Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Holiness is Happiness

Bryan Schneider · June 5, 2021

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

sharonrpc.org/sermons/holiness-is-happiness

Summary

God's will for every Christian is sanctification: growing more like Jesus in the most private desires as well as public conduct.
Christ's command calls believers to abstain from every sexual relationship and practice outside God's covenant design for marriage.
Sexual purity protects the dignity of one's own body and refuses to exploit, deceive, or harm another person.
Because temptation is powerful, Scripture calls believers to flee it and depend on the Holy Spirit for self-control rather than trusting willpower alone.
Singleness and marriage are both honorable callings; each provides distinct opportunities to serve Christ in holiness.
Purity is not a means of earning salvation but a loving response to Christ, who lived without sin, died for his people, and gives his Spirit to transform them.

Where do I need to flee temptation rather than continue negotiating with it?
Do my private thoughts and digital habits honor the bodies and dignity of other people?
Am I relying on secrecy and willpower, or seeking the Spirit's help and wise Christian accountability?
How can I honor the distinct gifts and responsibilities of singleness or marriage?
When I fail, do I respond with concealment and despair or with confession, repentance, and renewed trust in Christ?

Sanctification: The Spirit's ongoing work of conforming a believer's desires, relationships, and conduct to the holiness of Christ.
Sexual immorality: Sexual desire or conduct pursued outside the faithful covenant of marriage as God defines it.
Self-control: Spirit-produced governance of one's desires and body in obedience to Christ.
Chastity: Faithful sexual holiness appropriate to one's calling, whether single or married.
Fleeing temptation: Taking prompt, practical distance from occasions of sexual sin rather than testing one's resistance.