1 Thessalonians 4

Paul now addresses a few of the issues the church is dealing with.

Lust & Sexual Impurity: we may think that everyone was chaste & sex was taboo back in the Bible days. History tells us differently. At this time in history, Roman culture lived for pleasure. Their world was not much different from ours. As this is why it is so important to listen to Paul's words here. We are constantly bombarded with sexual images - ad campaigns, music lyrics & videos, movies & TV. Sex sells & it is EVERYWHERE. So, what's a person to do? Paul simply states - look to God & follow His example & His instruction. Keep your thoughts pure, keep your actions pure, removed yourself from situations that tempt you.

Sound hard? It is! To deny your impulses, to deny what the world is telling - even encouraging - you to do is HARD. But with God's help you can succeed.

Why would I want to do this? It's all about love. What is on every one's mind & heart? Why do we seek out these improper sexual relationships? We're looking for LOVE. Unfortunately, we're looking for love in all the wrong places. True love isn't just a feeling. Look up 1 Corinthians 13:4-13. Love is patient, kind, not jealous, humble. It does not seek it's own pleasure, it cannot be provoked, it does not take an account of wrongs. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. You want that type of love? I know I do. I crave it because it is the pure love of my heavenly Father. So, reject the temporary pleasure of lust & seek out the lasting completeness of love.

Now comes one of my favorite passages, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands." A happy life is so simple - be content with a simple life, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS, and work hard. You will find the most satisfaction when you follow these three simple rules. Give it a try & see what happens!