - 1 Thessalonians 3:12
b. As he will urge them again later - 1 Thessalonians 4:10
2. This aspect of Christian living is taught throughout the Scriptures
a. By Jesus in His parables
1) The Talents - cf. Matthew 25:14-30
2) The Vine and The Branches - cf. John 15:1-2
b. By Peter in defining what it means to grow in the knowledge of Christ - 2 Peter 1:5-8
c. By Paul in his writing to other Christians
1) The Corinthians - 1 Corinthian 15:58
2) The Philippians - Philippians 1:9; 3:13-14
3. The Christian walk or life is to be one where we abound more and more, never resting on our laurels, always pressing on to increasing levels of service. This is especially true when it comes to living morally pure lives
A. GOD'S WILL IS OUR SANCTIFICATION
1. Sanctification and holiness come from the same Greek word meaning to be set apart
a. Through the Word of God, we are to be sanctified - John 17:17
b. With the aid of the Spirit, we can be sanctified - 1 Corinthian 6:11
2. Sanctification is an on-going process
a. It began at our conversion - 1 Corinthian 6:11
b. It will be completed at the coming of Christ - 1 Thessalonians 5:23
B. SANCTIFICATION INVOLVES ABSTINENCE
1. Abstaining from sexual immorality
a. The Greek word (porneia) is commonly translated fornication
b. It is a general word for unlawful and immoral sexual intercourse and relationships
1) Thus it includes pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex (adultery), and homosexuality
2) Any sexual activity outside a lawful, marital relationship between husband and wife
2. Possessing one's own vessel (body, or wife) in sanctification and honor
a. Not in passion of lust, like those who do not know God - cf. Ephesians 4:17-19
b. Something we should know how to do - in case one doesn't, it involves:
1) Being transformed by the renewing of the mind - Romans 12:1-2
2) Not making provision for fulfilling the lusts of the flesh - Romans 13:13-14
3. So we will not be take advantage of and defraud our brother
a. I.e., commit adultery (perhaps the highest form of fraud - cf. Proverbs 6:30-35
b. This what happens when we do not possess our bodies in sanctification and honor
C. WHY SANCTIFICATION (ESP. ABSTINENCE) IS NECESSARY
1. It is God's will - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
2. God will avenge those who defraud their brethren - 1 Thessalonians 4:6; Hebrews 13:4
3. God has called us to holiness, not (moral) uncleanness - 1 Thessalonians 4:7
4. Otherwise we reject God, who has given us His Holy Spirit - 1 Thessalonians 4:8
a. Given to us when we became His sons - Galatians 4:6
b. Our bodies are to be temples for the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthian 6:18-20
c. Dare we grieve the Spirit by defiling His temple?
1. To be blameless in holiness at the Lord's coming requires we walk in holiness now
a. Abounding more and more in our service to God
b. Abstaining from sexual immorality by possessing our bodies in sanctification and honor
2. Through the grace of God, such holy living is possible
a. We have the blood of Christ to forgive us of the guilt of sin
b. We have the help of the Spirit to free us from the power of sin
3. But we must do our part, thus the need for an Exhortation To Walk In Holiness
4. In view of our morally lax society, this is a much needed exhortation
5. God has not called us to (sexual) uncleanness, but in holiness - 1 Thessalonians 4:7
6. Are we living in a way becoming of our calling?
-- Don Treadway, September 2009 --
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