1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

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.

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. 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.

Our Discipleship Point is built around the first of the four worlds we frequent as disciples: Along with the world of you and God is the world of family, of work or pleasure, of church. God is to be central to all four of these worlds.

Using snippets from today’s reading, ask yourself a few questions to evidence that His proper place is secure in your heart and mind, thoughts and actions, attitude and awareness:

• Do I view myself as sanctified (set apart) for God?
  
• Am I avoiding sexual immorality?
  
• Am I learning to control my body in ways that are holy and honorable?
  
• Have I wronged or taken advantage of a brother or sister?

Discipleship Prayer

Father God, I desire to let You have Your proper place, Your central place in my life. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to identify any idol or person, anxiety or pleasure that has nudged You aside. Take Your rightful place on the throne of my heart. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.