1 Thessalonians 4: A Life That Pleases God

Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

Introduction: In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul calls on the believers at Thessalonica to live in a way that pleases God, emphasizing holiness, love, and hope. This chapter teaches practical guidelines for Christian living, focusing on personal purity, brotherly love, and the hope of Christ’s return. As we look deeper into this chapter verse by verse, we find a clear path toward a life that honors God and strengthens the faith of the believers.

I. Living to Please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2)
In the first verses, Paul reminds the Thessalonians to continue living as they were taught, aiming to please God. Their persistent sanctification is God’s will for them, as well as God’s will for each of us. We read in Romans 12:1-2, that we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice, which is a form of spiritual worship that aligns with God’s will. Also in Ephesians 4:1, the Bible teaches us to walk in a manner worthy of their calling, a recurring teaching in Paul’s letters, pointing out godly living. 1 Peter 1:15-16 tells us to be holy as God is holy, stressing the importance of sanctification in the believer’s life.

II. Abstaining from Sexual Immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
Here in these verses, Paul specifically addresses sexual purity, stating that God calls His people to holiness and honor, not impurity. The message also points out the need to abstain from fornication and concupiscence (lustful sexual desire). 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 tells to flee from sexual immorality and honor God with one’s body reinforces the message of purity. We can see in Ephesians 5:3, how that Paul again stresses that there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality among the saints. Also in Colossians 3:5, the Bible gives us the exhortation to put to death earthly desires, including sexual immorality, reflects the seriousness of this sin.

III. Loving Each Other (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)
Paul in these verses, commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another but encourages them to love even more deeply, each other and all saints. In John 13:34-35, we read one of the two great commands, Jesus’ command to love one another as He loved, is a foundation pillar for Christians life. Also in Hebrews 10:24, we are encouraged to stir up one another toward love and good deeds echoes the theme of mutual upbuilding. And in 1 Peter 4:8, we read that love covers a multitude of sins pointing to the fact of love’s transforming power within the church.

IV. Living a Quiet Life (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
The apostle gives this great advice to believers, lead a quiet life, working with their hands to be independent of the world, and have the reputation of honesty to them outside the church. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, we see Paul admonishing the idle to work and earn their living, which is somewhat like the message in these verses. Ephesians 4:28 teaches believers to work for what is needed and to share with others as well. And in 1 Timothy 5:8, we see the message that one should provide for their relatives and household, showing the importance of responsible living.

V. The Coming of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
In the final verses of the chapter, Paul speaks about the concerns of the Thessalonians, regarding their faithful deceased, assuring them of the hope they share in Christ’s return, where the living and the dead in Christ will be reunited. We read in John 14:1-3, Jesus promises to prepare a place for His faithful followers, giving them hope for eternity. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 outlines the resurrection of the dead and living, and the transformation to an incorruptible body at the last trumpet, Paul’s reassures the Thessalonians this will come to pass. And in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, we read of the hope in salvation and living together with Christ for eternity, again we Paul reassuring them of this here in these verses.

Conclusion: 1 Thessalonians 4 is a message for the living a good Christian life, urging believers to walk in a manner that pleases God. Through sanctification, love, responsible living, and hope in Christ’s return, Paul lays out a blueprint for how to live faithfully and be assured of the Lord’s coming again. This chapter calls believers to a higher moral standard, reminding us that our actions and attitudes have eternal significance. We should be thus be inspired to live in a way that honors God’s wishes, be holy, loving, and let your light shine for Jesus.