Friday 7th March
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.” (NIVUK)
To be holy is to be set apart. Specifically set apart for God. Paul firmly believes the Thessalonians have been set apart, their continued faith makes that clear.
If they are set apart then life has changed. There are certain things that no longer make sense. Certain things that are no longer appropriate to their status.
These things are not prescribed by Paul in any way. They are the consequence of who they are in Jesus. They are a new creation, reborn by the Spirit, possessing the divine spark. They are holy.
Some things are now non-negotiable. They are not arguing with Paul if they seek to negotiate, they are arguing with God. Not many win that argument.
