1 Thessalonians 4
BSB1 Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. 2 For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; 4 each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. 8 Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit. 9 Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. 10 And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more 11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. 12 Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. 13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17 After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Study Notes — 1 Thessalonians 4
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 4
- Themes from 1 Thessalonians 4
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 4
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Thessalonians 4, the apostle Paul exhorts the believers to live a life that is pleasing to God, starting with their sexual conduct. He reminds them that God has called them to holiness, not impurity, and that they should control their bodies in holiness and honor. Paul also encourages the Thessalonians to love one another and to work hard, earning their own living. He concludes the chapter by comforting the believers regarding those who have fallen asleep in Christ, assuring them that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns. Key verses in this chapter include 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the apostle Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, a church that he had founded during his second missionary journey. The Thessalonians were a young church that was facing various challenges, including persecution and confusion about the second coming of Christ. In this chapter, Paul provides practical instructions on how to live a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on sexual purity, brotherly love, and a strong work ethic. This chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative by emphasizing the importance of living a life that honors God and looks forward to His return.
Heart Application
As believers, we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on holiness and purity. We should love one another and live in harmony with each other, and we should work hard and earn our own living. By doing so, we can bring joy to our Savior and avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, we should strive to please God more and more, and in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, he reminds us that God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about living a life that is pleasing to God. It emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, brotherly love, and a strong work ethic. As believers, we should strive to excel in our walk with God and live a life that is set apart for Him, just as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1. We should also love one another and live in harmony with each other, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10.
Voices from the Church
“The Christian life is a life of holiness, and we should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God. As the apostle Paul says, we should excel in our walk with God and live a life that is set apart for Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The importance of brotherly love cannot be overstated. As believers, we should love one another and live in harmony with each other, just as Christ has loved us and given Himself for us.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) — The chapter begins with an introduction, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to excel in their walk with God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- Sexual Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) — Paul emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, encouraging the Thessalonians to live a life that is holy and honorable in the sight of God.
- Brotherly Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10) — The chapter highlights the significance of brotherly love in the Christian life, encouraging the Thessalonians to love one another and to live in harmony with each other.
- Working Hard (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) — Paul emphasizes the importance of working hard and earning one's own living, encouraging the Thessalonians to be dependent on God and yet responsible in their daily lives.
- Comfort Regarding Those Who Have Fallen Asleep (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) — The chapter concludes with a section where Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding those who have fallen asleep in Christ, assuring them that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns.
Core Doctrines
- Sanctification
- This chapter teaches that sanctification is a process of growth in holiness, where believers strive to live a life that is pleasing to God. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, believers should strive to please God more and more.
- Brotherly Love
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of brotherly love in the Christian life, encouraging believers to love one another and to live in harmony with each other. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to love one another.
- The Second Coming of Christ
- The chapter concludes with a section where Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding those who have fallen asleep in Christ, assuring them that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns. This emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God and looks forward to His return.
- Resurrection
- The chapter teaches that there will be a resurrection of believers, where God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, where Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns.
Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 4
- The Importance of Holiness — This chapter teaches that holiness is essential for the Christian life, and that believers should strive to live a life that is pleasing to God. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, believers should strive to please God more and more.
- The Role of Brotherly Love — The chapter highlights the significance of brotherly love in the Christian life, encouraging believers to love one another and to live in harmony with each other. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to love one another.
- The Need for Hard Work — The chapter emphasizes the importance of working hard and earning one's own living, encouraging believers to be dependent on God and yet responsible in their daily lives. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to work hard and earn their own living.
- The Hope of the Resurrection — The chapter concludes with a section where Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding those who have fallen asleep in Christ, assuring them that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns. This emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God and looks forward to His return.
- The Second Coming of Christ — The chapter teaches that there will be a second coming of Christ, where God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, where Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns.
Themes from 1 Thessalonians 4
- Living a Life Pleasing to God — This chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on holiness and purity. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, believers should strive to please God more and more.
- Brotherly Love — The chapter highlights the significance of brotherly love in the Christian life, encouraging believers to love one another and to live in harmony with each other. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to love one another.
- The Importance of Hard Work — The chapter emphasizes the importance of working hard and earning one's own living, encouraging believers to be dependent on God and yet responsible in their daily lives. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to work hard and earn their own living.
- The Hope of the Resurrection — The chapter concludes with a section where Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding those who have fallen asleep in Christ, assuring them that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns. This emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God and looks forward to His return.
- The Second Coming of Christ — The chapter teaches that there will be a second coming of Christ, where God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, where Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some practical ways that you can live a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on holiness and purity?
- How can you demonstrate brotherly love to your fellow believers, and what are some ways that you can live in harmony with each other?
- What are some ways that you can work hard and earn your own living, being dependent on God and yet responsible in your daily life?
- How can you comfort those who have lost loved ones, reminding them of the hope of the resurrection and the second coming of Christ?
- What are some ways that you can strive to please God more and more, and how can you live a life that is set apart for Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
Introduction (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2)
| 1 Thessalonians 4:1 | The chapter begins with an introduction, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to excel in their walk with God and to live a life that is pleasing to Him. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:2 | Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they received instructions from him on how to walk and please God, and he encourages them to continue in this walk. |
Sexual Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
| 1 Thessalonians 4:3 | Paul emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, encouraging the Thessalonians to live a life that is holy and honorable in the sight of God. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:4 | He encourages them to learn to control their own bodies in holiness and honor, rather than giving in to lustful desires. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:5 | Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they should not be like the Gentiles, who do not know God and who give in to their lustful desires. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:6 | He warns them against transgressing against and defrauding their brothers and sisters in the matter of sexual purity. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:7 | Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God has called them to holiness, not to impurity. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:8 | He encourages them to reject anyone who rejects this instruction, and to recognize that God is the one who gives them His Holy Spirit. |
Brotherly Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)
| 1 Thessalonians 4:9 | The chapter highlights the significance of brotherly love in the Christian life, encouraging the Thessalonians to love one another and to live in harmony with each other. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:10 | Paul encourages the Thessalonians to love their brothers and sisters, and to live in harmony with each other. |
Working Hard (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
| 1 Thessalonians 4:11 | Paul emphasizes the importance of working hard and earning one's own living, encouraging the Thessalonians to be dependent on God and yet responsible in their daily lives. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:12 | He encourages them to work with their own hands, so that they may walk properly before outsiders and not be in need. |
Comfort Regarding Those Who Have Fallen Asleep (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
| 1 Thessalonians 4:13 | The chapter concludes with a section where Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding those who have fallen asleep in Christ, assuring them that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:14 | Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:15 | He encourages the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these words, and to look forward to the hope of the resurrection. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:16 | Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:17 | He encourages the Thessalonians to be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:18 | Paul encourages the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these words, and to look forward to the hope of the resurrection. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Thessalonians 4?
The main theme of 1 Thessalonians 4 is living a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on holiness and purity. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, believers should strive to please God more and more.
How can I demonstrate brotherly love to my fellow believers?
You can demonstrate brotherly love by living in harmony with each other, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10. This involves loving one another and being kind to each other.
What is the hope of the resurrection?
The hope of the resurrection is that God will bring those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, where Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will bring them with Jesus when He returns.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Thessalonians 4:1 → John 1:1 | The idea of living a life that is pleasing to God is seen in John 1:1, where Jesus is described as the Word who was with God and who was God. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 4:3 → Leviticus 18:6-18 | The importance of sexual purity is emphasized in Leviticus 18:6-18, where the Israelites are commanded to avoid sexual immorality. |
| 3 | 1 Thessalonians 4:9 → John 13:34-35 | The significance of brotherly love is seen in John 13:34-35, where Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. |
| 4 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11 → 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 | The importance of working hard and earning one's own living is emphasized in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to work hard and not be idle. |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 4:13 → 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 | The hope of the resurrection is seen in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, where Paul describes the resurrection of believers and the second coming of Christ. |
| 6 | 1 Thessalonians 4:14 → John 5:28-29 | The idea of God bringing those who have fallen asleep in Christ with Jesus when He returns is seen in John 5:28-29, where Jesus describes the resurrection of believers. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 4:15 → 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 | The idea of being caught up together with the Lord in the air is seen in 1 Corinthians 15:51-57, where Paul describes the resurrection of believers and the second coming of Christ. |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 4:16 → Matthew 24:30-31 | The idea of the Lord descending from heaven with a shout and with the trumpet of God is seen in Matthew 24:30-31, where Jesus describes His second coming. |
| 9 | 1 Thessalonians 4:17 → 1 Corinthians 15:52 | The idea of being caught up together with the Lord in the air is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be caught up together with the Lord in the air. |
| 10 | 1 Thessalonians 4:18 → 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 | The idea of comforting one another with the hope of the resurrection is seen in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to comfort one another with the hope of the resurrection. |
Sermons on 1 Thessalonians 4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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No Stopping the Holy Spirit by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on the word of God to understand the future and not being uncertain about it. He believes that the power of the Ho |
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If Only You Knew by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about adopting a Korean child. Despite the language barrier, the speaker wanted the child to feel their love. The speaker descri |
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Deeper Waters - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound depth of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the themes of sanctification and the nature of Jesus as both divine and human. He ar |
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(1 Peter - Part 7): The Appearing of Jesus Christ by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of appearance and manifestation. He uses the example of a soldier returning home to his wife and children, emphasizing the antici |
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The Believer's Walk by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named James Williger who was living a sinful life but was transformed by the power of God. James was an alcoholic and was ca |
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Holy Man of God by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the secret of someone's strength and influence over others. He emphasizes the importance of love and its impact on our lives. The speaker sh |
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I Will Come Again by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the promise given by Jesus Christ that he will come again. He highlights the significance of Jesus' words, "I will come again and receive yo |
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At the End of Time - Part 2 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the concept of enduring through hardships as a form of training from God, emphasizing the need for courage and perseverance in spreading the gospel despite |
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Making God Happy by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the negative influence of rap songs and the lewdness and suggestiveness of their lyrics. He emphasizes that money is at the root of this issue, |
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Shocking Truths About the Rapture You Did Not Know by Edward Watson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 11:15, which provide a picture of the rapture, resurrection, judgment, and rewarding of |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 4
In this chapter, the apostle Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on holiness and purity. He emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, brotherly love, and a strong work ethic, and he encourages the Thessalonians to comfort one another with the hope of the resurrection. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter teaches us that we should strive to please God in all aspects of our lives, and that we should look forward to the hope of the resurrection. By living a life that honors God, we can bring joy to our Savior and avoid grieving the Holy Spirit. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Holiness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, focusing on holiness and purity. This is seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, where Paul encourages the Thessalonians to excel in their walk with God and to live a life that is set apart for Him.
The Role of Brotherly Love
The chapter highlights the significance of brotherly love in the Christian life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to love one another and to live in harmony with each other.
The Need for Hard Work
The chapter emphasizes the importance of working hard and earning one's own living. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Paul encourages the Thessalonians to be dependent on God and yet responsible in their daily lives.