A Life Pleasing to God

READ:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 • 1 Peter 1:13-19 • Romans 6:13 • Romans 13:14 • Matthew 18:6-7

What is required of a person who desires to “walk and please God” (4:1)? How are one’s head, heart and hands included? In the context of this passage, explain why it is important both to know what God says and to do what God says.

As believers, we sometimes fret because we can’t figure out God’s will on some matter in our life. Yet, God has given us specific scriptures regarding His perfect will. Discuss what is declared with certainty to be God’s will in verses 3-5. What other verses can you think of where God declare His will?

Explain the doctrine of sanctification? What is the purpose of sanctification? When does sanctification begin? How long does the sanctification process last?

Why do you think Paul begins this teaching with the topic of sexual immorality? What does Paul mean by the word, “abstain”? What forms of sexual immorality must believers be careful to abstain from today?

How does sexual promiscuity transgress and defraud another human being? The translation for the end of verse 6 is “the Lord is the avenger/will avenge.” What do you think this means? How does God avenge the wrong committed by one believer to another? Have you seen this to be true with anyone who has been immoral? Explain.

What should our real motivation be for keeping the commandments of God? (Matthew 25:23)

DISCUSS:

It is often said that holiness and sexual immorality are mutually exclusive. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Discuss the significance of believers being “set apart for the Lord” regarding sex. (See also 1 Corinthians

6:13-20 and Ephesians 5:8-10?)

What can you say to someone, especially a Christian, who says they don’t accept the biblical standards for

sexuality because they don’t apply today?

PRA Y:

Pray that as you seek holiness you will have the power to flee from all forms of sexual immorality.

RESPOND:

According to recent surveys, the morality of believers is not much different from that of unbelievers, especially in the area of sex. Think about how you can apply God’s directives in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 to today’s culture. To your daily life. To your home. To your children. Be specific.

Thanks for listening in to The Ridge's Sunday Audio podcast! Although we hope you are greatly blessed by listening to this message, we also believe it's important to belong to a local body of believers. If you live in our area, we would love to worship with you on Sunday mornings at 8:00a, 9:30a, or 11:15a!