How does 1 Thessalonians 4:7 define our calling to live in holiness?

The Verse at the Center

“For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

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What “Called” Really Means

• God takes the initiative—He summons, not merely invites

• The call is personal; every believer is addressed by name (Isaiah 43:1)

• It is effectual: the One who calls also empowers (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

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Holiness Defined

• Set-apartness: belonging exclusively to God (Leviticus 20:26)

• Moral purity: free from everything that contaminates body or spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1)

• Christ-likeness: the character of Jesus reproduced in us (Romans 8:29)

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A Clear Contrast

Not impurity → any thought, word, habit, or relationship that defiles

But holiness → every sphere of life devoted to God’s pleasure

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How the Calling Works Out in Daily Life

1. Mind: filter all input through the Word (Psalm 119:9,11)

2. Body: flee sexual immorality; honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

3. Speech: let no unwholesome word proceed (Ephesians 4:29)

4. Relationships: outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10)

5. Work: labor “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23)

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Companion Verses That Echo the Call

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 — “This is the will of God: your sanctification…”

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “Be holy, for I am holy.”

• Hebrews 12:14 — “Pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”

• 2 Timothy 1:9 — “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling…”

• Romans 12:1 — “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.”

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Motivation and Assurance

• We reflect God’s character to a watching world (Matthew 5:16)

• Holiness safeguards fellowship with God (Psalm 24:3-4)

• The Spirit supplies power; we are not left to self-effort (Galatians 5:16)

• Final goal: to stand blameless at Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

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Living It Out Together

• Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24)

• Mutual accountability within the church (Hebrews 10:24-25)

• Persistent hope: “When He appears, we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2-3)

God’s call in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 is unmistakable: turn from every form of impurity and dedicate the whole person to Him—heart, mind, body, and will—because holiness is both our present duty and our eternal destiny.