Leaving This World

Are we ready for Christ’s return? If we are then we’re ready to leave this world, in fact in many ways, we have already left this world. When we believe in Jesus Christ and repent of our sin, we say goodbye to our old identity, our old passions, fears and ambitions. We are new creations, set apart and changed so that we can grow to be more like Jesus every day. This pleases God, saves us from His wrath and gives us great joy in the midst of our suffering.

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 ESV Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Bible Study Questions

Progress and Patience

Pleasing God is something we should progress in, what does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 tell us about God’s patience? While God is patient with us, why should we also be aware of a sense of urgency? (1 Thessalonians 3:13)

1 Thessalonians 4:1 ESV Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ESV Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Chosen to be Different

According to 1 Thessalonians 4:2-3,7 and Ephesians 1:3-4, what is God’s will for us, why did He choose us and call us to be His children?

1 Thessalonians 4:2-3,7 ESV For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.

Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

The Freedom of Knowing God

What difference does a deep and living relationship with God make with regards to our ability to control our desires and our bodies?

1 Thessalonians 4:4 ESV that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;

The Destruction of Sexual Immorality

Popular media tells us the lie that sexual immorality is harmless and even healthy. What does the Bible say about the effect that sexual immorality has on the community, and what will Jesus’ response be to unrepentant immorality?

1 Thessalonians 4:6 ESV that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.

God’s Design

We live in an age where Christians are accused of being hateful for expressing the Bible’s teaching on sexuality saying that it is outdated and needs to be updated to be relevant to the 21st century. If we disregard the Bible’s teaching, who are we disregarding?

1 Thessalonians 4:8 ESV Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Not of this World

Throughout the Bible we see that God wills that His people are different (Leviticus 20:26). Jesus prays for His disciples to be in the world but not of this world. What is the difference between being “in the world” and “of the world”?

John 17:14-19 ESV I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

Leviticus 20:26 ESV You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.

Holiness

To be set apart, separate from the world and still influence the world with the good news of the Gospel of Jesus is difficult. How can we grow in holiness?

Hebrews 12:14 ESV Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Prayer

Dear Father God Almighty, Thank You for making us different through the saving, cleansing power of the Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and the mighty working of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You that we are no longer of this world, please help us to continue to grow in devotion, love and obedience to You. We Thank You for the promised return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and pray that You would make our Church Holy in preparation for His arrival, so that we can please You, and glorify Your Holy Name. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Worship

Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see their God;
the secret of the Lord is theirs,
their soul is Christ’s abode.

The Lord who left the heavens
our life and peace to bring,
to dwell in lowliness with us,
our pattern and our king:

Still to the lowly soul
himself he will impart;
and for his dwelling and his home
chooses the pure in heart.

Lord, we your presence seek:
this blessing be our own;
give us a pure and lowly heart,
your temple and your throne.

Service

We don’t often think of the damage that sexual immorality does to one another, as Paul makes clear in this part of the letter to Thessalonica. We should also think of holiness as a blessing and service to the Church. How can we strive for holiness?