1 Thessalonians Week 8

We are now moving past the subject of persecution and into "Holy Living" as Paul describes it in chapter 4.

1) At the end of Chapter 3 Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would be able to lead a pure life. Now Paul gives them more instructions on how to do so.

4:1-2 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

After we come to faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit starts working in us to overcome sin and make us more like Christ. We are saved by God's grace alone, but the Holy Spirit leads us to live a better and more holy life. After we are saved by God's grace the rest of our lives are spent growing in faith and knowledge. This is called sanctification.

Paul urges them on in their sanctification to by telling them to live for God more and more.

Read this link for more on sanctification:

http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2136

How has the Holy Spirit helped you in your struggle with sin, in your time of prayer, or any other part of your life as a Christian?

2) Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 Paul condemns sexual impurity.

Sexual sin can trap us no matter where we are in our lives. As Christians we need to be on guard against this. Watch the video below, and see how Christ can help us to overcome and how his forgiveness can heal us.



3) In the next section, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12, Paul warns against gossiping. Then he encourages every one to live quiet and humble lives.

How can gossip hurt you at home, work, school, or any other place?

What are some good ways to avoid gossip?