In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul addresses the Thessalonians with heartfelt encouragement about living a life that pleases God. He emphasizes the beauty of love and the importance of hope, particularly concerning those who have died.
The Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4
World English Bible1 Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more.
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2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
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3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality,
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4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor,
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5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God;
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6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.
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7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.
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8 Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
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9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,
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10 for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more;
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11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you;
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12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.
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13 But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
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14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
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15 For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.
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16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,
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17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.
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18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Living to Please God
In this chapter, Paul urges the Thessalonian believers to continue growing in their faith and to live in a way that's pleasing to God. He reminds them of the moral guidelines he previously shared, stressing the importance of sanctification - essentially, becoming more holy and set apart.
Abstaining from Immorality
Paul specifically instructs them to avoid sexual immorality, emphasizing self-control and respect for one another. He warns against taking advantage of others in matters of lust, reminding them that God is aware of their actions and will hold them accountable.
The Call to Love
When it comes to love, Paul highlights that they already understand the importance of loving one another. He encourages them to continue abounding in love, acknowledging their efforts towards fellow believers in Macedonia.
Living a Quiet Life
He advises them to lead quiet lives, mind their own affairs, and work diligently. This behavior will not only benefit them but also provide a positive witness to those outside the faith.
Hope for the Deceased
Paul then addresses a sensitive topic - the fate of those who have died. He comforts the believers by assuring them that those who have fallen asleep in Christ will be resurrected. Jesus' resurrection guarantees hope for everyone, and believers can look forward to reuniting with loved ones in the presence of the Lord.
Why It Matters
Embracing Sanctification
The call to sanctification is just as relevant today as it was for the Thessalonians. Taking time for self-examination and striving to live in a way that honors God can profoundly impact our lives.
The Power of Love
Paul's emphasis on love reminds us that relationships matter. Loving one another isn't just a nice idea; it's a vital part of living out our faith. How can we show love to those around us?
Finding Hope in Grief
In times of loss, Paul's message offers hope. Understanding that death isn't the end can bring comfort to those grieving. There's a promise of reunion that can ease our sorrow.
To connect with others and grow in faith, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. Engaging with a community can provide support and encouragement.
Striving for a Quiet Life
Living quietly and working with our own hands can be a powerful testimony. In a world that often values noise and spectacle, choosing a humble path can shine brightly for others to see.
Coming Up Next: 1 Thessalonians 5
In the next part of our journey through 1 Thessalonians, we'll dive into chapter 5, where Paul shares more about preparing for the Day of the Lord. What should believers be doing as they await this significant moment?