The Cross is an Obstacle to Selfishness
It is God’s Will – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 NLT

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:3 NLT

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

There is no doubt that the Bible has some tough concepts to understand.  However, today’s scriptures do not fit into that category.  If you take time to read the eight verses that are suggested, you will understand every single word.  The very first verse: “…we urge you…to live in a way that pleases God.”  God has watched over and preserved that verse for you and me.  The only thing left is for us to answer the inferred question: Will we?

As you read the balance of those eight verses, I think you would agree that it is a lesson against a selfish lifestyle.  Paul tells us to keep our lives holy, which is a lifestyle free of selfishness.  The apostle warns against lust and sexual sin.  These types of sins are all self-serving.  As Paul writes in verse five, the pagans who do not know God live this selfish way: in lustful passions.

We are being challenged in these verses to control our bodies so we can live holy and honorable lives (vs. 4).  Selfishness is the total opposite—living without control, getting pleasure whenever the flesh wants it!  Will you challenge yourself today to control your selfish desires of the flesh?  You need not feel guilty that you have these desires—that is part of our fallen nature, but Christ died on the cross so we could be free from living out of control.  The cross is an obstacle to selfishness!

Father, I’ll be so glad to get to heaven and not have battles with my earthly passions.  Until then, I will fight on and claim victory in Jesus’ name, and it’s in His name I pray, amen.