HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH - Living in Between: Holy Living in Between

1 Thess. 4:1-8 Big Idea: God alone has the authority to tell us how we ought to live, and He gives us His Spirit and His grace to walk in it.   1. Your Lifestyle Matters (1-2) 2. Your Sanctification Matters (3-6) 3. Your Calling Matters (7-8)   Reflection Questions START: Read through 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Where do you see our culture being selective about its "oughts"? Why is God's authority a better foundation for how we live than cultural values that shift over time? Paul uses the image of a "walk" to describe the whole Christian life. Which area of your lifestyle (time, money, relationships, entertainment, thought life) do you find hardest to submit to God, and why? Paul commends the Thessalonians ("just as you are doing") but still urges them to grow "more and more." Where are you tempted to settle for minimal holiness, and what would growing "more and more" look like for you this month? Why do you think sexual immorality is so closely tied to sanctification in this passage? How does sexual sin affect not only us, but others (v. 6)? Verse 8 is both a warning and an encouragement. How does knowing that God gives you His Holy Spirit change the way you face your struggles with sin? What is one practical step (prayer, Scripture, accountability, community) you can take this week to walk in that grace? Close your time in prayer: Lord Jesus, You are holy. The angels cry out unceasingly before Your majesty, singing, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts." Make me holy, as You are holy. Help me put to death the sin that so easily clings to my life, and let me live in victory over it by the power of Your Holy Spirit. When I fall short, help me cling to Your grace and get back up in faith, knowing that You are not finished with me yet. May Your mercy fill me, and may Your grace empower me. You are my God. Amen.