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Fornication is a sin directly contrary to sanctification, or that holy walking the apostle so earnestly exhorts the Thessalonians to observe.

I. THE CAUTION IS DEFINITELY EXPRESSED. "That ye should abstain from fornication;" by which words we are to understand all uncleanness soever, either in a married or unmarried state: to be sure adultery is here included, though fornication is specially mentioned. Other sorts of uncleanness are also forbidden, of which it is "a shame even to speak," though such Evils are perpetrated by too many in secret. Alas for those who do such things! They are an abomination to their species! All that is contrary to chastity in heart, in speech, and in behaviour, is alike contrary to the command of Jehovah in the decalogue, and the holiness the gospel requireth.

II. THE ARGUMENTS TO STRENGTHEN THE CAUTION.

1. This branch of sanctification in particular "is the will of God." Not only is it the will of God in general that we should be holy, because "He float called us is holy," and because we are chosen unto salvation through the sanctification of the Spirit; and not only doth God require holiness in the heart, but also purity in our bodies, and that we should "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit." Wherever the body is, as it ought to be, devoted to God, and set apart for Him, it should be kept pure for His service; and as chastity is one branch of sanctification, so this is one thing Jehovah commands in His law, and what His grace effects in all true believers.

2. This will be greatly for our honour; for this is "knowing how to possess our vessel in sanctification and honour;" whereas the contrary will be a great dishonour — "And his reproach shall not be wiped away." The body is the vessel of the soul that dwells therein, so 1 Samuel 21:5; and that must be kept pure from defiling lusts. What can be more dishonourable than for a rational soul to be enslaved by bodily affections and brutal appetites?

3. To indulge the lusts of concupiscence is to live and act like heathens; "Even as the Gentiles which knew not God." The Gentiles, especially the Grecians, were commonly guilty of some sins of uncleanness which were not so evidently forbidden by the Light of Nature. But they did not know God, nor His mind and will, so well as Christians do. It is not so much to be wondered at, therefore, if the Gentiles indulge their fleshly desires; but Christians should not walk as unconverted heathens, "in lasciviousness, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and other like evil ways," because they that are in Christ "have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts."

(R. Fergusson.)

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KJV: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

WEB: that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor,