sanctified

sexuality

Brackets
Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is Gods will that you should be sanctied:
that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

Sexuality Contrasted
3 It is Gods will that you should be sanctied: that you should avoid sexual immorality;4 that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;
1 THESSALONIANS 4:3-5

The Way of Christ Controlled body Governed by honor and holiness Rooted in a knowledge of God

The Way of the Empire Uncontrolled body Governed by passionate lust Void of the knowledge of God

American Sexuality
Our cultures concept of sex and sexuality is dictated by self expression and the individuals concept of a liberated identity 1. Sexuality is a choice based on personal preference. 2. Choices related to sexuality disregard any external factors that would impede on the freedom of self expression. 3. Sex is reduced to a physical act and social encounter between consenting people.

4:6a and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.
1 THESSALONIANS 4:6A

Body Control
KNOW GOD HONOR (God) PURITY (Degree of Control)

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
GALATIANS 6:10

Your call to sexual purity applies to your relationships with other Christians as well as outsiders. The love of God that you express to each other should not be misunderstood and used as an opportunity to advantage of each other by crossing sexual boundaries . . . you are siblings and that would be like incest.

Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.
1 THESSALONIANS 4:9

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
ROMANS 8:1,2

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 JOHN 1:8-10

but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.
HEBREWS 12:10

PUNISHMENT

DISCIPLINE

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
1 THESSALONIANS 4:7-8