Monday, July 20, 2009

Walk the Walk of Faith.

Monday, July 20, 2009: 1 Thessalonians 4:3–6
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.
Background: sanctification is a word misunderstood as sainthood. Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes us holy and without sin in God’s sight. Believers are already saints, set apart for doing God’s will.
Why does Paul warn the sin-free believers against fornication and adultery within the church? We are not sinless, just forgiven by God and sin-free. Committing such sin takes advantage and defrauds another believer. It is also a lack of control over self. (possess your vessel) It brings God’s vengeance on us in this life, even though eternally safe.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009: 1 Thessalonians 4:9–12
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
How can you show brotherly love by minding your own business? The rationale is working, not to get rich, but to provide for yourself and walk properly in the sight of non-believers.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
How can we feel joy and thank God when things go wrong or bad? An important part of our life as believers is recognizing that God brings trials in our life for our good. Thanking God for the trial we face not only is putting our faith in God for deliverance in circumstances beyond our control.

Thursday, July 23, 2009: 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.
What does quench imply? It’s like putting out a fire by pouring water on it. A believer can put self in the driver’s seat instead of allowing God’s Holy Spirit to take control.

Friday, July 24, 2009: 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
What is the end result of sanctification? Resurrection, which preserves out body soul and spirit at the (second) coming of the Lord.

No comments: