Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is a joy to read for anyone involved in the ministry of the word in any form. The disciples there had a passion for the Lord. They imitated those who taught them and “welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering” (1:6, see also 2:13). They said so long to their idols (1:9) and became models to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1:8). Every Bible class teacher knows the joy that comes when people get excited about the word and enthusiastically accept and practice it in their lives.
Part of the reason for their receptivity was Paul’s passion for them. From a student’s perspective, it’s a lot easier to get involved in what someone is sharing if you know they care about and for you. Paul uses the metaphors of a nursing mother (2:7) and an encouraging father (2:11-12) to convey his love for them. Later when he had to leave the city under duress, he spoke of himself, Silas, and Timothy as being “orphaned” (2:17). Finally, he says of the disciples at Thessalonica, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy” (2:19-20). Paul was overflowing with love for the disciples at Thessalonica.
Therefore, when he brings up the subject of holy living (sanctification – 4:3), it’s because he isn’t just passionate about getting people into Jesus (Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17)—he’s equally passionate about Christ getting into them! Paul has previously talked to them about their call to holiness (4:6), to which they have complied (4:1) and now he encourages them to this “more and more.” Why the emphasis? Any concerned parent can answer the question: sexual temptation was a constant presence in their culture (as it is in ours).
The sexual relationship between a husband and a wife is a unique and beautiful aspect of marriage. However, when it is ripped out of that context it becomes like taking fire out of the fireplace. Instead of providing warmth and comfort, it becomes terribly destructive.
Adultery, promiscuity, sexualization, pornography, and sexual trafficking are all examples of sexual idolatry that permeates our culture. It presents itself through certain people, slithers through our screens, and is glamorized in our music. It sparkles with the offer of pleasure and gratification, but the reality is it is just one more form of bondage in the marketplace of pleasure and it degrades all who bow down to before it.
The call to holiness is more than just a call away from all forms of sexual idolatry (4:7)—it is a call to wholeness. We are made in the image of God, so to pursue His character in our lives is to pursue wholeness for ourselves. It is loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). This doesn’t happen accidentally or incidentally. It comes because we make a conscious choice to follow the Spirit rather than our flesh.
In severing their ties to idolatry (1:9), the disciples at Thessalonica were called to have nothing to do with the deviant sexual practices that often accompanied it and pursue the holiness of God. Our call today is no different.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 