Do as you please?
1 Thessalonians 4.1-12
For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.
Prepare
Think of something you’ve done that was really hard work, or that took a long time, or that required a lot of effort. What kept you going? Was it worth it in the end?
Read
Explore
I am a useless long-distance runner. I can manage an occasional sprint, but that’s it. However, I love walking, particularly up mountains. I have a theory that the best views are only accessible by foot.
Most translations use ‘live’ in verse 1, but the word Paul uses is ‘walk’. The Christian life is not a sprint. It is not even a marathon. It is a long, steady walk into holiness (v 7). That may be why it’s easy to be distracted, especially by the bright lights and seductive temptations of sexual immorality (vs 3–6). Then (and now), Paul’s teaching on sexuality was counter-cultural: he says God’s people must not indulge their desires and let them rule over them, but learn self-control and holiness instead (vs 4,5).
The Christian walk is not complicated but it’s hard. From controlling our passions to learning to love one another, it takes daily effort – which is why Paul says, ‘do so more and more’ (v 10). It’s hard work but the view will be worth it.
Respond
Do you assess your behaviour, speech, thoughts and feelings to help you live to please God (v 1)? Including when it comes to sex? Ask God to show you what you need to do or avoid, to help you grow in holiness.