Living a Life Pleasing to God: A Call to Holiness

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, where Paul provides guidance on living a life that pleases God. Paul emphasizes that none of us stands sinless before God, and we are all on a journey toward holiness. He urges the Thessalonian church to continue living in a way that pleases God, emphasizing sanctification, avoiding sexual immorality, and controlling one's body in a holy and honorable manner. Paul’s message is clear: God calls us to live a holy life, not one of impurity.

Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, written around 48-52 AD, addresses a young church in a society dominated by Greek and Roman cultural practices. He speaks to them as a spiritual parent, urging them to live lives worthy of God. Paul’s tone is both warm and direct, reflecting his deep love and concern for the church. He reminds them that their new identity as God's family comes with specific behavioral instructions aimed at living a life pleasing to God.

In our modern culture, we often hear messages that encourage us to live for ourselves and define our own truth. However, Paul reminds us that life is not about personal fulfillment but about pleasing God. He challenges the Thessalonians—and us—to reorient our lives toward God’s kingdom, creating environments of safety and flourishing for ourselves and others. Paul’s instructions are not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing a life of holiness and integrity.

Paul also addresses the issue of sexual immorality, particularly in the context of the highly patriarchal Greco-Roman society. He calls for a radical redefinition of sexual ethics, urging men to control their bodies in a way that is holy and honorable. This new story about sex, sexual activity, and marriage stands in stark contrast to the cultural norms of the time, emphasizing mutual respect and sanctity.

### Key Takeaways

1. Holiness as a Lifelong Journey: We are all on a journey toward holiness, and none of us stands sinless before God. This journey requires a lifelong commitment to living a life that pleases God, not ourselves. Our culture often promotes self-fulfillment, but true freedom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with God's will. [01:33]

2. Theocentric vs. Andocentric Worldview: Modern culture often places humans at the center of existence, encouraging us to define our own truth and live for personal fulfillment. However, Paul reminds us that the world is theocentric, with God at the center. True freedom is found in recognizing that we are not the center of the universe; God is. [07:59]

3. Living to Please God: Paul urges us to live lives that are pleasing to God, not just to ourselves. This involves a wholehearted reorientation of our lives toward God’s kingdom, creating environments of safety and flourishing for ourselves and others. It’s not about the minimum commitment but about a deep, loving devotion to God. [09:37]

4. Sanctification and Sexual Ethics: Paul calls for sanctification, urging us to avoid sexual immorality and control our bodies in a holy and honorable manner. This stands in stark contrast to the permissive sexual ethics of the Greco-Roman society, emphasizing mutual respect and sanctity in sexual relationships. [11:08]

5. New Identity as God's Family: Paul repeatedly refers to the Thessalonians as brothers and sisters, emphasizing their new identity as God's family. This new identity comes with specific behavioral instructions aimed at living a life pleasing to God, highlighting the importance of love, holiness, and integrity in our relationships with one another. [06:24]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - Introduction to 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
[03:07] - Background on Thessalonica
[04:50] - Paul's Pastoral Heart
[06:24] - New Identity as God's Family
[07:59] - Theocentric vs. Andocentric Worldview
[09:37] - Living to Please God
[11:08] - Sanctification and Sexual Ethics
[12:44] - Greco-Roman Sexual Norms
[14:06] - Radical Redefinition of Sexual Ethics
[16:02] - Holiness in All Aspects of Life
[17:12] - Paul's Direct and Loving Guidance
[19:12] - Creating Environments of Safety and Flourishing
[20:37] - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions does Paul give to the Thessalonians about living a life that pleases God? [01:33]
2. How does Paul describe the cultural context of Thessalonica, and why is this significant for his message? [03:07]
3. What does Paul say about sexual immorality and controlling one's body? [11:08]
4. How does Paul emphasize the new identity of the Thessalonians as God's family? [06:24]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says that we are on a journey toward holiness and none of us stands sinless before God? How does this perspective affect our daily lives? [01:33]
2. How does the theocentric worldview that Paul advocates differ from the andocentric worldview prevalent in modern culture? What implications does this have for our understanding of freedom and fulfillment? [07:59]
3. In what ways does Paul challenge the Thessalonians to reorient their lives toward God's kingdom? How does this reorientation create environments of safety and flourishing? [09:37]
4. How does Paul's teaching on sexual ethics contrast with the norms of the Greco-Roman society? What does this reveal about the Christian approach to relationships and integrity? [12:44]

#### Application Questions
1. Paul emphasizes that holiness is a lifelong journey. Reflect on your own journey toward holiness. What steps can you take this week to align your life more closely with God's will? [01:33]
2. In what ways have you been influenced by the modern cultural message of living for personal fulfillment? How can you shift your focus to living a life that pleases God instead? [07:59]
3. Paul calls for a wholehearted reorientation of our lives toward God's kingdom. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize God's kingdom over personal desires? [09:37]
4. Reflect on your relationships with others, especially in the context of mutual respect and sanctity. How can you demonstrate holiness and integrity in your interactions this week? [11:08]
5. Paul speaks about the importance of controlling one's body in a holy and honorable manner. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with self-control? What practical steps can you take to address these struggles? [11:08]
6. Consider the new identity as God's family that Paul emphasizes. How can you foster a sense of love, holiness, and integrity within your church community? [06:24]
7. Paul challenges the Thessalonians to create environments of safety and flourishing. How can you contribute to creating such environments in your home, workplace, or church? [19:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Holiness as a Lifelong Journey
We are all on a journey toward holiness, and none of us stands sinless before God. This journey requires a lifelong commitment to living a life that pleases God, not ourselves. Our culture often promotes self-fulfillment, but true freedom and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with God's will. Paul emphasizes that sanctification is an ongoing process, urging the Thessalonians to continue striving for holiness in their daily lives. This means making conscious choices that reflect God's values and commands, even when it goes against societal norms.

Paul's message is clear: living a holy life is not about achieving perfection but about continually seeking to grow closer to God. This involves daily decisions to turn away from sin and to pursue righteousness. It’s a journey that requires perseverance, humility, and a deep reliance on God's grace. As we navigate this path, we must remember that we are not alone; God is with us, guiding and empowering us every step of the way. [01:33]

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you can make a conscious effort to pursue holiness today? How can you rely on God's strength to help you in this area?

Day 2: Theocentric vs. Andocentric Worldview
Modern culture often places humans at the center of existence, encouraging us to define our own truth and live for personal fulfillment. However, Paul reminds us that the world is theocentric, with God at the center. True freedom is found in recognizing that we are not the center of the universe; God is. This shift in perspective changes how we approach life, relationships, and our purpose. It calls us to live in a way that honors God and aligns with His will, rather than seeking to fulfill our own desires.

Understanding that God is at the center of everything helps us to see our lives in the context of His greater plan. It challenges us to surrender our own ambitions and to seek His guidance in all that we do. This theocentric worldview fosters a sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that our true identity and purpose are found in Him. As we embrace this perspective, we begin to experience the peace and fulfillment that come from living in alignment with God's design. [07:59]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what ways have you been placing yourself at the center of your life? How can you reorient your focus to make God the center of your decisions and actions today?

Day 3: Living to Please God
Paul urges us to live lives that are pleasing to God, not just to ourselves. This involves a wholehearted reorientation of our lives toward God’s kingdom, creating environments of safety and flourishing for ourselves and others. It’s not about the minimum commitment but about a deep, loving devotion to God. Living to please God means making choices that reflect His character and values, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. It requires us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and to seek His approval rather than the approval of others.

This call to live for God’s pleasure challenges us to examine our motives and actions. Are we seeking to honor God in all that we do, or are we driven by selfish desires and ambitions? By focusing on pleasing God, we create a ripple effect that positively impacts those around us, fostering environments where love, respect, and integrity thrive. This commitment to living for God’s glory transforms our lives and the lives of those we encounter, reflecting the beauty of God’s kingdom on earth. [09:37]

2 Corinthians 5:9 (ESV): "So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live to please God today, rather than seeking to please yourself or others? How can this choice impact those around you?

Day 4: Sanctification and Sexual Ethics
Paul calls for sanctification, urging us to avoid sexual immorality and control our bodies in a holy and honorable manner. This stands in stark contrast to the permissive sexual ethics of the Greco-Roman society, emphasizing mutual respect and sanctity in sexual relationships. Paul’s message is a radical redefinition of sexual ethics, calling believers to honor God with their bodies and to treat others with dignity and respect. This involves setting boundaries and making choices that reflect God’s design for sexuality and relationships.

In a culture that often promotes sexual freedom and self-gratification, Paul’s call to sanctification challenges us to view our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It requires us to exercise self-control and to honor God in our sexual conduct. This commitment to purity and holiness not only protects us from the consequences of sexual immorality but also fosters healthy, respectful relationships that reflect God’s love and grace. By embracing God’s standards for sexual ethics, we demonstrate our devotion to Him and our desire to live in a way that pleases Him. [11:08]

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV): "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Reflection: How can you honor God with your body and your sexual conduct today? What steps can you take to set healthy boundaries and pursue purity in your relationships?

Day 5: New Identity as God's Family
Paul repeatedly refers to the Thessalonians as brothers and sisters, emphasizing their new identity as God's family. This new identity comes with specific behavioral instructions aimed at living a life pleasing to God, highlighting the importance of love, holiness, and integrity in our relationships with one another. As members of God’s family, we are called to treat each other with the same love and respect that God has shown us. This involves building each other up, encouraging one another, and holding each other accountable to God’s standards.

Embracing our identity as God’s family transforms the way we interact with others. It calls us to prioritize unity, forgiveness, and selflessness in our relationships. By living out these values, we create a community that reflects God’s love and grace to the world. This new identity also reminds us that we are not alone in our journey of faith; we have a spiritual family that supports and encourages us. Together, we can grow in holiness and live lives that honor God. [06:24]

Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Reflection: How can you demonstrate love, holiness, and integrity in your relationships with others today? What is one specific way you can build up and encourage a member of your spiritual family?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "God is calling a holy people to himself. So before any further ado, let's get into our teaching text this week. Chris, are you all right on the slides or do you want me to do them? I'll do them. Right, here we go. I don't think it's working. There we go. Right, teaching text." [00:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The air we breathe in modern culture would say we have to live a life pleasing to who? Yourself. That could be the modern manifesto, right? Live a life pleasing to yourself. In postmodern culture we're also deeply suspicious of authority of any kind. We live in a very unique moment in history where we've deconstructed authority of almost every type." [06:24] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But the truth is life on this planet and the gospel of Jesus Christ is not about us and our personal fulfillment. We are not the center of the universe. God is. We don't get to define morality. God does. We did not create ourselves. God did." [07:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus, when we encounter him in the gospels, never forces anyone to follow him. He invites people, he lets them decide, but he doesn't pander to their preferences. And for those of us who do choose to follow Jesus, we follow him because he wants us to follow him. And we follow Jesus on his terms, not on our own." [09:37] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The central purpose of our life is no longer personal fulfillment or pleasure or living our best life now. It's learning to live to please God. Do this more and more, Paul says, not what's kind of the minimum commitment I can get away with in order. To still call myself a Christian, but the wholehearted reorientation of our whole lives to God out of love and devotion for him." [09:37] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "It's important for them to know that God has called them into his glorious kingdom but that calling is also a lifelong response on our part and a responsibility on our part. They are called as are we to live to kingdom standards. The constitution of their kingdom citizenship requires holiness not impurity." [04:50] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul here sets out the correct orientation for every human life and that's to learn to live a life pleasing to God. The air we breathe in modern culture would say we have to live a life pleasing to who? Yourself. That could be the modern manifesto, right? Live a life pleasing to yourself." [06:24] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And in case they have forgotten instructions for behavioral living that he gave them, Paul reminds them, no uncertain terms. It is God's will that you should be sanctified, that you should avoid sexual immorality, that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans who do not know God." [09:37] (-557 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Paul addresses these new Jesus believers, especially the men in this case, with an entirely new story about sex, sexual activity, and marriage. Paul addresses these new Jesus believers, especially the men in this case, with an entirely new story about sex, sexual activity, and marriage." [14:06] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Paul addresses these new Jesus believers, especially the men in this case, with an entirely new story about sex, sexual activity, and marriage. Paul addresses these new Jesus believers, especially the men in this case, with an entirely new story about sex, sexual activity, and marriage." [14:37] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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