1 Thessalonians 4 - How To Live a Life Pleasing to God and Avoid Sexual Immorality!

1 Thessalonians 4 - NIV

1 Thessalonians 4 Overview

Paul now moves to practical matters the church of Thessalonica needs to heed as those who have been set apart for Christ. Paul prefaces this by saying, "In order to live a life pleasing to God." At the heart of being a Christian is living a life that is "pleasing to God". Yesterday I talked about being a "people pleaser", but we need to transform that desire into being a "God pleaser". If we can lead a life "pleasing to God", we can also lead a life that is not pleasing to God. Which life do you want to live? 

Paul starts by saying we need to be "sanctified". This means, "the process by which we are made holy." As believers we are not called to be conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of our mind. Romans 12:1-2  We often think the word "holiness" has a negative connotations like, "holy roller" or "holier than thou". These are extreme versions of the concept of being made holy often accompanied with "legalism" and "pride". Every Christian is to strive for holiness to please God. Importantly, I have used the term "being made holy".  It is the Holy Spirit who "makes us holy", as we submit to His rule and guidance in our lives. 

It isn't interesting Paul begins by telling them they need to control and honor their bodies and avoid sexual immorality. This word "avoid" can also mean "abstain". It means to not engage in it. Notice we often focus on the avoiding sexual immorality part of the verse, but not the honor our bodies part of it. 

The English words "sexual immorality" come from the Greek term "porneia", where we get our term "pornography". This is how Paul defines sexual immorality in his culture. 

"When the Apostle Paul uses the term "sexual immorality" (translated from the Greek word porneia), he means any sexual behavior that happens outside the boundaries of a traditional marriage between a man and a woman." - Holy Joys

So how is the church doing today with the practice of sexual immorality?

- Roughly 15% of weekly church goers and 20% of those attend on an infrequent basis are unfaithful to their spouses. - Institute for Family Studies

The percentage for non-believers is not much higher. 

-  75% of Christian men report viewing pornography to some degree.

-  40% of Christian women report consuming pornography. - George Barna

Again the percentages for all people is not much higher. Online porn consumption is up 91% since 2000. 

Houston we have a problem! So it is not surprising Paul starts by telling the church in Thessalonica to please God by honoring Him with their bodies and avoiding sexual immorality. 

Most all of the guys I know struggle with keeping pure with their eyes and hearts. So what it the solution?

1. If we try to fight these desires in our own will, we will lose. Paul makes it clear that without the power of the Holy Spirit, we can't have victory over our sinful nature. He is not just talking about sexual immorality, but it is certainly part of it. Paul addresses this very clearly in Galatians 5:16-18. Galatians 5:16-18

2. A deep desire to honor God with our bodies. Paul says our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore when we offer our bodies to sexual immorality it is not good. Paul basically says the same thing in 1 Corinthians 6;18-20 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

3. We are called to be the "salt and light" of the world. Honoring God with our bodies, being faithful to our spouses, and watching the types of media we expose ourselves too are all ways we can please God.  Also, our testimony to the world is not jaded and is not confirming the negative stereotype of "Christians are all just hypocrites".

4. Finally, if you are addicted to pornography or other forms of sexuality you don't have to live in the bondage of shame and guilt. There are plenty of 12 step programs and other Christian programs to help you find freedom in their area of your life. 

The first steps of A.A. are just as applicable to sexual addiction as alcohol or drug addiction. 

Step 1 - Admitted that I am powerless over sexual addiction and it has made my life unmanageable. 

Step 2 - Came to believe that a power greater than myself could restore my life to sanity. (A Christian would call this power "Jesus")

Step 3 - Made a decision to turn my will and life over to God, as I understood Him. (This is taking up your cross and following Jesus daily). 

Isn't interesting that the 12 Step Program and A.A., which was started by Bill Wilson, a Christian, comes straight from the bible. That's why it works!!!

 Remember Paul's promise in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Jesus, we want to honor you with our bodies and minds. Help us to rely on the Holy Spirit to live a life "above approach" so the world we would know that following you makes a difference in our lives. Amen. 




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