October 11
1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3
Our culture and even Christians view many sins as okay if they do not seem to hurt anyone. This is especially true around sex. Behaviors such as pornography, sex outside of marriage, and homosexual sex are viewed as normal, ordinary, and justified behaviors. Yet Paul points out a myriad of problems with this perspective in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
To walk in any sexual sin is to avoid God's will. Any sex outside of heterosexual marriage pits that person against God. Notice the clear, concise language in verse 3, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.” God does not want us to allow even a hint of immorality in our lives. These behaviors are in contradiction to God's call for self-control. We are to learn to control our bodies in ways that honor God rather than just caving to the norms of our culture. The things that feel natural and normal to those around us are often the very things that God calls us to flee from. Sexual sin is a "wrong" against a brother or sister. There is no sin which does not cause harm, and this is especially true of sexual sin. Any sex act outside covenant marriage is a sin and therefore, by definition, hurts us and others. Sexual sin, like all sin, will lead us to punishment and judgment from God. So, the next time you are tempted to excuse your sin, remember that it places us in conflict with God and is unloving to others. Instead of rationalizing sin, choose to walk in God's will, the path of sanctification.
Father God, help me to walk in holiness. Help me to never excuse my sin but always choose to follow you. Amen.
Where are you rationalizing or minimizing sin in your life?
Our culture and even Christians view many sins as okay if they do not seem to hurt anyone. This is especially true around sex. Behaviors such as pornography, sex outside of marriage, and homosexual sex are viewed as normal, ordinary, and justified behaviors. Yet Paul points out a myriad of problems with this perspective in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8.
To walk in any sexual sin is to avoid God's will. Any sex outside of heterosexual marriage pits that person against God. Notice the clear, concise language in verse 3, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality.” God does not want us to allow even a hint of immorality in our lives. These behaviors are in contradiction to God's call for self-control. We are to learn to control our bodies in ways that honor God rather than just caving to the norms of our culture. The things that feel natural and normal to those around us are often the very things that God calls us to flee from. Sexual sin is a "wrong" against a brother or sister. There is no sin which does not cause harm, and this is especially true of sexual sin. Any sex act outside covenant marriage is a sin and therefore, by definition, hurts us and others. Sexual sin, like all sin, will lead us to punishment and judgment from God. So, the next time you are tempted to excuse your sin, remember that it places us in conflict with God and is unloving to others. Instead of rationalizing sin, choose to walk in God's will, the path of sanctification.
Father God, help me to walk in holiness. Help me to never excuse my sin but always choose to follow you. Amen.
Where are you rationalizing or minimizing sin in your life?
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