Paul encourages the saints in Thessalonica to continue being sanctified. Sanctification, in this sense, is the process by which Christians become more like Christ. Sanctification is complete when we are fully like Christ. Paul praises the Thessalonians for walking according to Christian instruction. He admonishes them to excel still more. We are always to excel still more in the moral instruction of God until we have reached perfection. The person who does not strive for moral excellence has rejected God. These are strong words. Why have we rejected God if we do not strive for moral excellence? God gives His Holy Spirit to each Christian. The Holy Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ. If we are not being conformed to the image of Christ, we prove not to have the Holy Spirit. If we do not have the Holy Spirit, we have not accepted God.

In Chapter 3, Paul claimed that each one is established by God before God through their love for one another and all people (3:12). Yet, here, he claims that the one in Christ is made evident by increasing moral excellence throughout his or her life. In this, we learn that our striving for moral excellence is a matter of love, not legalism. We cannot follow a certain set of rules to gain standing before God—such is selfishness and the opposite of love. We do love others, and love is the basis for the Christian ethic and every moral stand we take. Remember, Jesus taught that on only two command, love God and love your neighbor, hang the entire Law and Prophets (Matthew 22:36-40). The Law hangs on love.

Paul lists two commandments. 1) Abstain from sexual immorality. 2) Do not transgress and defraud your brother. Doubtless, these two are the most prevalent sins perpetrated by people in Paul’s day and ours. Sexual immorality is the Greek “πορνεια,” transliterated “porneia,” and refers to all types of sexual sin from effeminism (now called transgenderism or transvestism, especially in a sexual or sensual relationship) to homosexuality to mere lusting after another person. Yes, all of these were in view in a First Century Greek context; it’s nothing new. In fact, it was much worse and more open in First-Century Rome. We get our English word “pornography” from the Greek. Why would abstaining from effeminism, homosexuality, and any form of lust come from love? If I love someone, is it not okay? I am sad that, for the most part, people have not answered this question well or biblically.

Effeminism (now called transgenderism or transvestism, especially in a sexual or sensual relationship), homosexuality, and lusting are the same sin. What could possibly be wrong with a man presenting himself like a woman because he feels feminine or vise versa? Paul relates the overarching matter to love, or a lack thereof. There is a reason Paul instructs Greek Christians to present themselves like their natural born sex determines (cf. 1 Corinthians 11) and not to be effeminate (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21). Such shows a lack of love. This is going to be difficult for some to understand. Love means denying self for the good of others. If I am constantly giving in to the way I feel, I am considering myself instead of others. Effeminism, homosexuality, and lust are explicitly the opposite of love because self is at the center. We can’t possibly edify others if we are focused on ourselves. It really is that simple. So, from the standpoint of an entitled generation, effeminism seems a small thing that does not affect others. Just be happy and be who you feel like you are or should be. God has a higher calling for Christians. So, He moves us away from entitlement and every way of living that is entitled. He desires that we live for others rather than ourselves—which is love. Effeminism, homosexuality, and lust unashamedly devalue love and create a selfish culture. In a selfish culture, dissension and hatred is encouraged. Eventually, society as a whole is dismantled from the inside out. The world witnessed it happen in Rome. We are seeing it happen in more liberal societies today. The only way for a society to thrive in peace, hope, and happiness is to embrace true love rather than selfishness masquerading as love. You have a place in society. You have a God-given role from birth. You don’t have to change your appearance or biology to fit in. Learn how to love rather than merely give in to your self-interests. Be who you are for others’ good and the security and peace of your society. The way we choose to live always affects others. We either act in love or selfishness, but we cannot do both.

2) Do not transgress and defraud your brother. The same sense of entitlement leads us to gain all we can from others. I own a small business. I’ve presided over charities and churches. It is easy to think in terms of what we can get from others rather than how we can serve our fellow people. People today are always looking for how they can pay less, get out of their bills, obtain free services, get a free dollar, or commandeer material property. It’s the same entitlement that leads to sexual sin. It is the opposite of love. We are here to serve others, not take from them. This is why Christians strive for fair pricing, offer great customer service, serve their clientele sincerely, and are not interested in sordid gain. Until we all love our neighbors like Scripture instructs, society will continue becoming more like Hell. We are to love one another and all people. Since the whole Law hangs on love. You can go through every command and show how love leads us into such a lifestyle.

Men, be men. Women, be women. Don’t take advantage of or use others for personal gain—whether sexually or financially. These are matters of love for the sake of true social justice, or justice overall on the earth. We must transform our minds in order to edify one another today.

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