Lesson 496: 1 Thessalonians 4:3
The Blueprint — The Verse
For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality;
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
Thessalonian believers lived in a city full of pagan immorality. PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More taught them about sexual ethics, work, and life together as they awaited the Lord's return.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More urged them to live in a way that pleases God, recalling commands he gave by the Lord JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus provides atonement, salvation, and restored relationship with God. He is... More. He stated plainly that God's will is their sanctification — specifically avoiding sexual immorality.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus provides atonement, salvation, and restored relationship with God. He is... More.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
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that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor,
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
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Discussion
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Why does PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More connect sanctification with sexual purity?
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How is knowing God's will comforting rather than burdensome?
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What cultural pressures make sanctification difficult today?
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