Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4:7

"For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification." — 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (ASV)

Another reason for compliance is the nature of God’s calling. As in 2:12, this is God’s effectual call, mediated through gospel preaching (2 Thessalonians 2:14). Believers called by God have been inducted into a holy life (cf. 3:13; 4:3–4). They now belong to a community with values different from those of “the heathen” (v.5).