1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 - Appeal For Continuing Sanctification
1 Finally then, brothers, we request and urge you, in [the fellowship of] the Lord, that you should live [dedicated lives] and please God. Just as you people received direction from us [on doing this], see that you [continue to] do it more and more. 2 For you know [i.e., are aware of] the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
3 For it is God's will that you should be dedicated to Him, [that is], you should avoid sexual immorality. 4 Each of you should know how to control his own body in a dedicated and honorable way, 5 not in passionate lust, as the [unconverted] Gentiles, who do not know God, do. 6 And none of you should violate and exploit his brother [or sister] in such a matter. For the Lord will punish people for all these things, just as we told you before and warned you. 7 For God did not call us to be morally impure, but to be dedicated to Him. 8 So, the person who rejects [this exhortation] is not [merely] rejecting what man says but God [Himself], who gives His Holy Spirit to you.