live and please the Lord

Introduction

Paul wrote to Christians in Thessalonica from Corinth not long after planting this church. He was driven away from them prematurely due to persecution. He was worried of their well being. He attempted to get back to them because he knew they also came under attack from their own people. He was fearful they had turn back to their pagan life and abandoned the faith and hope of Jesus. When he couldn’t take it any longer he sent Timothy to them to establish them in faith, and encourage them. Timothy had returned with great news. They hadn’t abandoned Christ at all. They were soreing in Love and faith so much they had a reputation throughout the land. They turned from their idols and have been serving the one true God ever since. Paul knew these were the elect of God because none of this would have been possible if it wasn’t so. The brought mutual encouragement to Paul and his crew and the Thessalonians who wondered what had become of Paul. For the first 3 chapter Paul is giving thanks, praise and exhortation to them. Now starting in the 4 chapter he begins a transition in the letter to a more instructive practical approach. We pick up our study in chapter 4 verse 1

Walk and please God

Walk and please God

Finally ------ (Transitional word, doesn’t man the letter is ending, just a transition) brothers again is an effectual word for family a very dear word.

He asks and urges them in the Lord Jesus. This is reminding the readers, walking in a way to please God must be devoted to the person of Jesus and His saving of them. They were paid for and ransomed by Christ. They are to live a life pleasing to God.

He reminds them they already received this teaching and they were already living this way. He encourages them to do it more and more. Present with ongoing results.

The will of God

Instructions they were given through the Lord Jesus. This wasn't Paul’s advise but instructions from God him self.

He point blank tells them this is the will of God. Your Sanctification

Means a state of Purity, Holy, unique, separate. This God’s will for His people.

To abstain (see bible word study) from Sexual immorality.

Sexual immorality (any form of sexual activity out side of marriage)

They would know how to control their own Body, in holiness and honor Control. Know how is perfect tense verb- the word control (acquire by any means necessary) it also can mean domesticate an animal.

Not in uncontrolled lusts and forbidden passions, like the people who do not know God

That no one transgress and wrongs his brother. Here is speaking to adultery, or taking someone’s spouse for sexual pleasure.

He warns them and reminds them of God’s omipresence, God is an avenger in all these things

The Lord is an avenger

He warns them and reminds them of God’s omipresence, God is an avenger in all these things. (Avenger) The one who carries out Justice.

Disregards God not man

Solemnly warned them. They were told before hand. Now he is reminding them again.

Disregards God not man

God has not called us for impurity but in Holiness

Therefore, whoever disregards this, disregards not man but GOD, who give the Holy Spirit to you. To disregard (means to reject, to lay aside, and to declare as invalid.

Application

We are urged in the teaching of Jesus Christ to (Walk) live a pattern of Life to please God.

One of the ways we please God is to be separate, to be sanctified. We are to abstain from Sexual immorality.

Ephesians 5:3 ESV

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.

We are to be far from this. Are you far from it? Do you condone fornication? Do you participate in any sexual activity outside of the sacred bonds of marriage? Culture says one thing, but God’s word says another/

God has a will for us, and that will is for us to be pure, His desire is for us to know how to control our own body in holiness and honor. The only way to do this is depend on the power of the Holy Spirit and walk with him closely ()

We are saved from sin and the power of sin. We are saved from the wrath of God who is the avenger of Justice. We are to master our bodies and control ourselves. We know God, and we are known by God. This will be a pattern of life for the Christian.

God has called us out of darkness and into the light. Live in the light. Are you still dabbling in Darkness?? Is there immorality in your life? Abstain dear brother, Abstain dear sister!!! Get far away from it. NO one is fooling God. You will be caught. It is much more for you to bask in the Love of Jesus, enjoy his fellowship and the followship of his people than to live with a mask on pretending.

Be solemnly warned! this text tell us God will avenge His justice on the sexual immoral.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 ESV

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

To live a life of holiness and practice abstaining from impurity is pleasing to God, who loves your sole. Worship and devotion to him is demonstrated by living a life pleasing to him

If you lay aside this teaching, if you disregard this, if you declare this as invalid. You are rejecting God.

Declare the Gospel !! and pray