Note 8 at 1 Th. 4:4: Notice Paul's use of the words "every one." Holiness is not just for some in the body of Christ. It is God's will for every one of His children.

Note 9 at 1 Th. 4:4: Paul's wording here is worth noting. We are to "possess" our "vessel." Many Christians acknowledge that a spirit can possess our bodies, but people don't normally speak of possessing their own bodies. That's because most people think of their body as the real them. Paul thought differently.

It is the spiritual part of a person, which is the Christian's true self, that has been made brand new through the new birth. Our body is just our "earth suit" that allows us to function in this physical world. Our body is just a "vessel" that holds the divine life which is located in our spirit and keeps it from "running out," back to God.

Understanding this gives us an advantage over non-believers. Our body is just a temporary home. We should take care of it but we should not be devastated at its demise or impending destruction. We have a better home coming (2 Cor. 5:1-9).

Note 10 at 1 Th. 4:4: The dictionary lists "esteem" and "respect" as synonyms for the word "honor." Paul is saying that the way to self esteem and respect, in the natural realm, is through doing what is right. That's radically different from modern psychology's approach to self esteem.

The way people are being taught to have respect for themselves today is to reject all standards of right and wrong so they can feel good about themselves regardless of what they do. That's not the approach Paul took and it's not the will of God.

There are times we should feel bad about our actions. If we rape, murder, steal, are lazy, sow strife, and a multitude of other things, we should feel rotten. That's healthy. Instead of seeking to justify every perversion known to man so we can have self esteem, we should confess our sins and receive forgiveness. Then we can feel good about what Christ has done for us and esteem Him and His work in our lives (see note 12 at 1 Cor. 1:28, p. 864).