Laborers

This is a sermon preview for the fourth week of our 1 Thessalonians series. 

Visit FBCM’s Church Center Channel to view video live stream (live) or audio version of sermon (published week after).

“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified…For God did not call us to be impure,

but to live a holy life.” -excerpt from 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

I had the “bright idea” to pop into a spin exercise class last week. The good news is that it was the most thorough workout I’ve done in years. The bad news is that it was the most thorough exercise I’ve done in years.

Being the first time I had ever done a cycling-based class, I was shocked to find out how much cardio, core, and strength this childhood hobby took. At one point in the class, we were already 3 speeds above our starting point and cycling while standing, as if going up a huge hill. I was sweating something awful, huffing and puffing. That’s when I heard the instructor say to turn up the gear two more settings. 

Um…excuse me. I’m already working as hard as I can! I’m already at my limit! What more do you want from me, crazy fit Instructor lady?!

Sometimes when churches talk about holiness, this is how we feel. Sometimes the idea of God revealing our imperfections and calling us to repentance initially feels stressful. Aren’t we already doing enough for you, Lord?

But just like my spin instructor wasn’t being mean by pushing us to bike up the hill, Paul is not being hyper-critical of the Thessalonians by reminding them to live a holy life.

After all, in chapter 3, Paul just bragged and celebrated the Thessalonian church! The church of Thessalonica is doing many things well. Paul is amazed at their faithfulness! But they are not perfect. None of us are.

Paul says the Thessalonians love, but can love more. Paul says that they live holy, but could be more holy. 

Isn't this true for all of us? Being a Christian doesn't mean that we are perfect or better than others. It means that we surrender all of ourselves--the parts that are good and the parts that still need work--to Christ so that God may continue to form us more and more into his likeness. And the real miracle is this: the more we allow God to transform us into his image, the more like ourselves we begin to feel and act.

Let’s be Easter people who embrace holiness, rather than being offended by it. God is not finished with the Thessalonians. And God is not finished with us yet. This is actually good news, even if it is hard spiritual labor. 

Reflection Questions

1. What do you think a life pleasing to God looks like?

2. What is sanctification? What does sanctification look like in your life of faith?

3. How can you encourage others to live holy lives without being judgmental or overly critical?