1 Thessalonians 4:1–8 “Love and Holiness”

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Refiner’s Fire – Brian Doerksen feat. Mission House
• Hillsong United – Clean
• Set A Fire – Will Regan & United Pursuit Band

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Set Apart for Jesus Object Lesson – Lesson for Younger Kids
• What Makes God Holy by BibleProject – Lesson for Upper Elementary & Youth
• Cedarmont Kids – O Be Careful Little Eyes – Song for Kids
• Turn Your Eyes | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• My God Is Powerful | True North VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Paul concludes his letter by exhorting believers on how they ought to live as Christians. Before doing so, the apostle commends the Thessalonian believers for already living in a way that pleases God, just as they had learned from him, and encourages them to “do so more and more” (v.1). Paul reminds them that he had given them various instructions “by the authority of the Lord Jesus” (v.2), and they have remembered them well.

Paul emphasizes that the focus of all God-given instruction is for believers to live holy lives. As an example, he speaks about sexual purity (v.3). At that time, Roman cities were filled with all kinds of sexual immorality. The Greek word porneia, translated as “sexual immorality,” refers to every kind of sexual misconduct. The phrase “you must avoid it” is more accurately translated as “you must cut it off completely.” Sexual purity begins with treating one’s wife “in holiness and honor” (v.4), meaning to regard her as a whole and dignified person. In those days, sexual violence often occurred within marriage and was mostly perpetrated by men, which is why Paul says, “each of you should learn to control his own wife…” Applied to today’s context, spouses are to respect and serve one another as whole persons created in God’s image. Pursuing “lustful passion” (v.5)—that is, seeking sexual pleasure as an end in itself—is unfitting for those who know God.

The phrase “to wrong or take advantage of” (v.6) refers specifically to committing adultery or engaging in sexual immorality with another person’s spouse. The expression “to sin against a fellow believer” means to commit sexual sin against someone within the community of faith. Just as was the case in the Corinthian church, there were apparently people in the Thessalonian church involved in sexual immorality. The apostle gives a stern warning against such behavior. He emphasizes once again that God’s will for believers is “that you should live in holiness” (v.7). The phrase is better translated as “that you should dwell in holiness,” highlighting an ongoing state of life set apart for God.

The word “reject” (v.8) is translated from the Greek athetéō, meaning “to disregard” or “to refuse.” Paul warns that rejecting this instruction is not merely rejecting human advice but rejecting God Himself—the One who has given them the gift of the Holy Spirit. If believers have truly received the Holy Spirit, they are called to bear the fruit of a holy life.

Meditation:

Just before this passage, the apostle prayed that the Thessalonian believers would grow in the power of love. He said that those who are captivated by love will be found blameless when the Lord Jesus Christ returns. Indeed, no one appears holier than a person fully immersed in love. When love fills a person’s life, there is no room for the temptations of sin. In this sense, love and holiness are like two sides of the same coin. A person who truly loves will live a holy life, and holiness is accomplished through the power of love.

This principle applies to the area of sexuality as well. A person who desires to use their sexuality in the wholeness of love cannot turn toward sexual immorality. Those who do not know God often believe that sexual immorality will make them happy, but in reality, it harms them. Moreover, it grieves God, who, through His only Son, brought salvation and gave the gift of the Holy Spirit. God does not desire that believers fall into sexual immorality. If one truly loves God and truly values oneself, they will not misuse their sexuality.

Such a person will use their sexuality as an instrument of love toward their spouse—not as a means of self-gratification, but as a way to serve and bring joy to their partner. Adultery is the most severe form of violence one can commit against a spouse. Therefore, a person who loves God and loves their spouse would not even dream of committing adultery. By living this way, one will discover the profound truth that true happiness is found in holiness.

Prayer:

Lord, our love is tainted and fragmented. Because of this, there are areas of holiness in our lives, yet there are still parts that remain impure. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we may become more complete in holiness. Help us to experience true happiness as we dwell in holiness. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True happiness is found in living a holy life shaped by love—loving God, loving ourselves, and loving others in ways that are pure, respectful, and honoring to Him.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What do you think it means to love someone the way Jesus loves us?
  • How can we show respect and kindness to our friends and family every day?
  • Why do you think God wants us to make good and pure choices with our hearts and bodies?
• Youth
  • How are love and holiness connected in the way we treat other people?
  • The devotional says, “true happiness is found in holiness.” What do you think this means in real life?
  • How can knowing God help you make choices that honor Him and respect yourself and others?