DEVOTION – DAY 222

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 “The Need To Be Holy”

 

1 Thess.4:7-8 “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you His Holy Spirit.”

 

In the first century AD, when Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians, the moral values of people were very low. Sexual immorality was common. But in Thessalonians 4, Paul offered two reasons why Christians should not behave like everyone else.

 

First of all, just because others have low moral standards did not make it right that Christians should set their standards as low as everyone else. As followers of Jesus Christ, Christians are to follow God’s moral standards. Paul concluded in 1 Thessalonian 4:3 that God’s will was for His people to avoid sexual immorality.

 

Secondly, in vv.7-8, Paul reminded Christians that God had called them to holiness, to live a holy life. That meant that they must practice living a life free from sexual immorality and avoid all temptation to sin in this area. Paul emphasized that this instruction is from God, Himself.

 

The warning in 1 Thessalonians 4 is as relevant today as it was in the 1st century AD. Sexual immorality remains a problem today. It is socially acceptable for couples to choose to live together and not be married. It is socially acceptable to have children with partners that a person is not married to. The opportunities for people to meet someone and have casual sex are there for those who look for it in certain single hangouts, joining certain dating websites, and so on. It is tempting and that is why the above verses are a reminder that God has called us to live a holy life and God has given His Holy Spirit that will help us to resist and flee from temptation to sin. A mother shared how her daughter maintains sexual purity. Her daughter declines all invitations to parties or gatherings that she knows will lead to drunkenness and the lowering of sexual moral standards. Her daughter chooses instead to go to plays, concerts and chooses friends with similar interests and values so that it is easier for her not be tempted.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, you are our Holy God and you have called us to holiness. We ask that you grant us the wisdom and strength to always seek to live holy and pleasing lives to give you the glory. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. What are some temptations you face or your children face in trying to remain sexually pure in our society?
  2. What practical steps can you share that would help people to maintain holiness in their daily lives?
  3. Why is it important for Christians to live holy lives? Discuss.
  4. What pressures do you see that young people face today to try to live holy lives? Discuss.