S-Scripture:  1Thessalonians 4:3-8, “3It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control his own body^[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”

O-Observation:  Paul gives some instructions to the church of Thessalonica on how they should live in order to please God.  He told them to be set themselves apart from the ways of the world, to avoid or abstain from sexual immorality, to excercise self-discipline (in holiness and honor), to not engage in passionate lust like the heathens, don’t get involved in wronging your brother or taking advantage of another person, and to live holy lives.  Here’s the kicker:  When we reject these instructions, we are not rejecting man but God!  The very God who gave us the Holy Spirit!

A-Application:  When it comes to holiness, I need to do a better job!  I need to allow God to work in and through my life.  Holiness cannot be attained on our own merit or works.  It is attained by God living in and through us!  When we receive Christ as our Savior, His righteousness is accredited to our account, and we receive the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit seals us, teaches us, convicts us, chastens, us and draws us in a closer walk with the Father.

P-Prayer:  Father, please give me the strength to be holy.  I understand the consequences of our sins.  When we reject these instructions we are rejecting You.  Lord, guide me into truth, and protect me from evil.  In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray.  Amen.