Resources/Articles
Sanctification
The first eight verses of 1 Thessalonians 4 encourages the brethren to maintain their holiness in the sight of God. These words need our attention, because remaining pure and set apart from the world is not an easy accomplishment. Notice the following:
Remember what you have been taught (v. 1). How many times did you hear that when you were growing up? How often do you recall those wise words of your parents? Can you hear them saying to you, “I told you so!” or “Did you forget what I said?” On occasions we were begged to listen to what they were telling us. Paul’s words are not idle talk. He “begs” these brethren to obey their teachings continually, not just one time. THese words were for now and every day. We may succeed in our first attempt to follow the things we have been taught, but will we remember and follow them the next time? They are for our “good always” (Deuteronomy 6:24).
Do the will of God (v. 3). What God’s will is should be our will as well, and that is “sanctification and honor.” This is not a passive acceptance of God’s will, but a very active display of yielding our lives to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). The will of God is to “cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1) and to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11). Moment by moment, hour by hour, and day by day, it should be our will to do His will.
Control sexual desires (vv. 3,6). A full understanding of the holiness and sanctity of marriage should be a prerequisite for any couple planning to be married. Marriage is to avoid fornication (1 Corinthians 7:2). Marriage deserves honor and loyalty, not criticism and abuse (Hebrews 13:4). If a man and woman commit themselves to purity and holiness before marriage, the chances are greater their marriage will have the honor and respect necessary to keep them together once married.
Heed the warning (vv. 6-8). God is the judge of all things. When people give themselves to sinful pleasures of the world, God has a controversy with them. Sin will not go unpunished. Those who decide to do things “their own way” are not rejecting man, but rejecting God, the One who has laid down the law and limits for His creation. May all Christians remember one thing: “God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.” Let us walk worthily of that calling (Ephesians 4:1).
