In this episode we continue studying the book of Leviticus. In this episode God gave Moses laws regarding sexual practices.

He told them they were not to imitate the sexual practices they had seen in Egypt nor the practices they would see in the land of Canaan.

The people are told they are not to approach a relative or near kin to have sex with him or her.

No, a person could not have sex with his mother or father, nor his sister or brother, nor his aunt or uncle.

No, a man could not have sex with his granddaughter because she was his own flesh and blood.

No, a man could not have sex with a woman AND her daughter.

No, a man could not have sex with his daughter in law.

No, man could not have sex with his sister in law.

No, a woman could not have sex with an animal.

And the list goes on and on.

He also addressed child sacrifice.

He said, the laws were HIS judgments, ordinances and his statutes. And they were to obey His laws, because He is the Lord. We note that God quite often had to reminded the people that He is God.

As noted in Isaiah chapter 44 verse 24.

Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

There were many false god’s in the world. And the people in the world were following those god’s and committing various abominations.

Abomination is a strong word that mean’s disgusting and wicked.

And God pleaded with his people, asking them not to follow after those gods. They were not to do what they had seen done in Egypt nor what they would see in Canaan.

If they obeyed they would live. If they disobeyed the land would spue or vomith them out.

Paul would tell his people in Thessalonia to avoid fornication as it was a common practice in the land and among God’s people.

He told them to avoid fornication because it interfered with the sanctification process. He said each person should know how to possess or control his or her body.

This self control is called temperance in the book of Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 through 23.

Thayer’s says, temperance is self-control and is the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.

Paul would tell them that those who despise his word regarding this topic weren’t despising man but God, who had given them the commandment and the Holy Spirit who would help them possess their vessel in sanctification and honor.

Here’s the text

1Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

1Thessalonians 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

1Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

1Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

1Thessalonians 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

1Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

1Thessalonians 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

1Thessalonians 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.