1. His Will For Us Truth, Judgment and Eternity 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

2. Don’t Conform Ever since this church began I have been constantly revealing Scriptures which reveal truth about judgment and eternity.Ever since this church began I have been constantly revealing Scriptures which reveal truth about judgment and eternity. Scriptures such as Galatians 5:13-25 from last week.Scriptures such as Galatians 5:13-25 from last week. 1Pe. 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”1Pe. 1:14-16 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1Th. 4:7-8 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.1Th. 4:7-8 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. He. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.He. 12:14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no-one will see the Lord.

3. Created to Be Like God The New Testament Epistles really are calling men & women to holiness.The New Testament Epistles really are calling men & women to holiness. Ep. 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.Ep. 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. We are saved by grace and not by works, but this grace is not a free for all.We are saved by grace and not by works, but this grace is not a free for all. This grace is unmerited favour, we don’t deserve it, and that is why that now we are under God’s grace, we should be all the more willing to live the Holy life that He died to give us.This grace is unmerited favour, we don’t deserve it, and that is why that now we are under God’s grace, we should be all the more willing to live the Holy life that He died to give us. He. 13:12-13 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.He. 13:12-13 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. He suffered so that we could be holy. Knowing what Christ did for us outside the city gate, should inspire us to walk in the Spirit and obey the Spirit in everything.He suffered so that we could be holy. Knowing what Christ did for us outside the city gate, should inspire us to walk in the Spirit and obey the Spirit in everything.

4. Holy Image The reason I’m on this subject a lot, is because God is on me about this subject a lot, and has revealed to many of His people that He wants a spotless, unblemished, pure, holy and righteous bride.The reason I’m on this subject a lot, is because God is on me about this subject a lot, and has revealed to many of His people that He wants a spotless, unblemished, pure, holy and righteous bride. He wants to show us off to the world, so they can see the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us into His Holy image.He wants to show us off to the world, so they can see the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us into His Holy image. Ro. 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.Ro. 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

5. Sons of God 1 Thessalonians 4:1 FURTHERMORE, BRETHREN, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. v2 For you know what charges and precepts we gave you [on the authority and by the inspiration of] the Lord Jesus. (AMP)1 Thessalonians 4:1 FURTHERMORE, BRETHREN, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. v2 For you know what charges and precepts we gave you [on the authority and by the inspiration of] the Lord Jesus. (AMP) Paul gave us many instructions in the Epistles about walking in the Spirit and living life in Christ.Paul gave us many instructions in the Epistles about walking in the Spirit and living life in Christ. The Bible is cut and dry when it comes to recognising who the Sons of God are.The Bible is cut and dry when it comes to recognising who the Sons of God are. 1Jn. 3:10 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ). (AMP)1Jn. 3:10 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God's will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ). (AMP)

6. His Will for Us v3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, (AMP)v3 For this is the will of God, that you should be consecrated (separated and set apart for pure and holy living): that you should abstain and shrink from all sexual vice, (AMP) The will of God for us is that we should be consecrated.The will of God for us is that we should be consecrated. The Greek word used here for consecration is hagiasmos which means: the process of making or becoming holy, set apart, sanctified.The Greek word used here for consecration is hagiasmos which means: the process of making or becoming holy, set apart, sanctified. This word refers to an ongoing act of consecration, or as Charles Finney called it “Perpetual Unending Consecration.”This word refers to an ongoing act of consecration, or as Charles Finney called it “Perpetual Unending Consecration.”

7. 1) Positional Sanctification There are 3 types of sanctification for the believer: Gary Gulan explainsThere are 3 types of sanctification for the believer: Gary Gulan explains 1) is Positional or definitive sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Hebrews 10:10,14) Is the Christian's position or standing before God, based on the death of Christ. It is a product of justification, redemption and regeneration. The Christian, at the new birth, is separated from the penalty and power of his sin, which is a legal position of holiness.1) is Positional or definitive sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:2; 6:11; Hebrews 10:10,14) Is the Christian's position or standing before God, based on the death of Christ. It is a product of justification, redemption and regeneration. The Christian, at the new birth, is separated from the penalty and power of his sin, which is a legal position of holiness. It makes the Christian "holy" because he is set apart from his sin and placed in Christ.It makes the Christian "holy" because he is set apart from his sin and placed in Christ. It is accomplished by the work of Christ and not by something the Christian does or continues to do.It is accomplished by the work of Christ and not by something the Christian does or continues to do. It occurs at the moment of salvation. sanctification occurs with "redemption" and "justification.”It occurs at the moment of salvation. sanctification occurs with "redemption" and "justification.” It makes every Christian a "saint" regardless of his daily life [when he or she gave their life to Christ.]It makes every Christian a "saint" regardless of his daily life [when he or she gave their life to Christ.]

8. 2) Progressive Sanctification Progressive or experiential sanctification (1 Peter 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7) This aspect of sanctification refers to the Christian's daily life (1 Pet. 1:15). Here sanctification relates to our separation from sin and our yieldingness to righteousness, (Romans 6:19). The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. Progressive or experiential sanctification (1 Peter 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7) This aspect of sanctification refers to the Christian's daily life (1 Pet. 1:15). Here sanctification relates to our separation from sin and our yieldingness to righteousness, (Romans 6:19). The Christian life is a process of becoming more and more like Christ. It is commanded of each Christian.It is commanded of each Christian. It is a work that the Christian must do.It is a work that the Christian must do. It begins at salvation and is an ongoing activity throughout the Christian life.It begins at salvation and is an ongoing activity throughout the Christian life. It is accomplished primarily through the application of the Word of God [and obedience to the Holy Spirit]It is accomplished primarily through the application of the Word of God [and obedience to the Holy Spirit]

9. 3) Perfective Sanctification Perfective or final sanctification (1 John 3:1-3; Jude 24-25) This aspect of sanctification is still future. Here sanctification refers to glorification where the Christian anticipates the final transformation of his body into the likeness of Christ and is free from the presence of sin. Perfective or final sanctification (1 John 3:1-3; Jude 24-25) This aspect of sanctification is still future. Here sanctification refers to glorification where the Christian anticipates the final transformation of his body into the likeness of Christ and is free from the presence of sin. This accomplished by God alone.This accomplished by God alone. It takes place when Jesus returns for the Church.It takes place when Jesus returns for the Church. It makes the Christian sinlessly perfect and glorified like Christ.It makes the Christian sinlessly perfect and glorified like Christ.

10. Walk It out I included this bit of theology about sanctification because many Christians are under the delusion, that once they give their lives to Christ and are redeemed and justified before God, that that is it.I included this bit of theology about sanctification because many Christians are under the delusion, that once they give their lives to Christ and are redeemed and justified before God, that that is it. But that’s not it.But that’s not it. That’s the beginning, we are new creatures from that moment, but after that, we must learn to walk and talk in the Spirit and live holy lives.That’s the beginning, we are new creatures from that moment, but after that, we must learn to walk and talk in the Spirit and live holy lives. Once you get a new car off the showroom floor, the moment you drive it out, it begins to get dirty.Once you get a new car off the showroom floor, the moment you drive it out, it begins to get dirty. It does not stay sparkling indefinitely, you need to take care of it, wash and clean it, park it in safe places so that it doesn’t get scratched and drive it safely so you don’t crash and wreck it.It does not stay sparkling indefinitely, you need to take care of it, wash and clean it, park it in safe places so that it doesn’t get scratched and drive it safely so you don’t crash and wreck it.

11. Progressive Consecration v4 That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, v5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, (AMP) v4 That each one of you should know how to possess (control, manage) his own body in consecration (purity, separated from things profane) and honor, v5 Not [to be used] in the passion of lust like the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God and have no knowledge of His will, (AMP) Here Paul calls us to progressive sanctification/consecration.Here Paul calls us to progressive sanctification/consecration. Paul figures that considering the great salvation we have inherited, and the Spirit who lives in us and counsels us daily, that we should know how to possess, control and manage our body in consecration.Paul figures that considering the great salvation we have inherited, and the Spirit who lives in us and counsels us daily, that we should know how to possess, control and manage our body in consecration. He then adds that the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God, have no knowledge of God’s will, but we who know Christ, do have knowledge of His will and should live according to it.He then adds that the heathen, who are ignorant of the true God, have no knowledge of God’s will, but we who know Christ, do have knowledge of His will and should live according to it.

12. Overreaching v6 That no man transgress and overreach his brother and defraud him in this matter or defraud his brother in business. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we have already warned you solemnly and told you plainly. (AMP) v6 That no man transgress and overreach his brother and defraud him in this matter or defraud his brother in business. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we have already warned you solemnly and told you plainly. (AMP) This is a pretty obvious requirement of the faith.This is a pretty obvious requirement of the faith. Paul is talking about defrauding his brother in relation to this knowledge of holiness, but he also adds “in business.”Paul is talking about defrauding his brother in relation to this knowledge of holiness, but he also adds “in business.” Defrauding, which is illegally obtaining money from someone by deception, is an act that if done in the church - this Scripture tells us - that the Lord is the avenger in these things.Defrauding, which is illegally obtaining money from someone by deception, is an act that if done in the church - this Scripture tells us - that the Lord is the avenger in these things.

13. Holiness Redefined v7 For God has not called us to impurity but to consecration [to dedicate ourselves to the most thorough purity]. (AMP) v7 For God has not called us to impurity but to consecration [to dedicate ourselves to the most thorough purity]. (AMP) Here again, Paul emphasises God’s call to us to be holy.Here again, Paul emphasises God’s call to us to be holy. Here the amplified really describes the level of holiness we are called to:Here the amplified really describes the level of holiness we are called to: “Thorough Purity”“Thorough Purity” Thorough means: complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial.Thorough means: complete with regard to every detail; not superficial or partial. Purity means: freedom from adulteration or contamination.Purity means: freedom from adulteration or contamination. Holiness then is: Complete freedom in every detail from adulteration and contamination, with no partiality or superficiality.Holiness then is: Complete freedom in every detail from adulteration and contamination, with no partiality or superficiality.

14. Answering to God v8 Therefore whoever disregards (sets aside and rejects this) disregards not man but God, Whose [very] Spirit [Whom] He gives to you is holy (chaste, pure). (AMP) v8 Therefore whoever disregards (sets aside and rejects this) disregards not man but God, Whose [very] Spirit [Whom] He gives to you is holy (chaste, pure). (AMP) Again Paul stresses with a warning about this call to holiness.Again Paul stresses with a warning about this call to holiness. What he is saying is, that if we disregard this teaching and live unholy lives, we will have to answer to God and not men.What he is saying is, that if we disregard this teaching and live unholy lives, we will have to answer to God and not men.

15. Love One Another v9 But concerning brotherly love [for all other Christians], you have no need to have anyone write you, for you yourselves have been [personally] taught by God to love one another. v10And indeed you already are [extending and displaying your love] to all the brethren throughout Macedonia. But we beseech and earnestly exhort you, brethren, that you excel [in this matter] more and more, (AMP) v9 But concerning brotherly love [for all other Christians], you have no need to have anyone write you, for you yourselves have been [personally] taught by God to love one another. v10And indeed you already are [extending and displaying your love] to all the brethren throughout Macedonia. But we beseech and earnestly exhort you, brethren, that you excel [in this matter] more and more, (AMP) Just like in Galatians 5:13-14, Paul accompanies the call to holiness with a call to love all the brethren in the Church.Just like in Galatians 5:13-14, Paul accompanies the call to holiness with a call to love all the brethren in the Church. In verse 10 Paul congratulates them by stating that indeed the Thessalonians are already excelling in displaying love to one another, and likewise I can say the same of this congregation, but we should do so more and more.In verse 10 Paul congratulates them by stating that indeed the Thessalonians are already excelling in displaying love to one another, and likewise I can say the same of this congregation, but we should do so more and more.

16. Peaceful Lives v11 To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, v12 So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing. (AMP) v11 To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, v12 So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing. (AMP) If we live these kinds of lives before God and men, we will command the respect of the outside world and ultimately God will be glorified by our lives, as we reveal to the world the power of God to transform and change His people by the Holy Spirit.If we live these kinds of lives before God and men, we will command the respect of the outside world and ultimately God will be glorified by our lives, as we reveal to the world the power of God to transform and change His people by the Holy Spirit.