1 Thessalonians 4:7-8

Text (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)

7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. 8 Therefore he that rejecteth, rejecteth not man, but God, who giveth his Holy Spirit unto you.

Translation and Paraphrase

7.

For God has NOT called us (into his kingdom) upon (the basis of liberty to practice moral) uncleanness, but (he has called us) -in sanctification (or holiness).

8.

Consequently, he who disregards (this command) is not disregarding (any mere) man (like myself) but the (very) God who also gives to you His Holy Spirit.

Notes (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)

1.

God told the Israelites in olden times: I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy. Leviticus 11:44.

2.

The same instructions are given to Christians: Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16. Therefore we beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims in this world, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. 1 Peter 2:11. Avoid entertainments, reading material, and thoughts which are immoral and lustful. These things are fighting against your soul.

3.

For God did not call us with a permission of impurity, but in sanctification. (Rotherham's translation of 1 Thessalonians 4:7.)

4.

It is a serious thing to despise the preacher's message, for you are actually despising and rejecting God in so doing. Jesus said to His disciples, He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. Luke 10:16.

5.

Note that it is in the voluntary power of a man to resist or accept truth. But it is not in man's power to escape the consequences of that choice.

6.

The Holy Spirit is given to every one who repents and is baptized. Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32; Galatians 4:6. What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19.

The Holy Spirit had brought joy to the Thessalonians. 1 Thessalonians 1:6. God had given them the Holy Spirit. They therefore could not honorably disobey God when He had given them such a blessing.