Thy Strong Word — 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12: Sanctification and Sexual Purity

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Paul urges the believers to live lives that please God, emphasizing sanctification and purity. He calls them to avoid sexual immorality, to control their bodies in holiness and honor, and to love one another deeply. Paul also encourages them to lead a quiet life, work with their hands, and conduct themselves in a manner that earns the respect of outsiders. This passage highlights the practical outworking of faith in everyday life, focusing on living with integrity, purity, and love as a testimony to the world.

The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics.

In 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica to encourage and instruct them amidst persecution. In 1 Thessalonians, he commends their faith, love, and hope, offers guidance on living a holy life, and reassures them about the fate of believers who have died, emphasizing the hope of the resurrection and Christ’s return. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul addresses misunderstandings about the Day of the Lord, urging believers not to be misled by false teachings and to stand firm in their faith. He also offers practical advice on handling idleness and continuing to live responsibly while awaiting Christ’s return. Join us as we explore the themes of faith, hope, and perseverance in these compelling letters.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

A Life Pleasing to God

4 Finally, then, brothers,[a] 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 we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:[b] that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body[c] 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.

9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

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Footnotes

1 Thessalonians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 10, 13

1 Thessalonians 4:3 Or your holiness

1 Thessalonians 4:4 Or how to take a wife for himself; Greek how to possess his own vessel