Bible Chapter: I Thessalonians 4

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    What a statement: it is God’s will that you will avoid sexual immorality, that all learn to control their own body in a way that is holy.  This is God’s expectation for His followers.  This has been the expectation and practice of the church for a long time.  I am amazed and saddened that I see believers breaking this command.  I read the questions and responses of young believers and can’t believe that some make excuses for promiscuity.  This chapter says it is the heathen who do such things, not believers.  It is not only that God gives a command regarding sexuality, it is the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience that are so important.  I have no doubt that if Christians would strictly adhere to these principles that we would make a major impact for good on the world.
    This chapter also includes a great promise of hope.  When the time appointed by God comes, all who have made Jesus their Lord will be with Him.  Those who have already died and those who are still alive will all come together in one amazing gathering with Jesus.  And we will all be together with the Lord forever.  These are encouraging words.  These words give comfort at a funeral.  They give comfort when we look around and see the mess the world is in.  They give comfort when we are discouraged.  This is an awesome promise.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I am thankful for the teaching I received in my youth.  It told me of God’s plan for marriage and morality.  It taught me about modesty and uplifting entertainment.  It told me to be careful what I put in my mind.  It gave me a foundation to live by.  My wife and I have applied these principles and have received the blessings that result.  We have had over forty years of marriage, and I believe that learning and applying these biblical principles of morality has been a major part of our success.  I want to encourage all young people that you will NEVER regret following God’s principles of morality.  Save yourself for marriage and you will receive God’s blessing for your obedience.
    The signs of the world point to the return of Jesus.  This is important to keep in mind or I could get discouraged by what is happening.  Verse 18 says to comfort each other with these words.  They are words of real comfort.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I believe that proclaiming God’s plan of morality will greatly bless those who follow.  I know there are major pressures to conform to the world’s standards of rejecting God’s plan.  I also know that those who follow the world’s standards end up with all kinds of problems they never expected.