Sanctification and Abstaining from Fornication 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Paul the apostle and his traveling companions exhorted the Thessalonians “by the Lord Jesus, that as” they had “received of” them “how” they “ought to walk and to please God, so” they “would abound more and more”. Paul said they knew “the commandments” he and his men gave them “by the Lord Jesus”, and in chapter four and verse three of his letter, Paul continued as he declared the “will of God” for the Thessalonians to be “sanctification” and that they “should abstain from fornication” where we read:

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:

The verse begins, “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which is a conjunction word meaning “as, because, even, indeed, no doubt and therefore” “this is the will” or “what one wishes, purposes, commands and desires” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “even your sanctification” which means the Thessalonian church members' “consecration and purification of heart and life”. God's will for the Thessalonians was for them to be purified in their hearts and manner of living.

The verse goes on to say, “...that you should abstain from fornication:” Paul continued, “that you should abstain” or “hold one's self off and refrain” “from fornication” which is the Greek word “porneia” and means “illicit sexual intercourse, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals, close relatives or a divorced man or woman”. The idea not only implicates the physical activities but is metaphorically “the worship of idols”. Paul and his companions desired for the Thessalonians to know the “will of God” for their lives was to be “consecrated” and “purified” which would cause them to refrain from illicit sexual relationships.

When we think through Paul's words, it is important to realize that his ideas are inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. Many people wonder, “What is God's will for my life?” This verse tells us very plainly. God's will for us is to be “sanctified”, “consecrated” and “purified”. He also desires for us to flee all forms of idolatry which often precludes a relationship with Him by having an “illicit” relationship with people He has forbidden. These words are difficult for many in the times in which we live, and yet, they speak specifically to “God's Will”. May all who read these words be humbled by “God's will” and have “ears to hear” what the Lord would say unto not only the Thessalonians, but also to those who are living today.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians “possess” their “vessels in sanctification and honor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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