1 Thessalonians 4
Overview
Instructions for Godly Living (Verses 1-8):
Paul urges the Thessalonians to keep their lives pure and pleasing to God. Sexual morality isn’t a side issue; it’s central to the sanctified life. Holiness isn't an option; it's a requirement. Paul doesn't beat around the bush, making it clear that we ought to be distinct in our conduct.
The Brotherhood of Believers (Verses 9-12):
Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love for one another but encourages them to keep growing in this virtue. Christian love is not static; it's dynamic and should continually expand. The apostle also emphasizes the importance of living a quiet life and being diligent in work. These aspects serve as a testimony to outsiders, allowing others to see the dignity and integrity that defines a life in Christ.
The Second Coming and Resurrection (Verses 13-18):
The chapter closes with one of the most comforting messages in the New Testament—the promise of Christ’s return and the resurrection of believers. The "catching up" or "rapture" is not just about escapist theology; it's an assurance that empowers us to live courageously today. This hope is our anchor, helping us navigate life’s complexities with our eyes set on eternal glory.
1 Thessalonians 4 provides a practical and theological roadmap for every Christian. It challenges us to live in a manner worthy of God while keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the ultimate hope of Christ’s return. The chapter prompts us to examine ourselves: Are we living holy lives? Are we loving each other sufficiently? And most importantly, are we ready for Christ's triumphant return?
Paul urges the Thessalonians to keep their lives pure and pleasing to God. Sexual morality isn’t a side issue; it’s central to the sanctified life. Holiness isn't an option; it's a requirement. Paul doesn't beat around the bush, making it clear that we ought to be distinct in our conduct.
The Brotherhood of Believers (Verses 9-12):
Paul praises the Thessalonians for their love for one another but encourages them to keep growing in this virtue. Christian love is not static; it's dynamic and should continually expand. The apostle also emphasizes the importance of living a quiet life and being diligent in work. These aspects serve as a testimony to outsiders, allowing others to see the dignity and integrity that defines a life in Christ.
The Second Coming and Resurrection (Verses 13-18):
The chapter closes with one of the most comforting messages in the New Testament—the promise of Christ’s return and the resurrection of believers. The "catching up" or "rapture" is not just about escapist theology; it's an assurance that empowers us to live courageously today. This hope is our anchor, helping us navigate life’s complexities with our eyes set on eternal glory.
1 Thessalonians 4 provides a practical and theological roadmap for every Christian. It challenges us to live in a manner worthy of God while keeping our eyes firmly fixed on the ultimate hope of Christ’s return. The chapter prompts us to examine ourselves: Are we living holy lives? Are we loving each other sufficiently? And most importantly, are we ready for Christ's triumphant return?
1 Thessalonians 4
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
End of 1 Thessalonians 4
1 Year Plan: Sept 18 - Isa 26, Isa 27, Isa 28, 1 Th 4 [next day]
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
End of 1 Thessalonians 4
1 Year Plan: Sept 18 - Isa 26, Isa 27, Isa 28, 1 Th 4 [next day]
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