Having A Model Walk Series

Series: Encouragement [#6]

HAVING A MODEL WALK

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Introduction:

We talk about how we should live like Jesus; but do we even know what that is?

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 (NIV)

1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

We are to live our lives in a way that pleases God. We are to walk with God in our lives. When it feels like God is not there, it isn’t because God has moved; it’s because we have stopped walking with the Lord. How do we have a walk with the Lord that others could model their lives after?

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 (NIV)

3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.

You can have a model walk with God by…

1. Walking in holiness.

We are told to be sanctified which means to be holy; to be set apart.

How do you walk in holiness?

You must…

? Avoid sexual immorality.

? Control yourself in a holy and honorable way.

? Not wrong others or take advantage of them.

The bottom line is found in verses 7-8.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NIV)

7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.8 Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

You have to choose if you are going to obey God or man. It is God who calls you to holiness. It is up to you whether you allow the Holy Spirit of God to lead you or allow the flesh to lead you.

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 (NIV)

9 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more.

You can have a model walk with God by…

2. Walking in love.

We show our love for God by obeying His commands and by loving others. Love is always at the center of the Christian life. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 describes love.

Love …

? Is patient.

? Is kind.

? Does not envy.

? Does not boast.

? Is not proud.

? Is not rude.

? Is not self-seeking.

? Is not easily angered.

? Keeps no record of wrongs.

? Does not delight in evil.

? Rejoices in the truth.

? Always protects.

? Always trusts.

? Always hopes.

? Always perseveres.

? Never fails.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NIV)

11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.

You can have a model walk with God by…

3. Walking diligently.

You walk diligently by…

? Leading a quiet life.

? Minding your own business.

? Working with your hands.

Conclusion:

1 Thessalonians 4:12 (NIV)

12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

What’s the result of a life that walks with God? Others will see Christ in you. You will not be dependent on anyone except God.