Based on 1 Thessalonians 4:4–5
“That each one of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,
not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
(1 Thessalonians 4:4–5, NKJV)
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome as we study the Scriptures together. It is never in vain to remind ourselves of the truths we have learned before in various places.
The Bible teaches us the principle of self-control. This means that although you may have the ability or opportunity to do something, you choose to restrain yourself for God’s glory. Controlling the body is very similar to self-control—it is the practice of ruling over your body instead of letting your body rule over you.
One of the strongest forces driving those who do not know God is the desire for sexual immorality. This is exactly what Paul addresses in verse 5: uncontrolled lust.
For this to be overcome, a believer must learn to force the body into obedience. This process begins when you invite Jesus Christ into your life and receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not physically block you from sinning; instead, He empowers you to overcome the sin working in your members.
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (James 4:1, NKJV)
Once you believe in Christ, the next step is separating yourself from all triggers of lust. The enemy would be satisfied if you confessed sin but never made the decision to remove the root causes. For example:
He would want you to repent of fornication but still keep watching pornography.
He would want you to confess worldliness but still listen to secular music that stirs up sinful passions.
He would want you to repent with your mouth but remain in the same sinful environment.
True victory comes when you deliberately cut off every source that fuels lust.
“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you… And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you.” (Matthew 5:29–30, NKJV)
This may mean:
Avoiding certain TV shows or movies.
Distancing yourself from friends who influence you toward sin.
Leaving certain social media groups that promote impurity.
It begins with your decision. When you make this choice, you will find it much easier to control your body.
God’s Word warns us to learn to control our bodies—meaning it is a skill that can be developed. If it were impossible, God would not command it. He is not unjust to require what He has not empowered us to do.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV)
It is indeed possible to live victoriously over the flesh, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Maranatha — The Lord is coming soon!
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