Tag: holy life
Learn to control your body!
Scripture reading for September 16th: 1st Thessalonians 4
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 1st Thessalonians 4:3-8 “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit.”
God has designed men and women with sexual desire and drive. This is to be fulfilled in a marriage commitment with a spouse of the opposite gender. God has also given us all a will and control over our appetites and bodies. After salvation, we can and must learn to control our bodies and their appetites. Sexual immorality is to be avoided in all its forms. We are set apart for God and are to love our brothers and sisters and not wrong them by sexual sins. Paul warned the church that God would punish men for all sexual sin and that rejection of this teaching and failure to apply it was rejection of God!
Observations for over-comers: Sexual sin is a favorite temptation and trap of Satan through our flesh. Over-comers learn to control their bodies and live by the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit. “For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the chords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly.” (Proverbs 5:21-23)
Called to live a holy life!
Scripture reading for September 17th: 1st Thessalonians 4
Believers can’t please God except to live by faith in His holy word. The word of God must be read, memorized, and acted upon day by day in order to grow spiritually and to be ready for Christ’s soon return. Paul, a loving pastor, continued to remind the believers about God’s will for their daily conduct.
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who give you His Holy Spirit.” (1st Thessalonians 4:3-8)
Sexual sin and temptation has been a stumbling block for many believers of every age and culture. The Roman culture was strikingly similar to what believers live in today in America. Sexual contact was frequent and lust was cultivated by the media and entertainment of their times. Paul warned and instructed the church, as pastors must today, about the dangers and the call of God to live a holy life. Believers must separate themselves from sexual sins because God will judge and punish men for these sins if not repented of. Grace will not cover those living in known sin!
Remember, if we reject these simple instructions, we are rejecting God’s word! This will not help us when Jesus returns for His holy Bride!