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.
Overview of 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4
1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 addresses key themes of Christian living, particularly focusing on moral purity, love among believers, and the hope of resurrection. Paul provides practical instructions to the Thessalonian church, encouraging them to live in a way that pleases God while also addressing concerns about the second coming of Christ.
Exhortation to Live a Holy Life (Verses 1-8)
In the opening verses, Paul urges the Thessalonians to continue in their spiritual growth and to live in a manner that is pleasing to God. This section emphasizes the importance of sexual purity and moral conduct.
- Call to Sanctification: Paul emphasizes the need for believers to live a sanctified life, abstaining from sexual immorality.
- God’s Will: The chapter highlights that sanctification is a part of God’s will for believers, indicating that holiness is essential in their walk with Christ.
- Respect for Others: Paul warns against wronging or taking advantage of fellow believers, stressing that God will judge those who violate this command.
The Importance of Love (Verses 9-10)
In these verses, Paul shifts focus to the theme of love within the Christian community. He acknowledges that the Thessalonians are already practicing love but encourages them to continue growing in this virtue.
- Brotherly Love: Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another, indicating that love is a hallmark of the Christian faith.
- Continued Growth: He encourages them to increase in love even more, suggesting that love should be an ongoing pursuit in their lives.
Living Quietly and Working Diligently (Verses 11-12)
Paul provides practical advice on how the Thessalonians should conduct their daily lives, promoting a lifestyle that reflects their faith.
- Lead a Quiet Life: Paul instructs them to aspire to live quietly, indicating the value of peace and stability in their lives.
- Work with Their Hands: He encourages them to engage in productive work, which not only supports themselves but also sets a good example for others.
- Win Respect: By living responsibly and working diligently, they will earn the respect of outsiders and avoid being dependent on others.
The Hope of the Resurrection (Verses 13-18)
This section addresses concerns regarding those who have died before Christ’s return. Paul reassures the Thessalonians about the fate of deceased believers, emphasizing the hope of resurrection.
- Grief with Hope: Paul acknowledges their sorrow but encourages them not to grieve like those without hope, as believers have a promise of eternal life.
- Resurrection of the Dead: He explains that the dead in Christ will rise first when the Lord returns, providing a vivid picture of the second coming.
- Reunion with the Lord: Believers will be reunited with Christ and with one another, offering comfort and assurance of eternal fellowship.
Conclusion and Encouragement (Verse 18)
Paul concludes the chapter with a call to comfort one another with these words. This serves to reinforce the importance of community support and the sharing of hope among believers.
- Mutual Encouragement: The chapter emphasizes the need for believers to uplift one another through the promises of God.
- Focus on Hope: By focusing on the hope of resurrection, believers are encouraged to live with purpose and assurance in their faith.
