For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
Q & A：
- How does living a holy life demonstrate our thankfulness for Jesus’ gift of redemption, and how can we grow in sanctification through gratitude?
- In what ways does pursuing holiness help us fulfill our calling, and how does it align with God’s purpose for our lives?
- How does God’s plan, discipline, and willingness to forgive guide us toward holiness, even when we’ve made mistakes in the past?
Summary：
This week’s sermon is by our guest speaker, Dr. R.T. Kendall; the sermon “Why Be Holy” explores the importance of living a holy life as an expression of gratitude for Jesus’ redemption. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, it emphasizes that sanctification is essential to fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. The story of Joseph illustrates how trials and discipline prepare us for a greater purpose, while God’s chastening reminds us that sin has consequences. However, our past failures do not disqualify us through repentance and God’s mercy. Living a sanctified life aligns us with God’s calling, reflecting His grace and transforming us into His likeness.