Page 77 - Pentateuch

3). We are to live “special” lives. Next is holiness in a specific topic: “that you should avoid sexual
immorality.” As he continues, he does not give a list of prohibited relationships. Instead, he applies one of
the fruits of the Spirit to this area of life. “Learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and
honorable (v. 4).” Here is the Spirit’s work of self-control. The more normal or common approach is
“passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God (v. 5). As he continues, Paul emphasizes the
uniqueness of this approach. He uses words like “impure” and “holy life” (v. 7). Rejection involves rejecting
God, even the Holy Spirit who lives inside us, more than rejecting human opinions.

God’s law does not change. We might not understand some of the specific expressions of his law in OT
times simply because they were written to address a specific cultural situation. “Do not wear clothing
woven of two kinds of material (Lev. 19:19).” The principles still stand. Our approach must be different due
to the coming of the Holy Spirit. He wants to change us from within through the development of certain
characteristics. Nevertheless, those changes will result in a more thorough following of God’s law.

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