Called to Purity: Embracing God's Will for Sanctification

In our journey through 1 Thessalonians 4, we explore the profound call to increase in faith and love, as well as the critical exhortation to pursue sanctification, particularly in the realm of sexual purity. The passage emphasizes that God is the one who causes us to increase, and this increase is not just a possibility but a necessity for a fruitful Christian life. The increase in faith and love is assessed at the coming of Christ, and it is through prayer, the Word of God, and diligence that we experience this growth.

The heart of the message is a call to abstain from sexual immorality, a significant challenge that has plagued humanity throughout history. Sexual purity is not merely a personal struggle but a divine mandate, as God has created our sexual desires and expects us to manage them within His design. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations to highlight the importance of maintaining sexual purity, warning us of the consequences of failing to do so.

To gain victory over sexual immorality, we must remember that it is God's will for us to be sanctified. This involves a radical commitment to abstain from sin, to be filled with the Spirit and the Word of God, and to surround ourselves with the people of God. We must also engage in the work of God, avoiding idleness that can lead to temptation. Recognizing that lust is a deceptive pursuit that never truly satisfies, we must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and bodies.

Ultimately, sexual sin is not just a transgression against others but a rejection of God Himself, who has given us His Holy Spirit. As new creatures in Christ, we are called to live in a manner that reflects our identity as saints, not as those who are enslaved to the passions of the flesh. This call to holiness is both a challenge and a privilege, as we rely on God's grace to live lives that honor Him.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God's Will for Sanctification: Understanding that sanctification, particularly in sexual purity, is God's will for us is crucial. It helps us stay focused on the goal of our Christian journey, which is to be set apart from the world and its lusts, and to live in holiness. This perspective empowers us to pursue purity with purpose and determination. [18:06]
• 2. Radical Abstinence: The New Testament teaches that victory over sin often requires a straightforward approach: abstain. This involves a radical commitment to quit sinning, to be proactive in avoiding temptation, and to take drastic measures if necessary to maintain purity. Such radical action is essential for overcoming the pervasive challenge of sexual immorality. [20:00]
• 3. The Deceptive Nature of Lust: Lust is inherently deceptive, offering satisfaction in the pursuit rather than the possession. Recognizing this helps us understand that lust is a mirage, a false promise that leads to emptiness and regret. By seeing through its deception, we can resist its allure and seek fulfillment in Christ. [32:40]
• 4. Impact on Others: Sexual sin not only harms us but also affects others, often in ways we cannot foresee. It can damage relationships, betray trust, and leave lasting scars. Understanding the broader impact of our actions encourages us to pursue purity not just for our sake but for the well-being of others. [34:57]
• 5. God's Judgment and Grace: God judges sexual immorality, but He also provides the Holy Spirit to empower us to live in purity. This dual reality of judgment and grace reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the incredible provision God has made for our victory. Embracing this truth motivates us to live in a way that honors God and reflects our new identity in Christ. [38:37]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Introduction to Increase
• [01:16] - Faith and Love Increase
• [02:03] - Means of Increase
• [03:12] - Exhortation to Excel
• [04:02] - God's Will: Sanctification
• [06:26] - Abstain from Sexual Immorality
• [08:24] - The Challenge of Sexual Purity
• [10:46] - Biblical Examples of Fornication
• [12:14] - Exhortations Against Sexual Sin
• [16:04] - Victory Over Sexual Immorality
• [18:06] - God's Will for Our Sanctification
• [20:00] - Radical Abstinence
• [25:05] - Controlling Your Body
• [32:40] - The Deceptive Nature of Lust
• [34:57] - Impact on Others
• [38:37] - God's Judgment and Grace

1. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 say about God's will for our lives, particularly concerning sanctification and sexual purity? How is this emphasized in the sermon? [04:02]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the means by which believers can experience an increase in faith and love? [02:03]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of lust and its impact on individuals? [32:40]
4. What examples from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the consequences of sexual immorality? [10:46]

1. How does understanding sanctification as God's will for us change the way we approach our daily lives and decisions, especially in the area of sexual purity? [18:06]
2. The sermon mentions "radical abstinence" as a means to overcome sin. What does this concept entail, and how might it be applied in practical terms? [20:00]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sexual sin affects not only the individual but also others around them? [34:57]
4. How does the sermon balance the concepts of God's judgment and grace in relation to sexual immorality? [38:37]

1. Reflect on your current understanding of sanctification. How can you align your life more closely with God's will for sanctification, particularly in the area of sexual purity? [18:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being proactive in avoiding temptation. What specific steps can you take this week to avoid situations that might lead to sexual immorality? [20:00]
3. Consider the deceptive nature of lust as described in the sermon. How can you remind yourself of its false promises and seek fulfillment in Christ instead? [32:40]
4. Think about a time when your actions may have impacted others negatively. How can you pursue purity not just for your own sake but for the well-being of those around you? [34:57]
5. The sermon discusses the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering us to live in purity. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [38:37]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel idle or unproductive. How can you engage more actively in the work of God to avoid falling into temptation? [31:52]
7. Reflect on your identity as a new creature in Christ. How does this identity influence your choices and actions, especially in the realm of sexual purity? [40:03]