Protecting the Interests of Others. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-8.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
As he continues the discussion on sexual purity, Paul introduces the element of third parties that are affected by the immoral behavior of others.
Intrusion (v. 6). Sex with a person one is not married to is a trespass. Even in cases where people are engaged, there is no assurance that they will marry, and engaging in sex puts them in danger of offending others, should they not marry. Imagine these scenarios: 1. One has sex with someone else’s spouse. 2. One has sex with an unmarried person. In either case, the intimacy will cause problems. If the matter is found out, the great offense will be generated. But even if it is not found out, it remains an uncomfortable secret that one can never reveal without hurting the one loves and which will make one be on guard all the time, to avoid letting the truth out. Sin and slavery go together.
Intention (v. 7).When God calls people to salvation, he calls them also to a life of holiness – separation from everything that is impure or against his will and plan, and devotion to his way and will. Any form of impurity, including sexual impurity, goes against God’s intended purpose for the believer. Why would you deny yourself God’s best and offend others at the same time? “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Instigation (v. 8). When people ignore instructions on sexual purity, they are not disregarding the prudishness of some extreme puritans. They are rejecting the prescription of God. Paul adds here that it is God who gives us his Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit ought to produce in the person the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not the works of the sinful nature, of which sexual immorality is one (Galatians 5:19). So, listen to the Spirit of God in you, warning you against sexual sin. Unless of course, you do not have Jesus in your life. In that case, please yield your life to him. Contact me if you need help doing so.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.