1 Thessalonians 4:3
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This is the will of God, even your sanctification - God has called you to holiness; he requires that you should be holy; for without holiness none can see the Lord. This is the general calling, but in it many particulars are included. Some of these he proceeds to mention; and it is very likely that these had been points on which he gave them particular instructions while among them. That ye should abstain from fornication - The word πορνεια, as we have seen in other places, includes all sorts of uncleanness; and it was probably this consideration that induced several MSS., some versions and fathers, to add here πασης, all. Directions of this kind were peculiarly necessary among the Greeks, and indeed heathens in general, who were strongly addicted to such vices.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--enforcing the assertion that his "commandments" were "by (the authority of) the Lord Jesus" (Th1 4:2). Since "this is the will of God," let it be your will also. fornication--not regarded as a sin at all among the heathen, and so needing the more to be denounced (Act 15:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,.... Which is another reason to enforce the above exhortation. "Sanctification" is internal or external. Internal sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God, and is a principle of spiritual life in the soul, a divine and spiritual light in the understanding, a flexion of the will to the will of God, and a settlement of the affections on divine things, and is an implantation of every grace in the heart. External sanctification arises from this, and lies in holiness of life and conversation; and is what is chiefly designed, as appears both by what goes before, and follows after: and this is "the will of God"; the will of his purpose and decree; for in the same decree that he wills the salvation of any by Jesus Christ, he also wills their sanctification in heart and life, and here and hereafter: and this is his approving will, or what is well pleasing in his sight, being agreeable to his nature, and divine perfections, particularly his holiness, in which he is glorious; and it is his will of command, and what he requires in his law, which is holy, just, and good, and perfectly agrees with the sound doctrine of the Gospel, and the revelation of his will in both. That ye should abstain from fornication: which is particularly mentioned, abstinence from it being a branch of external holiness; and because that this sin was common among the Gentiles, and not esteemed a sin by them; as also to observe to these Christians, that as simple fornication was not to be allowed of, much less other acts of uncleanness, as adultery, incest, sodomy, and the like, which were iniquities that greatly prevailed among the Heathens. The Syriac version renders it, "from all fornication"; on this subject the apostle enlarges in some following verses.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).
1 Thessalonians 4:3
Living to Please God
2For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.3For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; 4each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Deeper Waters - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill12K25:54Depth of Relationship with GodSanctificationMAT 5:8JHN 1:1JHN 14:6JHN 17:17ROM 12:22CO 6:171TH 4:3HEB 12:14JAS 1:51PE 1:16Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He argues that the Gospel is not merely a collection of four accounts but a singular narrative revealing the essence of Christ. Ravenhill highlights the importance of understanding Jesus' prayer in John 17, which he considers a sacred moment that showcases the need for believers to seek wisdom and sanctification in their lives. He challenges the church to move beyond superficial spirituality and to embrace a deeper relationship with God, emphasizing the necessity of separation from worldly influences. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to holiness and a deeper understanding of God's majesty.
Sanctification: 1. a Pure Spirit
By Zac Poonen2.1K51:35Worship in SpiritSanctificationPRO 3:5MAT 5:8MAT 15:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:21CO 3:132CO 7:11TH 4:31TH 5:231JN 2:27Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of sanctification, particularly the need for a pure spirit in our relationship with God. He highlights that true worship must come from the spirit, not merely from outward actions, and that maintaining a pure spirit is essential for experiencing God's presence and guidance. Poonen warns against the dangers of prioritizing work over worship and stresses that sanctification is God's work in us, requiring our submission. He encourages believers to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with God, which will lead to discernment and a life that reflects His holiness.
Deliverance From Specific Bondages (Part 2)
By Denny Kenaston2.1K1:02:43Bondage1TH 4:3In this sermon, the preacher warns against engaging in moral bondages, specifically fornication. He references 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, which emphasizes the importance of abstaining from sexual immorality and possessing one's body in sanctification and honor. The preacher encourages young people to enlist in a spiritual war against the enemy, rather than getting caught up in worldly games. Additionally, he addresses the issue of anger, suggesting that unforgiveness and bitterness often lead to frequent outbursts of anger. The sermon concludes with a plea for repentance, renouncing sinful behaviors, and surrendering to God's control.
Skyland Conference 1979-07 Testimony and Message
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.1K44:39TestimonyPSA 84:5JHN 12:1COL 1:8COL 2:141TH 4:31TH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of patience and waiting on the Lord in a fast-paced world. He shares his experience of coming from a slower-paced culture to the USA, where everything moves quickly. He highlights the need to take time with the Word of God and to wait patiently for the Lord. The speaker also discusses the order and creation of God, referencing Genesis 1 and the importance of light in the first day of creation.
The Church and the Saviour
By Robert Dowie1.1K57:36SaviourJHN 17:171TH 4:3HEB 2:101PE 1:1In this sermon, the preacher reflects on Psalm 8 and the greatness of God's creation. He emphasizes the question posed in the psalm, "What is man?" and highlights the elevated position that God originally gave to humanity. However, due to the fall of man, humans lost their dominion over creation. The preacher then shifts to the topic of practical sanctification, explaining that God's will for Christians is to be set apart from evil and sin, as stated in John 17:17 and 1 Thessalonians 4:3. He emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in achieving this sanctification.
Kingdom Righteousness
By Wingrove Taylor1.0K52:15GEN 12:2LEV 11:44LEV 20:26MAT 6:331TH 4:31TH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene where a little girl desperately wants a bag, highlighting the human tendency towards self-deification and the need for sanctification. He then references Romans chapter 1, explaining how the refusal to honor and glorify God leads to the degradation of the world. The preacher then shifts to the story of Abraham, emphasizing how God's pronouncements not only relate to behavior but also to blessings. He shares a personal experience of seeking God's guidance in his church and emphasizes the importance of doing God's will and recognizing that it is not severe but rather sweet.
The Pure Heart #6
By Milton Green1.0K34:27MAT 7:21ROM 6:221CO 6:9GAL 5:19EPH 6:111TH 4:3HEB 12:14JAS 1:221JN 2:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of sanctification and obedience to God's will, highlighting the need to turn away from sin and rebellion, and to be slaves of righteousness resulting in sanctification. It warns against deception and stresses the significance of purifying the heart to inherit eternal life. The message underscores the contrast between following the will of God and being led by the Spirit versus practicing sin and disobedience, ultimately pointing to the necessity of sanctification for entering the kingdom of God.
Recording of the Voice of Samuel Logan Brengle
By Samuel Logan Brengle96104:12ROM 12:22CO 5:17EPH 4:241TH 4:31PE 1:15This sermon delves into the life and teachings of the late Commissioner Samuel Brangle, focusing on his experience of sanctification and holiness. It emphasizes the transformative power of God's love, the significance of confession and testimony in spiritual growth, and the essence of holiness as being made like God in nature and character.
Balanced Theology and Christianity
By Roy Daniel9071:10:14BalanceEPH 4:11MAT 28:19JHN 15:261CO 12:281TH 4:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the idea of Christians being unbalanced in their faith. He uses four volunteers to illustrate different ways in which people can be unbalanced. One volunteer, Brandon, is portrayed as someone who watches terrifying movies and justifies it under the idea of having liberty in faith. Another volunteer, Aaron, is shown to have a television but only watches "pretty good" programs, yet it still influences his life. The speaker also mentions the concept of the body of Christ and how some people can become unbalanced by focusing too much on it. The sermon emphasizes the importance of finding balance in our faith and not allowing certain aspects to consume us.
Finding the Will of God
By Carter Conlon88245:35PSA 139:23DAN 11:32MAL 3:6MAT 6:10MRK 9:24JHN 7:17EPH 6:61TH 4:31TH 5:181PE 2:15This sermon focuses on the importance of finding and walking in the will of God. It emphasizes the distinction between the revealed will of God, which is clear and practical, and the unique will of God, which may be specific to each individual. The speaker encourages the audience to have a heart willing to obey God's revealed will and be open to His unique calling, even if it takes them out of their comfort zone. The message underscores the significance of doing good, speaking truth, and living a life that glorifies God in all aspects.
Be Ye Holy
By Darrell Stetler86753:38Holiness1TH 1:31TH 2:131TH 2:171TH 3:11TH 4:31TH 4:7HEB 12:14In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of holiness and sanctification in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God's command to be holy is clear and definite in the Bible. The speaker highlights the need for believers to guard their minds against the influence of the devil and to have the mind of Christ. He also reminds the audience of the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the need to live in holiness in anticipation of His coming. The sermon concludes with a call to obedience and a reminder that God's call to holiness is written and forever settled in heaven.
Being Sanctified by the Holy Spirit
By Richard Langworthy83148:21SanctificationJHN 16:13ROM 8:1ROM 8:6ROM 8:14ROM 8:161TH 4:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening and warns against being enamored with worldly things. He highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared for the times to come, as the majority of the Christian world will be spiritually unaware. The preacher also criticizes the focus on entertainment in churches, stating that it does not lead to true spiritual growth. He calls for a return to a hunger for spiritual things and a removal of any obstacles that hinder the flow of living waters in our hearts.
Purity of Tongue and Life
By Hans R. Waldvogel69927:46PurityJHN 7:38ACT 2:4ACT 2:38PHP 2:121TH 4:31TI 4:71TI 4:122PE 1:10In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience with learning to play the violin and how it taught him the importance of diligence and exercise. He emphasizes the need for Christians to exercise themselves unto godliness and to be diligent in their calling and election. The speaker also addresses the dangers of engaging in questionable activities such as watching television and reading inappropriate material. He encourages believers to take heed of their own lives and to continue in the teachings of God, as this not only saves themselves but also those who hear them. The sermon references the apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:16 and mentions the importance of maintaining a godly conversation and lifestyle.
Revival - Part 5
By Doc Greenway2781:00:35RevivalLUK 24:49JHN 4:24ACT 1:42CO 6:16EPH 5:261TH 4:3HEB 10:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of revival as a demonstration of God's power. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as the instrument of this power, referencing Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit. The preacher shares a story about two farmers who were unfamiliar with bananas to illustrate the need for understanding and utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon also emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of both unbelievers and believers, particularly in cultivating a desire for holiness and deepening fellowship with God.
Moral Purity - Part 3
By Nigel Lee821:08:08Purity1TH 4:3In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal anecdote about a water dispenser mishap. He then goes on to discuss the importance of being realistic about each other and living a disciplined life, particularly in terms of practicing the disciplines of love. The speaker emphasizes that God loves us just as we are and desires to have fellowship with us, with the ultimate goal of us becoming more like Him. The sermon concludes with a call to reflect on God's ultimate purpose for each individual and to strive for character growth and intimate communication with Him.
Top 10 Principles in 10 Years of Ministry
By Shane Idleman1453:34Principles of MinistryNeed for JesusISA 40:31MAT 16:18MAT 28:19JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 5:3PHP 4:61TH 4:31TH 5:16JAS 1:12Shane Idleman shares the top 10 principles he has learned over 10 years of ministry, emphasizing the transformative power of God's truth in individual lives. He highlights the importance of absolute truth, holiness, prayer, discipleship, love, humility, perseverance, patience, worship, and ultimately, the need for Jesus Christ. Each principle is rooted in scripture and reflects the journey of faith that has led to significant growth and outreach, including a national audience. Shane encourages the congregation to commit to these principles, believing that God will work in their lives in amazing ways. He concludes with a call to recognize the desperate need for Jesus in today's culture.
Letters on Revival--No. 15.
By Charles Finney0RevivalHolinessMAT 5:48JHN 15:5ROM 6:12CO 7:1GAL 5:13EPH 4:11TH 4:3HEB 12:141PE 1:162PE 3:18Charles Finney addresses the decline of revivals, emphasizing that churches have been starved of the true gospel while being urged to work for conversions. He argues that ministers have focused too much on the impenitent and neglected to nourish the faithful with the fullness of Christ, leading to a legalistic spirit and ineffective evangelism. Finney warns against the fear of antinomianism that has caused many to lower the standard of holiness, resulting in backsliding within the church. He calls for a return to preaching entire sanctification and the expectation of holiness in believers' lives to revitalize the church's spiritual health. Finney urges ministers to adopt a higher standard of holiness to prevent further decline and promote genuine revivals.
Entire Sanctification - What Is It and Can It Be Obtained in This Life?
By D.S. Warner0MAT 5:482CO 7:11TH 4:31JN 3:31JN 3:7D.S. Warner preaches about the attainability of holiness in this life, emphasizing that the Bible commands believers to be holy and perfect, with many attaining this state through a close union with God. He distinguishes this perfection from absolute or angelic perfection, highlighting that it does not eliminate the possibility of temptation or falling into sin. Warner explains that entire sanctification is distinct from justification, showing from the Bible that salvation from acquired and inbred depravity is a process beyond justification, leading to a life of purity and constant delight in God's service.
Sanctification
By Thomas Watson0ISA 63:18COL 1:121TH 4:32TI 2:19TIT 3:31PE 1:151PE 2:5Thomas Watson preaches about the importance, nature, counterfeits, necessity, signs, pursuit, inducements, and attainment of sanctification. He emphasizes that sanctification is the will of God, essential for evidencing justification, a requirement for the new covenant, necessary for entering heaven, and the only thing that makes us differ from the wicked. Watson urges Christians to pursue sanctification above all else, as it is the evidence of God's love, fits us for heaven, and is the main thing a Christian should seek after. He provides practical steps to attain sanctification, such as being in the Word, having faith in Christ's blood, seeking the Holy Spirit, associating with sanctified people, and praying for sanctification.
Courtship Testimonies
By Denny Kenaston0PRO 3:5PRO 18:22EPH 5:251TH 4:31PE 3:7Brother Myron Stolzfus reflects on the mistakes made in his courtship and marriage, emphasizing the importance of being married to Christ first before pursuing a relationship. He shares how lack of self-control, improper vision of marriage, and not seeking proper authority led to defrauding his wife and causing lasting effects. Sister Lisa Stolzfus shares the guilt and regrets of not keeping affections pure, leading to emotional involvement and defrauding. Brother David Mast highlights the importance of seeking God's will, seeking parental approval, and building a spiritual foundation in courtship to avoid temptations and defrauding. Sister Melinda Mast shares the blessing of hiding affections, constant surrender to God, and the importance of respect, submission, and spiritual leadership in a courtship and marriage.
Preach Holiness Scripturally
By Arthur Vess0LEV 11:44MAT 5:48ACT 2:4ACT 10:441CO 6:111TH 4:31TH 5:23HEB 10:141PE 1:16REV 20:6Arthur Vess passionately preaches about holiness, emphasizing its scriptural foundation as a Bible doctrine that stands alone without the need for additional doctrinal proof. He highlights holiness as a great privilege promised in the Scriptures and as an imperative commandment from God, rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. Vess connects holiness to various aspects of the Bible, including Types and Shadows, the moral law, the ceremonial law pointing to a 'better sacrifice,' the prophets' joyful fulfillment, and the radiance of the Holy of Holies. He also links holiness to the life, teachings, and mission of Jesus, as well as the miraculous works and parables of Jesus, presenting it as the essential preparation for the Bridegroom's return.
Repentance on the Earth
By Clement of Rome0MAT 25:232CO 7:101TH 4:31JN 1:9REV 22:14Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of repentance while we are still on earth, comparing us to clay in the hands of a potter who can reshape us if we are willing to repent wholeheartedly. He warns that once we leave this world, we will no longer have the opportunity to confess or repent, urging believers to do the will of the Father, keep the flesh holy, and obey the commandments of the Lord to obtain eternal life. Clement stresses the significance of being faithful in small things, as it reflects our faithfulness in greater matters, highlighting the need to keep ourselves pure to receive the gift of eternal life.
Azusa Street's Confession of Faith
By William Seymour0EXO 15:26PRO 28:13ISA 55:7EZK 33:15MAT 9:13MRK 1:14MRK 16:16LUK 15:21LUK 19:8JHN 3:8JHN 17:15ACT 3:19ACT 10:42ROM 3:252CO 7:91TH 4:3HEB 12:14JAS 5:14William Seymour preaches on The Confession of Faith Statement of the Apostolic Faith Mission at 312 Azusa Street, Los Angeles, California, emphasizing the Apostolic Faith Movement's stand for the restoration of the old-time religion and Christian unity. The sermon covers teachings on repentance, godly sorrow for sin, confession of sins, forsaking sinful ways, restitution, faith in Jesus Christ, justification, sanctification as the second work of grace, and the baptism with the Holy Ghost as a gift of power upon the sanctified life.
Homily 4 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 2:24PSA 139:23PRO 6:32MRK 9:24JHN 14:15ROM 1:261CO 6:181TH 4:3JUD 1:7John Chrysostom delivers a powerful sermon on the consequences of turning away from God, focusing on the depravity and dishonor that result from abandoning natural relationships and engaging in sinful behaviors. He highlights the severity of deviating from God's design, particularly in the context of sexual immorality, emphasizing the destructive nature of lust and the perversion of God-given desires. Chrysostom condemns the abandonment of God's laws and the pursuit of pleasure at the expense of righteousness, warning against the grave consequences of rejecting God's authority and embracing sinful practices that lead to self-destruction and moral decay.
Starts Discussion of Fifth Commandment (Do Not Kill)
By Martin Luther0MAT 5:44LUK 6:30EPH 4:251TH 4:3HEB 11:6Martin Luther preaches on the importance of meekness, purity, benevolence, truthfulness, and faith in fulfilling the Commandments of God. He emphasizes the need for true meekness, which involves showing kindness even to opponents and enemies, returning good for evil, and praying for those who persecute us. Luther also highlights the significance of purity and chastity, urging believers to control their thoughts, words, and actions to honor God. Additionally, he stresses the importance of benevolence, encouraging generosity towards others and avoiding greed and dishonest practices. Lastly, Luther underscores the necessity of truthfulness and faith, especially in standing up for the Gospel and divine truth, even in the face of persecution and opposition.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
This is the will of God, even your sanctification - God has called you to holiness; he requires that you should be holy; for without holiness none can see the Lord. This is the general calling, but in it many particulars are included. Some of these he proceeds to mention; and it is very likely that these had been points on which he gave them particular instructions while among them. That ye should abstain from fornication - The word πορνεια, as we have seen in other places, includes all sorts of uncleanness; and it was probably this consideration that induced several MSS., some versions and fathers, to add here πασης, all. Directions of this kind were peculiarly necessary among the Greeks, and indeed heathens in general, who were strongly addicted to such vices.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--enforcing the assertion that his "commandments" were "by (the authority of) the Lord Jesus" (Th1 4:2). Since "this is the will of God," let it be your will also. fornication--not regarded as a sin at all among the heathen, and so needing the more to be denounced (Act 15:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification,.... Which is another reason to enforce the above exhortation. "Sanctification" is internal or external. Internal sanctification is the work of the Spirit of God, and is a principle of spiritual life in the soul, a divine and spiritual light in the understanding, a flexion of the will to the will of God, and a settlement of the affections on divine things, and is an implantation of every grace in the heart. External sanctification arises from this, and lies in holiness of life and conversation; and is what is chiefly designed, as appears both by what goes before, and follows after: and this is "the will of God"; the will of his purpose and decree; for in the same decree that he wills the salvation of any by Jesus Christ, he also wills their sanctification in heart and life, and here and hereafter: and this is his approving will, or what is well pleasing in his sight, being agreeable to his nature, and divine perfections, particularly his holiness, in which he is glorious; and it is his will of command, and what he requires in his law, which is holy, just, and good, and perfectly agrees with the sound doctrine of the Gospel, and the revelation of his will in both. That ye should abstain from fornication: which is particularly mentioned, abstinence from it being a branch of external holiness; and because that this sin was common among the Gentiles, and not esteemed a sin by them; as also to observe to these Christians, that as simple fornication was not to be allowed of, much less other acts of uncleanness, as adultery, incest, sodomy, and the like, which were iniquities that greatly prevailed among the Heathens. The Syriac version renders it, "from all fornication"; on this subject the apostle enlarges in some following verses.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy: The foundation of Christian ethics is not philosophical speculation about virtue but doing God’s will (Rom 12:1-2; Eph 6:6; Heb 10:36; 13:20-21). Holiness (1 Thes 4:4, 7) embraces all of a person’s life (5:23); here it involves staying away from sexual sin (Greek porneia, any sexual union outside marriage).