Key Thought : In a world plagued by sexual lust and perversion, God desires that His followers lead holy lives that are sexually pure and edify others.

[Teaching plan for “Living Holy Lives” August 13, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 4:1-3.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What is sanctification? What is fornication? What does fornication have to do with our sanctification or lack thereof?
C. Personal Application: What are some practical ways we can guard the avenues of our soul in regards to sexual impurity? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “My daughter wants to move in with her boyfriend and see how things work out between them. What reason could I give her for not being sexually active until she gets married?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 4:4,5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why does the Scripture seem to give so much attention in warning against sexually immorality?
C. Personal Application: Does our self control in sexual issues indicate an increase and growth in our character and behavior? How do we grow in character and behavior “more and more”?
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “I think that two people can truly be in love and share that intimacy outside of marriage. I think you can love more than one person and be intimate with both. God made us that way. ” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 4:6-8.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does Paul mean by a man not defrauding his brother in regards to lust and sexual immorality?
C. Personal Application: Do you think sexual activity outside of marriage affects the persons involved physically, mentally, or emotionally? In what ways?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “I think gays can love each other and be committed sexually to each other if they were allowed to marry. They have just as strong a bond as a man and a woman.” How do you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 4:9-12.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What is Paul saying here about being quiet and doing your business? Is he telling them to be good citizens and workers? To mind their own affairs and not bring undue attention to themselves? To not cause trouble with those outside the Christian community? Is he telling them not to witness or say anything about Christ that may upset the others? Share.
C. Personal Application: What are the negatives of a church member who does not work or take care of their own family and becomes dependent upon others? A member who is loud and noisy and telling others what to do all the time? A member who is not happy and is constantly complaining about everything?
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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