Lifestyle Matters

1 Thess. - background/letter
Paul addresses:  (1)  Gospel - how to access God
     and            (2)  Lifestyle - how to live after accessing God (salvation)
This = typical Pauline style

So:  1 Thess. 4:1 - "to please God" - does not mean make Him happy.
 = according to His Design & Desire  (There is a way to live)

Here Paul addresses (1) sexual purity
                                (2)  brotherly love
                                (3) community life/Christian reputation
These 3 =  (1) primary (fundamental) concerns and (2) cover a lot of moral ground.
These are necessary elements of Christian life.

Last week looked at "sexual purity" - 1 Thess. 4:3

Noted:  (1) this was not new revelation - (example:  Mosaic Law - Jewish people were very clear on sexual purity)  the Law is God's Law!!
            (2)  this was not rules of the Apostles... (but from God)
            (3)  This sets Christians apart!!  1 Pet. 2:9 - peculiar, not odd, but particular to one person
The idea is not stand out, but stand APART - example:  THEN and NOW.

Today:  Brotherly Love

II.  Brotherly Love - 1 Thess. 4:9-10
Word = philadelphias (So, William Penn in 1682 - named the capital of the state coming from his name - Pennsylvania Philadelphia (city of brotherly love)

In Classic Greek - word refers to love of siblings, brothers by birth
New Testament/Christian use - love of brothers/sisters in Christ - by the New birth.  (those who've been born again!)

Paul suggests this:
(1) comes supernaturally - to believers - (something new, something special)
1 Thess. 4:9 - "taught by God"  - 1 Thess. 4:8 - Holy Spirit within
When we are with Christians who follow Christ, there is a special bond.

(2)  should be developed - 1 Thess. 4:10 - with Rom. 13:8 - should get better and better at

(3)  should be practiced - because this is more than sentiment/feeling
1 John 3:16-18  James 2:15-16
The indwelling Holy Spirit teaches you to love the brothers.  Do you treat them as valuable?

PROBLEMS!!  (1)  some will take advantage of this 
                         (2)   your brother is not always lovable 
                         (3)  you are not always loving  (willing!!)

So:  2 verses :  Jesus answer to "who is my neighbor?" - Luke 10:36-37 - "go and do"

We are obligated!!!   BUT - we needn't be naive!   Matt. 10:16 - love without harm.  There is a point where not to be used!

CONCLUSION:

Lifestyle Matters -  (makes a difference)  (1)  for YOU 
                                                              (2)  for those close to you  (especially family)
                                                              (3)  for those you live among (community)

Lifestyle has  (1)  immediate impact - tomorrow, next week, next year
                     (2)  eternal impact  - Eph. 4:1

Closing Scripture:  Eph. 4:1-3