BiblicalInsights.net

God’s Word declares, “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 honour; 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 forwarned you and testified, For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” (I Thess. 4:3-7).  Consider some of the main ideas Paul presents in this passage.
1.  Sanctified means to be set apart for a holy purpose.  Christians are bought with the blood of Christ (I Cor. 6:19,20).  They must fulfill their redemptive purpose by living consecrated lives.  No man can be sanctified or consecrated to God who does not restrain all lusts and direct his desires in lawful ways.  Love for God demands consecration to God.
2.  Sexual integrity is part of our sanctification and consecration to God.  Flee fornication!  Yet, we live in a sex-crazed society.  Pornography is abundant and available.  70% of people involved in this sin are secretly participating in it.  Pornography promotes fornication, adultery, and homosexuality.  Therefore, it undermines God’s will for marriage and the home.  The only proper means of sexual expression is between a man and woman in the marriage relationship (Heb. 13:4).  Pornography defiles the mind of man by polluting it with impure and unholy thoughts and images.  When lusts are aroused and individuals start “acting out” these desires the body is defiled.
3.  Every Christian must gain mastery over his/her own body.  Paul states, “…every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour…”  Even Paul exercised self-control and self-discipline.  “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (I Cor. 9:27).
4.  Adultery is a sin against God and another person.  God will judge such matters.
5.  Through the Gospel, God has called us to holiness.  Sexual purity is a part of true godliness and holiness before God.  Holiness is purity of mind and heart.  The pure in heart shall see God (Matt. 5:8).
6.  Sexual addiction is a form of defilement of the mind and heart before God.  It is a sin that needs to be conquered through reconciliation to God.  The glory of grace and the honor of holiness bring both salvation and sanctification to the Christian.  Both grace and holiness are transforming.  Both are essential aspects of the Christian life which manifests the image of God to the world.