(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.   

(1Th 4:1)  “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”  It always fills me with wonder when I see the word, “beseech”, written to you and me. And that is it in truth. The Bible is written to you and me. “Beseech” means “to beg”. The Lord Who suffered Calvary for our sins is begging us to live our lives to please Him in a greater and greater way! I don’t know about your heart, but mine says, “All right, Lord. Show me the way.”   

 “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?  Oh what a thought! Jesus could come today! Today! While I am getting dressed to go to gather with His Church; while I am on my way there; or when I am gathered with them; or….when I come home for the afternoon – He might very well call me and my brethren up into the clouds! Keep listening this day for the trumpet, for it might sound! Keep looking towards the heaven, for they might part! Today might be the day we see the face of Jesus our Lord!

(1Th 2:19)  “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20)  For ye are our glory and joy.”  I draw your attention to the fact of the focus of Paul – not self’s growth, self’s walk with God. When the Lord comes for us at the Rapture, Paul’s glory and joy will not be in himself, but in others he has brought to Christ. How different than how we think today! We speak of  how much we have grown in the Lord. Our focus is all wrong.

(1Th 2:16)  “Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”  Israel is a great picture of the surety of our salvation. It is given us through the Lord Jesus as a covenant, thus the term “New Testament” – New Covenant. God made a covenant with Abraham, with Israel, and with David, all concerning Israel. Although they cause Him to judge their sin and were placed as it were “on the back burner” – that covenant still stands and will be fulfilled. So it is with our salvation. God always keeps His Word. He promised to save my soul and did. He even sent a guarantee – His Holy Spirit placed within me. I am already there in the mind of God.