"Virtuous Living"

 

1st.Thessalonians 4:1-8 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the LORD JESUS, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please GOD, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the LORD JESUS. For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not GOD: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the LORD is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but GOD, WHO hath also given unto us HIS HOLY SPIRIT."

     Morality, as defined by the WORD of GOD, matters very little to many in the world around us. Unbelievers naturally have no desire to live in a manner that is glorifying to our LORD, but, sadly, this seems to be true even of some professing Christians as well. Moral standards are not something about which to pray for the LORD to reveal HIS will -- this is simply a matter of submission and obedience (vv.3,7). GOD's will is for HIS children to be set apart from sin and unto HIMSELF (v.7). Abstaining from fornication (as well as any other form of sexual impurity) is not just GOD's suggestion to us; rather, it is a specific command "by the LORD JESUS" (v.2). In other words, this issue is of extreme importance to the ONE WHO paid for our sins through HIS sacrificial, atoning death on the cross of Calvary. CHRIST redeemed us so that sin need not continue its dominion in our lives (Romans 6:1-2 pictured above; 1st.Corinthians 6:19-20 pictured below).

     GOD, not the world, determines what is morally acceptable, and we can expect unbelievers to view us as "strange" when we reject their values (v.5 cf. 1st.Peter 4:3-4 pictured at top of post). Always take care to believe in a proper fashion toward those of the opposite gender (v.6). The Bible tells us that to act immorally is actually to despise the GOD WHOSE SPIRIT indwells us (v.8) because we are choosing sin rather than obedience to HIS clear commands. If you are heading down a dangerous path, heed the HOLY SPIRIT's voice of conviction and turn around ! Temporary pleasure is never worth permanent regret. Do not be impressed with the ungodly of this world nor follow their wicked path. Rather, do the LORD's will in this personal and extremely important area of godly living. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation