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,”  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
 
God does not want his people living impure lives, for God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness.  Such sanctified lives include abstinence from sexuality immorality.  From the context of the above verse consider three reasons for abstaining. 
 
First, it is a sin against God.  It is plainly God’s will to abstain!  Joseph also regarded adultery as a sin against the Lord (Genesis 39:9).  God’s desire is our holiness and purity!  He who rejects (vs5)  Paul’s admonition, does not reject man, but God!  These matters are extremely grave!
 
Second, it’s a sin against my neighbor.  Paul says,  “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.” ( vs. 6)  To “defraud”  is to rob, or gain the advantage.  Again, Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife because she didn’t belong to him!  (Genesis 39:10)  He had a sense of obligation to others.  Sin can have a devastating impact on others, thus we need to have respect for our neighbor.  We must recognize this important moral responsibility!
 
Third, fornication is a sin against self.   Paul says, “each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,” (vs. 4)  This sin dishonors the body, causes shame (Proverbs  6:33), wars against the soul (I Peter 2:11), entails poverty (Proverbs 6:26), and excludes one from the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9,10)  Surely no one would wish such harm to themselves.  
 
Thus, Christians must exercise self-control.  We must avoid sinful passions and honor God with holy lives!
 
By George Slover
 

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

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By George Slover    |   

And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him. (Luke 19:47-48)

A parallel passage to the above is recorded in John 12:17-19.  Both John and Luke report events close to the time of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  These were the last few days of Jesus.  The controversy surrounding him was increasing.

The reaction to his powerful teaching and work was varied.  Many “hung on his every word” and others wanted to destroy him.  The pure and simple truth of Jesus usually gets one response or the other.  There is no neutrality with Christ!

At least four features of Christ’s message prompts the above reaction.  First, Christ’s message is personal.  To call one a “sinner” will cause some to seek a solution, but cause others to “take it personally”.  Second, the height of his message must be considered.  Jesus points to an everlasting heaven which is attractive to some, but to others, it is mundane and boring. Third, Jesus’ message is sustained by his remarkable character.  Some are angered or intimidated by his purity of life, but others are drawn to his stability and graciousness.  Fourth, the message of Christ is truthful.  Jesus did not indulge in hair-splitting arguments and vague generalities.  The message was real and backed by abundant evidence.

Today, the word of Christ is received in the same way - either joyfully or with hatred.  His precepts flow on like a mighty river in the midst of those who seek to discredit. Some reject them and others accept them finding hope and consolation.

By George Slover

that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (1 Corinthians 1:31)

The word glory literally means to boast. The prideful teachers at Corinth prompted Paul to dwell on this word in both of his letters to them. God is the only true object in which one can boast. 

The mark of a true disciple is humility. He realizes that the blessings Paul had previously enumerated, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption are not due to his own merit. Humility is an absolute prerequisite to fellowship with God. A good test of one's salvation is whether one boasts in himself or ascribes it to the glory of God.

True disciples do not boast in themselves. They do not pride themselves in their own positions and power. It is easy to think highly of self and denigrate others. Although Christians are highly favored of God, we must never forget where the grace comes from. Though we are called to be zealous of good works, we must not gloat in our own accomplishments. Though we are called to be holy we have no right to boast in our own virtues.

True disciples glory in God. They are grateful to God for everything they have both spiritual and physical. They are indebted to God for his indescribable mercy. They are thankful for God's wise counsel, comfort, and strength. True disciples are glad God has given them the incredible opportunity to be his servants.

Only God can clothe man with righteousness, separate him for service, and redeem him from sin. It is our job to humble ourselves and exalt Him from whom all blessings come.

By George Slover