In our study of 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12 we have seen that to live in a way that pleases God we need to be sanctified sexually and socially. Permeating what Paul says in verses 1-6 has to do with what is going on in your life spiritually.
In verses 6-8 that is put 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 who is given to us by God. Our sexual and social life is a gift from God and we are accountable to God for the way we manage them. If we are careless and drift into a life of self gratification at the expense of others God will hold us accountable and will punish us.
We have no excuse to live this way for God has called us and instructed us to live a holy life. He has given us 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 are exposed for doing such things. But far more serious is the fact that our rejection of what God has said in His 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!
