September 06 2026

September 06 Sunday

1 Thessalonians 4:6-8

God Has Called Us to Holiness

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. Yesterday we looked at one of the clearest statements in Scripture concerning God's will: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Today Paul continues that thought in 1 Thessalonians 4:6–8 and reminds us that holiness isn't simply about our personal relationship with God. It also affects how we treat other people. Paul warns: “That no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter.” Sin never affects only the person committing it. That is especially true of sexual sin. Our culture often says, “What consenting adults do privately is nobody else's concern.” But God's Word reminds us that sin has consequences. It affects marriages. It affects children. It affects families. It affects churches. It affects our testimony. And most importantly, it affects our fellowship with God.

Paul says we must not “defraud” another person. To defraud someone is to take something that rightfully belongs to another. Sexual immorality takes what God has reserved for the covenant of marriage and violates the trust, purity, and dignity of others. Then Paul gives a serious warning: “Because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.” Those are strong words. God takes holiness seriously. We sometimes emphasize—and rightly so—that God is loving, merciful, gracious, and forgiving. But the same Bible that teaches God's grace also teaches God's holiness. God loves us too much to simply ignore sin that destroys us and hurts others.

Then verse 7 gives us one of the great statements in this chapter: “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.” Think about that. When Jesus saved us, He didn't simply save us from something. He saved us for something. He saved us from the penalty of sin, but He also called us to a new way of life. We have been called to holiness. Holiness doesn't mean that we walk around pretending to be better than everyone else. It doesn't mean we become self-righteous or judgmental. Biblical holiness means that we belong to God and increasingly reflect His character. Peter wrote: “But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” Why should we desire holiness? Because our God is holy.

Then Paul concludes in verse 8: “Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.” That is powerful. Paul says, “These aren't merely my standards.” Rejecting God's call to holiness isn't rejecting Paul's opinion. It is rejecting God's authority. And then Paul reminds us of something wonderful: God “has also given us His Holy Spirit.” God never commands us to live the Christian life in our own strength. He gives us His Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. He convicts us. He teaches us. He strengthens us. He produces His fruit in us. And He gives us the power to live differently from the world around us.

Sometimes people say, “I just can't live the Christian life.” And in one sense, they are right. We cannot live it in our own strength. But God never intended for us to. The Christian life is Christ living His life through us by the power of the Holy Spirit. So today remember: God has called you to holiness. But He has also given you His Holy Spirit to enable you to live that holy life.

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank You that You have not called us to uncleanness but to holiness. Help us to understand that our choices affect not only ourselves but also those around us. Give us a holy fear of sin and a greater love for You. Thank You especially for giving us Your Holy Spirit. Fill us, guide us, convict us, and empower us to live lives that reflect the holiness of Jesus Christ. May our lives bring honor to You today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

God bless, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!