Plea for Abounding Sanctification (vv. 1–2)

Context shift
- Paul moves from concern for the Thessalonians to direct exhortation.
- Core appeal: “walk and to please God” – to do so abundantly.
Received instruction
- They had already been taught “how ye ought to walk.”
- Not a new path, but a continuation of what Paul delivered.
- “As ye have received of us” anchors sanctification in Pauline teaching.
- Not imagination or Israel’s law, but Paul’s instruction.
- Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Commandments of Christ
- Verse 2 clarifies: Paul’s words are not opinions, but “commandments… by the Lord Jesus.”
- Question: earthly ministry of Jesus or revelation from risen Christ?
- Context favors the latter:
  - Thessalonians were not disciples during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
  - Their only source was Paul’s revelation from the risen Christ.
- Cross-references:
  - Galatians 1:11–12 – gospel received “by revelation of Jesus Christ.”
  - 1 Corinthians 14:37 – Paul’s writings are “the commandments of the Lord.”
Application
- This passage belongs in the blue doctrinal category (Body of Christ).
- Our walk/ability to please God comes through Pauline revelation, not kingdom law.
- Thessalonians—and we—are called to abound in this distinctive walk.

God’s Will: Holiness Expressed in Sexual Purity (vv. 3–8)

Clear statement of God’s will
- “This is the will of God, even your sanctification.”
- Hagiasmos = quality of life set apart, not covenantal sainthood.
Definition of sanctification
- Positive: “possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”
  - Body treated with dignity, not indulgence.
- Negative: avoid “lust of concupiscence” (epithymia = overpowering craving).
  - Root meanings: epi (upon, toward) + thymos (desire, passion).
  - Broader biblical usage includes all lustful dominance.
- Contrast: Gentiles “which know not God” live in unrestrained lust.
  - Paul points to pagan society as negative example.

Warning against trespass
- “No man go beyond and defraud his brother.”
- “Go beyond” = stepping into another’s territory.
- “Defraud” = overreach, take what is not one’s own.
Textual note
- KJV: “in any matter” (italicized) vs. margin “in the matter.”
- Greek definite article present – ambiguity between specific (sexual sin) and general (all dealings).
Reason given
- “The Lord is the avenger of all such.”
- Sexual sin: marriage/sexuality belongs to God.
- Any matter: God defends His people from exploitation.
- Avenging in age of grace: indirect through consequence, exposure, providence (Galatians 6:7).
Reminder
- Thessalonians had already been forewarned.

Framed by God’s call
- Not covenantal election of Israel, but expectation/summons.
- Examples:
  - Galatians 5:13 – called unto liberty.
  - Ephesians 4:1 – worthy walk of the calling.
- Call = expectation of conduct, not national election.
Expectation
- Not uncleanness but holiness.
- Focus on behavior, not identity.
- Grace does not lower standards but calls to holiness.