Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Scripture Quote: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Paul considered the subject of sexual immorality of great importance. He repeatedly instructed the believers to live holy lives because that was their duty as Christians. In the bible we read that by our profession of faith made at our baptism, we became dead to sin, like Christ was dead to the living world when He was buried - As He was raised up to life, so we should also rise to a new life that consistently seeks to imitate our holy Savior. Being dead to sin doesn't mean that we will never sin again, but rather we now have a fighting chance to resist it. Christ's resurrection was a glorious display of God's omnipotence. This is the incredible power we as believers can depend on to help us in times of temptation.
Our society is in a drastic state of sexual immorality. We must not participate with their "tolerance" of all things. We are Christians with an obligation to take profoundly opposing views of the secular lifestyles we see today. We know our Father's standards as plainly spelled out for us in His Word and we must walk in His ways.
Today’s meditation: Cherish your body and keep it holy for God.
Memory Verse: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. James 4:17 NIV