In our study of 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12 we’ve seen that to please God we need to be sanctified sexually and socially. Permeating all Paul says in verses 1-6 is what’s going on in your life spiritually.
Verses 6-8 puts this into sharper focus. Listen, “The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.” Spiritually we are accountable to God, called by God to live a holy life, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, given to us by God. Our sexual and social life is a gift from God and we’re accountable to God for how we manage it. If we’re careless and drift into self-gratification at the expense of others God will hold us accountable and punish us. We have no excuse.
God called and instructed us to live a holy life. He gave the Holy Spirit to empower us. “Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God.” This is serious. We might experience ostracism or rejection from men if we’re exposed for doing such things. But far more serious is this: rejecting God’s Word is tantamount to rejecting God.
Paul began this section of his letter by affirming these believers and encouraging them to excel in living to please God. We are encouraged to do the same. Do a reality check!
