Tag Archives: bible

A Plea for Purity

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Though some grasp for the sensational things in religion, Paul often encouraged others to simply CONTINUE following the instructions they had already received on how to walk and please God (in other words, preaching isn’t all about telling people something they’ve never heard before as much as it entails exhorting folks to continue in the things that they already know to be true).

Moreover, some are content to stay within their comfort zones and not strive for personal growth, while others look outside themselves for motivation to get to “the next level.” However, according to God, Christians should continually INCREASE their EFFORTS and STRIVE for spiritual growth (while looking to Christ).  

In addition, it is common for people to justify their sinning by saying that “no one is perfect,” but God calls us to LIVE A SPECIAL LIFE by avoiding sexual immorality and refraining from taking advantage of or cheating our brothers and sisters. THE LORD WILL JUDGE all wrongs, and we should strive to live holy lives!

And while it is good to SHOW LOVE towards our brethren, we should aim to do it EVEN MORE! 

We may live in an age where celebrity worship, gossip, slander, and government handouts are prevalent… But God calls us to LEAD peaceful lives and FOCUS on our own affairs, WORKING honestly with our hands, so that we may walk PROPERLY before those who are not yet in Christ.

The summary & applications above are meant to provide some modern applications, but by way of principles for meditation, GOD SAYS IT MUCH BETTER: 

1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 

2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 

4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 

6 that 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. 

7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. 

8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 

10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 

11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 

12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

~ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Following Good Examples 

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In the following passage, Paul highlights the importance of imitation. He explains that the Thessalonians had faced affliction during their conversion, just as he had, as well as other saints who had converted elsewhere, and even the Lord Himself had faced affliction. Therefore, they were imitators of those who had chosen to serve God despite severe opposition. This was a way of letting them know that they were not alone in their suffering!

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,

3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 

4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 

5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 

7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 

8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 

9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 

10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10

Holy God in heaven, You alone, are wise and all powerful. Thank You for Your mercy, grace, and peace through Christ Jesus. Lord, I desire to be strong in my faith, just like the Apostle Paul was. He, the new converts of Thessalonica, and even Jesus faced opposition for standing firm in Your truth. Sometimes I forget this during my own trials and have fallen into a victim’s mentality, wondering why I have had to face certain hardships. I repent, resolving to look unto You for strength in doing the right thing within every circumstance! Help me to note such faithful examples around me today, imitate them, and enable me to be a better example of service to You for others to follow. It is in Christ’s holy name that I pray, amen.