1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Reflect
Recently I chatted with a young girl who said, “I think if I marry a Christian boy, it will be so boring”. I’ve seen this view before. “Christians have all these rules. What a boring life”.
Paul urges the Thessalonians to live holy lives. He mentions “sanctification” 3 times. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality”. (v3)
So is it true? No fun for Jesus followers, instead law and rules? Actually, the opposite is true. Disciples of Christ have a more exciting life in all areas, including in marriage.
Verse 8 is the key to understanding. God gives us commandments not to rob us of freedom, but for our benefit! And He gives us His Holy Spirit to help and guide us.
If you are forgiven and have submitted your life under the rule of Jesus, you can tap anytime into the same power source that rose Jesus from the grave!When you’re tempted to be unfaithful, look at someone in lust, look at porn, or defraud your brother (by having pre-marital sex), seek God in prayer. Cry out for His help to keep you on track and then take practical steps:
Delete a phone number, an app, avoid alone time with the opposite sex, have an accountability with someone, etc.
As I look back on 30 years of happy marriage, our life together has been anything but boring and living God’s way is highly rewarding already here.
Annette Faszer
Pray
- Pray through the prayer section in our program.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, our Youth and Worship Pastor and Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Associate.