Focus Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
The Bible includes two letters that Paul writes to the church of Thessalonians. These were some of his earliest letters (along with Galatians) that he penned. The community of faith in Thessalonica was primarily composed of Gentile believers. Paul (while residing in Corinth) sends his fellow worker Timothy to visit and inquire of their progress living out there faith (1 Th 3:5-6). He returns with a encouraging report. Paul writes to express his joy and affection for them.
While Paul had a lot to say in the two letters, we shall focus primarily on fourth chapter of the first letter, where he provides specific instruction on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. The subject text continues to be applicable because the society of Thessalonica is comparable to our post-modern culture of today in that:
- They were a pagan society where false religion and idolatry was encouraged and practiced.
- They had wide-ranging sexual immorality at every socio-economic class. Such perversive norms invaded every area of life. Similarly today, we also have examples of this reality such as: our television/social media is over sexualized, promiscuity is encouraged, pornography is a billion dollar industry, homosexuality is exalted, and child sex trafficking is widespread……..just to name a few.
- They had high divorce rates and marital fidelity was not a virtue to be desired, nor celebrated.
In the preceding verses of chapter 3 (i.e.1 Th 3:6-13), Paul praised the Thessalonians for their progress in faithful living, but now challenges them to continue their spiritual growth. He reminds them of the importance of holiness unto God to which they are called to live out. Today, this type of gospel message is counter-cultural as it remains a stumbling block to many in society. A lifestyle that practices righteous living of Christ is required for the believer. Remember, without holiness no one shall see God living in his people (Heb 12:14). Below are some highlights of what Paul taught in the focus text that is still helpful to us today.
Live the Doctrines of the Gospel (4:1-2)
Paul entreats them to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He says, “For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” In life, any goal we pursue has a standard of quality we must work toward to attain the reward. For example, if I want to be licensed a attorney, I must meet and acquire specific competencies. Typically, a four year degree followed by law school and passing board exam is required. This is standard that must be met to become licensed, which certifies I am proven (by a higher governance or power structure outside of myself) and are able to execute the ethics, duties and responsibilities of the job. I must rightly understand the requirements at each level of this pursuit and through wisdom, ensure I best position myself to achieve the goal. My pursuit of this goal cannot simply be lip service. Actions (i.e. lifestyle) must accompany my words through work ethic and habits by which I apply myself to this end. In Paul’s exhortations to Timothy in how to benefit from obedient pursuit of gospel living, he says, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules (2 Tim 2:5).”
Likewise, in the Christian life, the Bible is our standard. It is our manual for life given by God. The aim is holiness by which the image of Christ can be glorified and manifest in our lives. To participate in God’s righteousness, I must not only be a hearer of Word, but also a doer (Jam 1:22-25). I must strive daily to align my heart, thought, and actions towards a lifestyle that helps me achieve the reward in Christ. There is a “outworking” of our salvation by which we co-labor and cooperate with the Holy Spirit in our sanctification. The goal is daily progression towards spiritual maturity. Paul teaches the churches in Philippi, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to the make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (13) Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: ‘Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phi 3:12-14).” It is through sanctification that God grows and certifies the quality of our faith.
Our Sanctification is the Will of God (4:3-5)
The word “sanctify” means to be set apart by God (as holy). God the Father achieved this through the death and resurrection of his Son. In doing so, Christ Jesus destroyed death and the reigning power of sin over our lives. While there will still be sin evident in a Christian’s life, it no longer has dominion over us. Meaning, its enslaving chains have been broken. God has given us his Spirit, which now rules over us, thus making it possible war against and have victory over sin in our lives. Jesus’s blood shed atoned for our sin and thus cleansed us of its cancerous effects to our souls. The Holy Spirt is tasked with the administration of sanctification that our lives increasingly reveal more of the holiness of Christ that reflects his presence that now dwells within.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the process of sanctification is God’s will for his people. Here are few instructions he provides on what we are now able to do by the power of the Spirit:
- Abstain from sexual immorality. This is applicable to all sexual activity of both the mind (i.e. thoughts) and behavior that is occurs outside and inside the institution of marriage, which is only between a man and a women (Gen 2:15-25, Mt 19:3-6, 1 Cor 7:1-5). To abstain, means we are not to practice these things in our lives, nor do we affirm such lifestyles we see widely accepted in the world. By pursuing holiness within the marriage, this honors each other and God who uses this institution as another means for our sanctification (Eph 5:22-28).
- Martial Infidelity is not a accepted norm by God. Sexual purity was not valued in Thessalonians paganistic culture. Neither is it today. Paul’s exhortation to the church is clear here: In desiring each other, we should not be allured by lust. When one is led in this way, their desire is only to gratification of themselves outside of martial bond. When one marries, he or she is to be taken captive by a love that desires to serve and commit to both God and their spouse. When we are led by lustful intentions, Simon Kistemaker states we will, “disregard the bounds of decency, enter into illicit, clandestine relationships…” Similarly, Paul also warns, “that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, (5) not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; (v4-5).” Further, R.C. Sprouls correctly synopsizes Paul’s main point as to the effects of God’s Word in sanctification: “The Christian gospel brings a moral awakening and a fresh revelation of God’s righteous standards.”
Sexual sin damages relationships (4:6)
Principally, what Paul has in view here is that illicit sex effects not only those who committed the sin outside of marriage, but also their spouses who may or may not be aware of it. Though such sin is often committed in secret, the Lord (the Avenger) will expose it in public. This often brings shame on the participants, to include their families and communities. Solomon observes, “He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. (33) Wounds and dishonor will he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away (Prv 6:32-33).” God will always judge such acts, because such sin is not primarily against people, but God himself. As King David reflected on his adulterous relationship with Bathsheba, God helped him arrive to the same conclusion (Ps 51:3-4, cf. Gen 39:6-10).
Conclusion
Paul summarizes this block of instruction with the same exhortation to us: “God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” Though our prior life before new birth in Christ included some form of sexual immoral practices and desires (i.e. fornication, adultery, lustful thoughts, etc…), these transgressions were washed away by the blood of Christ. The inheritance we have received from Christ death and resurrection is a new life, new identity, and new citizenship. We are no longer children of the kingdom of darkness, but have been transferred over into the kingdom of Jesus Christ (Col 1:13-14). Paul speaks of this new creation living in us, by encourages us in this way, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Gal 2:20).”
We are rejecting God (not man) is the warning Paul rightly concludes. God has set us apart to live holy unto him. Remember, none of us will live a life completely free of sin; however, (by his Spirit) we can grow in a lifestyle that is less and less dominated by sin. A life led by the Spirit will please God. When we yield and give into our carnal nature, it will produce destructive patterns and results in our earthly life. Such a life is unable to obey Paul’s opening statement of this focus text when he says, “…we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing so more and more.” (cf. Rom 8:5-8).
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com
Quotations taken from:
Kistemaker, Simon J and Hendriksen, William (2007). New Testament Commentary. Exposition of Thessalonians, the Pastorals, and Hebrews. Baker Academic.
Sproul, R.C (2005). The Reformation Study Bible. English Standard Version. Ligonier Ministries.