Posted on by Margarita & Stace Crews

DOES NOT REJECT MAN BUT GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 4:8

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Thessalonians 4:8

He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Chosen for Holiness: The Gravity of Rejecting God’s Standard

When we talk about Christian living, the word sanctification often comes up. At its core, sanctification is the ongoing process of growing in purity and holiness, remaining set apart from evil, and aligning our lives with the character of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7, the apostle Paul lays out a clear, uncompromising roadmap for this holy living.

But it is in 1 Thessalonians 4:8 that Paul delivers a sobering wake-up call that every believer needs to hear:

“Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the prophet who gives you his Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 4:8)

A Rejection of God, Not Man

To reject the instruction of sanctification is not to reject human ideas, but to reject God Himself.

When we resist warnings about moral purity, we are not just disagreeing with a preacher, an apostle, or an ancient text. We are actively standing against the Holy Spirit whom God has placed within us. God requires purity from His people, and His standards do not shift with the culture. To treat these instructions lightly is to turn our backs on the very Creator who called us out of darkness.

The Reality of Accountability

Scripture is clear: God will judge and punish all who abandon His standard of moral purity to satisfy their own selfish desires and lusts (1 Thessalonians 4:6; Hebrews 13:4). This truth applies universally—even within the visible church.

Belonging to a church congregation or claiming a faith tradition does not grant immunity from rebellion. All who reject the truth and choose instead to “delight in wickedness” will one day be brought to full accountability (2 Thessalonians 2:12).

The New Testament paints a stark picture of the consequences of persistent, unrepentant rebellion:

  • Separation: Those living in active rebellion against God risk being left behind when Christ returns for His faithful followers (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
  • Judgment: The ultimate end of willful rebellion is destruction (1 Thessalonians 5:3), wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9), and divine punishment (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
  • Condemnation: Scripture warns of final judgment when Christ returns from heaven “in blazing fire” to bring justice to those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 2:12).

The Call to Respond

This message is not meant to breed fear, but to produce a holy reverence. God has not called us to uncleanness, but in holiness. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit to make obedience possible. Today, let us check our hearts, turn away from the desires that wage war against our souls, and embrace the beautiful, set-apart life He has designed for us.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, Almighty God, Your word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We acknowledge today that Your commands are absolute, holy, and good. Forgive us for the times we have minimized sin or allowed the standards of this world to compromise the purity You require.

Lord, pierce our hearts with the weight of 1 Thessalonians 4:8. Remind us daily that when we toy with sin or reject Your boundaries, we are rejecting You and the Holy Spirit You have graciously given us. We do not want to live in rebellion, nor do we want to satisfy the fleeting lusts of the flesh. We desire to be found faithful, pure, and blameless when Christ returns.

Strengthen us by Your Spirit to pursue true sanctification. Cleanse our thoughts, guard our actions, and keep us set apart for Your glory alone. Deliver us from deception and grant us a deep delight in Your truth rather than a delight in wickedness. We commit our paths to You, looking forward to the glorious return of our Savior.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

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Bible Study Tools I Use

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. GOD DID NOT CALL US TO BE IMPURE BUT TO LIVE A HOLY LIFE / 1 THESSALONIANS 4:7
  2. WRONG HIS BROTHER OR TAKE ADVANTAGE / 1 THESSALONIANS 4:6
  3. AVOID SEXUAL IMMORALITY / 1THESSALONIANS 4:3-7
  4. IT IS GOD’S WILL / 1 THESSALONIANS 4:3
  5. BLAMELESS AND HOLY WHEN OUR LORD JESUS COMES / 1 THESSALONIANS 3:13
  6. THE TEMPTER MIGHT HAVE TEMPTED YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 3:5
  7. TRIALS / 1 THESSALONIANS 3:3
  8. BUT SATAN STOPPED US / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:18
  9. THE WRATH OF GOD HAS COME UPON THEM / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:16
  10. LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:12
  11. HOW HOLY RIGHTEOUS AND BLAMELESS WE WERE / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:10
  12. LIKE A MOTHER CARING FOR HER LITTLE CHILDREN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7
  13. WE SPEAK NOT TRYING TO PLEASE MEN / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:4
  14. OUR VISIT TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-2
  15. TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN / 1 Thessalonians 1:10
  16. IN SPITE OF SEVERE SUFFERING / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:6
  17. WITH POWER AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5
  18. HE HAS CHOSEN YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:4
  19. GRACE AND PEACE TO YOU / 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1
  20. CREWS N AWAY: ANCHORED IN GRACE

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! I love having you here. If this post resonated with you, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts. See you in the next post!

Blessings, Margarita & Stace

One Reply to “DOES NOT REJECT MAN BUT GOD / 1 THESSALONIANS 4:8”

  1. Pingback: MAY WIN THE RESPECT OF OUTSIDERS / 1 THESSALONIANS 4:12 – Crews N Away

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