(1Th 4:7)  “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”  A holy thing is anything that is separated unto God. If an unholy, unclean, person touched it, it was made unclean. The saved have been separated, made holy, unto God. We are to keep unclean things from it. That is, we are to seek to maintain our bodies, holy in thought, thus in what we see and hear. Actions are the result of what we think, who and what we are. Keep yourself holy for your God and Savior

(1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:(6) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.” We often find ourselves discouraged when we discern someone we esteem not doing what we believe to be right to do. This is especially true when that someone is a spiritual leader. Always remember, the Epistles were given because we need instruction on how to overcome the old nature. Our sin nature gets in the way of living and doing right. Keep your eyes upon the Lord, not man – no matter who that man is. I follow Him. Do not let the sins of any man keep you from serving the Savior!

1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:(6)  That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.”  There is a group of people today who say they are Christians but instead worship a God of their imagination, not the God of the Bible. Our God not only loves the sinner, but also hates the sin. The death of His Son proves that fact. He chastens true Children for their rebellion, just as a good parent punishes the rebellious child. Is your God the God of the Bible?

 (1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: (6 ) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter:”  The word “defraud” is an extension of the word “lusts” and to be interpreted in the context of “concupiscence” – desire for what is wrong. So, it would be to cheat or to deceive another in other to gain what they have. You and I are to be as honest as the day is long, for our Lord is as honest as the day is long. In all things we are to seek to do as He would do. Lord help us to do so.  For more, come to www.thirstingsouls.com

 (1Th 4:5) “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:”  “Concupiscense” is a lust or desire for that which God says is wrong. The fallen nature is naturally rebellious, longing for the forbidden. The new nature of the saved desires the things of God, thus the conflict within all truly saved people. What governs the choice of the saved? The level of their love and devotion to their Savior: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” (Jn 14:15).  

(1Th 4:4)  “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”   One seems to naturally think of “honor” as that which men give one another. This is speaking of the honor of the Lord. As we seek to live a separated life from sin before Him, giving Him the glory for whatever good men see in us, the Lord God will receive the honor due His Name. It is vital for the saved man or women to reflect praise to He Who deserves it.

(1Th 4:4)  “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”  The reprogramming of our minds as instructed in Romans 12:1-2 is to bring our thoughts and actions into align with God’s. We are fleshly, and this flesh is corrupt in its influence of our thinking. It is through this flesh we are exposed to the influence of this world. Notice in our text the reference to the body. It is called a vessel. It houses your soul and if saved, your spirit, as well as the Holy Spirit of God. This is how God sees you. Your body is a vessel, to be used for Him!  

(1Th 4:3)  “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:”  “Sanctification”: separation unto God. We are separated unto God through the blood of Christ in salvation. What is referred to here is called “practical sanctification”, which means to separate from sin in our daily lives. We are live with the constant thought of God living in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. We are no longer our own – we are bought with a price. He is worth it! He is worthy!

(1Th 4:2) “For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.” The Bible does not contain suggestions on how to live, but commands. I am not asked what I think of it, or if I desire to obey. The Lord knows that the truly thankful will submit, for they will see His Word as something to be obeyed – like it or not. The Born Again Child of God knows that in order for God to forgive their sins and take them into His family, those sins had to be paid for through the awful sacrifice of Calvary. With thankfulness and love come obedience.