Demonstrated in Action

June 27, 2010

Background Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 12
Lesson Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 12

Today’s lesson is the last in this unit of study on the nature of Christian commitment. In this lesson we take a look at how Christian commitment is demonstrated through action. The text is a reminder that Christians are no less free moral agents than unsaved people. Put another way, even after we are saved, it is possible to live a life that is not pleasing to God and that goes so far as to make us allies with God’s enemies. Christians must still choose to do the right thing. Righteous living is not a byproduct of being saved. The Holy Ghost gives us the power to make the right choice. The Holy Ghost convinces us to do the right thing. The Holy Ghost convicts us when we walk in error rather than righteousness. In spite of the help that is available for us as Christians, we still must choose to receive the help that is available. When we depend on the Holy Ghost to empower and guide us, then we demonstrate who we are by our actions.

God has called us to sanctification not uncleanness. That is a nice way of saying that salvation is not a license to sin. Salvation brings us into a relationship with God whereby we have access through prayer and faith to his power to continuously deliver us from the power of sin in our lives. Sin is real and it becomes much more evident after we have been saved. God does not deliver us from sin’s presence in this life but rather he helps us to overcome sin’s power over us. Our flesh works against God’s plan for us. Our emotions and cravings constantly seek to enslave us to do their bidding. We are warned to avoid activities that serve the flesh—especially those activities that work against our fellowman. The cravings of our flesh are always self-serving. Our old nature sees life as short and therefore we must seek to satisfy ourselves at all cost and, if necessary, others’ expense. It is a nature that we are admonished to put to death daily. It is a nature that is bent on the finite and not the eternal. The new nature of Christ in us reminds us that we now have eternal life and we should set our desires on the things of God which likewise are eternal in nature. Some activities are simply not meant to be eternal and God will bring those to a permanent end. In the meantime, we should avoid them altogether.

If you have experienced walking in love as a Christian, then allow love to grow or increase in you. This is one of the ways that we avoid serving our flesh. The world is filled with those that have not experienced unconditional love. We are often presented with the opportunity to change that for many. We cannot dwell on yesterday’s good deeds but we must instead be determined to walk in love today and tomorrow.

Finally, today’s text was a reminder to the Thessalonians to mind their own business and take care of their own needs. It has been said that if we would take care of our own business, we would not have any time left to mind the business of others. Many relationships could be salvaged by applying this advice. If we have needs—and we do—then we should work for what we need. Let our religion not be in words only, but let it be demonstrated by our actions.

Robert C. Hudson
June 16, 2010