Scripture

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.

Observation

Paul, with Silas and Timothy, now encourages the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God. They already do this, but but now he is encouraging them to do more.

God wants us to be holy so we must avoid sexual sin. If we do this we are controlling our own bodies and living in holiness and honour.

We must never cheat a brother by violating his wife. The Lord avenges all such sins.

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. If we refuse to do this, then we are not disobeying human teaching but rejecting God, who gives us the Holy Spirit.

Application

God wants His people to be holy, as He Himself is holy. That means that we do not always get to do what we want to do. Instead, we must live God’s way.

In our culture, sex is the big thing. it seems that every controversy, every government policy, and even corporate policy, is about sexual preferences and identity. I have the right to use my body in any way I choose. I have the right to indulge my fleshly passions.

God wants us to rein in the body and to use our union with Him to overcome the lusts and desires of our bodies.

Not only does God give us the commandments to obey, He also gives us the grace to obey them.

In the long run, God’s ways are more fulfilling, more fruitful, more productive of joy, than just doing my own thing.

Prayer

Lord, you call me to live a holy life. Please show me how to have victory over the sins that hold me captive. Amen.