How to Please God

How to Please God 2 COMMANDS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD OBEY § “Control your own body” (v. 4) § “Don’t cheat your brother (or sister)” (v. 6) 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 October 4, 2020 The Big Idea: Sometimes Paul wrote and rebuked Christians for falling into one sin after another. In this letter, he simply reminds them that they are called to a life of holiness, which pleases God. In ancient and modern days, the Lord calls His people to a sexual ethic that is distinct from the world, good for us, and honoring to God. This life is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. 3 TRUTHS GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW ü The Lord will punish sexual sin. (v. 6) 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 (ESV) 4 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God , just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions [military term – authoritative commands] we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification : that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 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; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. ü Personal holiness was taught by men, recorded in the Bible, but is rooted in the person of God. (v. 7) – 1 Peter 1:16 ü To reject God’s teachings on personal holiness is to reject God Himself (v. 8) THE GOOD NEWS è God “gives His Holy Spirit to you.” (v. 8) You are not left to your own strength, wisdom, or motivation – The Holy Spirit works for your sanctification. Titus 2:11-14 promises the Christian that the grace God used to save you is the same grace that will teach you to say “no” to ungodliness. 2 WORDS EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW ü “sanctification” ü “abstain” We all have a past. There is not one thing you can do to factually change what has already happened. But, in Christ, God offers you a different future. To each of us He says, you can “go and sin no more.”