A Plea For Purity
January 11, 2025
Commentary
In this chapter Paul deals with morals and conduct toward each other. Sexual standards were very low in the Roman Empire and in many parts of our society today they are not any higher. These Thessalonians lived in a pagan environment where sexual looseness was not only practiced openly but was encouraged. Prostitution and extramarital sex was even a part of the heathen act of worship. Since this was the environment in which they had grown up, it is easy to see why they did not have strong convictions and high standards in this matter. Paul admonished the brethren to follow the instructions he had given them in following the Lord (vv. 1-2).
Paul begged them to avoid any form of sexual immorality (vv. 3-5). Christians are set apart for God and are to abstain from every form of sexual practice outside of marriage. This includes adultery, premarital and extramarital sex, homosexuality and other perversions. The way a person avoids immorality is by learning how to gain control over his own body which comes through God’s power. A sexual sin is a fraud against a brother because it takes what is rightfully his (v. 6). Paul gives two reasons why sexual immorality should be avoided. First it is sin and God will judge all sin (v. 6 and Romans 6:23). Secondly it goes against God’s plan for a Christian to live a holy life (v. 7). To go against this truth is to despise God (v. 8). To treat lightly these commands in regards to sexual purity is to go against the Lord himself. Paul’s attitudes toward sexual uncleanness did not come from his background or personal preference.
Application
How important do I think a Christian’s lifestyle is? What standards do I have in my life to help me from falling into immorality? I need to help young people draw up a set of written dating standards if they don’t have them already.
1 Thessalonians 4:1– 8 (NET)
1 Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality, 4 that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. 6 In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly. 7 For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. 8 Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.