1 Thessalonians 1:4
Verse
Context
Greetings to the Thessalonians
3and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.4Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you,5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
Sermons
Zac Poonen
Jim Cymbala
Rolfe Barnard
George Fox
Thomas BradburyGeorge Fox
J.W. McGarveySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Knowing your election of God - Being assured, from the doctrine which I have delivered to you, and which God has confirmed by various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, that he has chosen and called the Gentiles to the same privileges to which he chose and called the Jews; and that, as they have rejected the offers of the Gospel, God has now elected the Gentiles in their stead. This is the election which the Thessalonians knew; and of which the apostle treats at large in his Epistle to the Romans, and also in his Epistles to the Galatians and Ephesians. No irrespective, unconditional, eternal, and personal election to everlasting glory, is meant by the apostle. As God had chosen the Jews, whom, because of their obstinate unbelief, he had now rejected; so he had now chosen or elected the Gentiles. And in neither case was there any thing absolute; all was most specifically conditional, as far as their final salvation was concerned; without any merit on their side, they were chosen and called to those blessings which, if rightly used, would lead them to eternal glory. That these blessings could be abused - become finally useless and forfeited, they had an ample proof in the case of the Jews, who, after having been the elect of God for more than 2000 years, were now become reprobates.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Knowing--Forasmuch as we know. your election of God--The Greek is rather, "beloved by God"; so Rom 1:7; Th2 2:13. "Your election" means that God has elected you as individual believers to eternal life (Rom 11:5, Rom 11:7; Col 3:12; Th2 2:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. Which intends not an election to an office, for this epistle is written not to the officers of the church only, but to the whole church; nor to the Gospel, the outward means of grace, since this was common to them with others, and might be known without the evidence after given; nor does it design the effectual calling, sometimes so called for this is expressed in the following verse as a fruit, effect, and evidence of the election here spoken of, which is no other than the eternal choice of, them to everlasting life and happiness: this is of God, an act of God the Father, made in Christ Jesus before the world began, and which springs from his sovereign will, and is the effect of his pure love and free favour; and therefore these persons who are the objects of it are said to be "beloved of God"; for so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read the words, and which agree with Th2 2:13 for this choice does not arise from the merits of men, or any conditions in them, or from the foresight of their faith, holiness, and good works, but from the free grace and good pleasure of God; and is the source and spring of all grace, and the blessings of it, and even of good works; and is a sure, immutable, and irreversible act of God, being founded on his own will, and not on the works of men; the knowledge they had of this was not what the Thessalonians themselves had, though they might have, and doubtless had the knowledge of this grace, and which may be concluded with certainty from the effectual calling; and is a privilege which many particular believers may, and do arrive unto the knowledge of, without any extraordinary revelation made unto them: but here it intends the knowledge which the apostle and his companions had of the election of the members of this church; not by inspiration of the Spirit of God, but by the manner of the Gospel's coming unto them, and the effects it had upon them, as expressed in the following verses; and from their faith, hope, and love, mentioned in the preceding verse; and which was the ground and foundation of their thanksgiving for them; see on Gill Th2 2:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 dear brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
Greetings to the Thessalonians
3and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.4Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you,5because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Through the Bible - 1&2 Thessalonians
By Zac Poonen2.1K56:08Through The Bible1TH 1:41TH 2:41TH 2:61TH 2:81TH 5:141TH 5:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on preparing people for the coming of the Lord Jesus with all his saints. He emphasizes the importance of purity in the sexual area, stating that it is God's will for believers to keep their bodies holy and pure. The speaker also discusses the qualities of a true servant of God, highlighting the need for hard work and selflessness. Additionally, he gives practical advice on how to live a godly life, including admonishing the unruly, encouraging the faint-hearted, and being patient with others. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not quench the Holy Spirit and to not despise prophetic utterances.
Chosen and Loved
By Jim Cymbala1.3K34:58God's FamilyGEN 1:28GEN 12:1MAT 7:13ROM 8:30EPH 1:41TH 1:41PE 1:2In this sermon, the preacher addresses born-again believers who may be struggling with doubts and difficult circumstances. He emphasizes that despite any challenges they may face, God's love for them remains unwavering. The preacher highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross as evidence of God's love and encourages the congregation to hold onto this truth. He also emphasizes the importance of free will in conjunction with God's election, rejecting the notion that God's love is limited to a select few. The sermon concludes with a call to praise and a reminder to always remember God's love.
Reprobate Silver
By Rolfe Barnard58443:40ApostasyJER 6:30MRK 3:272CO 13:51TH 1:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's grace and how it extends to all mankind. He distinguishes between redeeming, saving grace and common grace, which is described in the book of Romans. The preacher expresses concern about the state of America, particularly highlighting the actions of the Supreme Court and the limitations placed on law enforcement. He argues that the removal of the fear of human government has led to a decline in moral conscience and a disregard for God's absolutes. The sermon concludes with a warning about the judgment that awaits those who reject God and dwell in silence.
Epistle 371
By George Fox0Humility and RighteousnessUnity in ChristGEN 3:15GEN 22:18MAT 11:29ROM 2:24GAL 3:8EPH 2:15EPH 4:30COL 2:31TH 1:4TIT 2:11George Fox emphasizes the significance of the holy seed, Christ, which brings unity and blessings to all nations while destroying the evil seed that causes enmity. He encourages believers to let Christ rule in their hearts, leading to wisdom, knowledge, and righteous living that glorifies God. Fox urges the faithful to remain humble, gentle, and united in the Spirit, warning against pride and strife that disrupts the bond of peace. He calls for the faithful to maintain their worship and business meetings in truth and to reach out to others with the gospel of peace. Ultimately, he desires that all may live in a way that reflects God's glory and the knowledge of the Lord throughout the earth.
Elect Sons in Grace and Glory
By Thomas Bradbury0PSA 17:15ROM 8:11CO 13:9EPH 1:31TH 1:41JN 3:21JN 4:17Thomas Bradbury preaches about the assurance of being the sons of God, emphasizing the distinction between God's children and the children of the devil, urging listeners to examine their hearts. He delves into the deep love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit towards His children, highlighting the eternal predestination, divine adoption, and spiritual regeneration that make believers the sons of God. Bradbury discusses the shortsightedness of believers in understanding their future glory, the assurance they possess in being like Christ when He appears, and the ultimate cause of their transformation - seeing Him as He is.
Epistle 283
By George Fox0FaithfulnessEncouragementMAT 6:20EPH 6:11EPH 6:131TH 1:42TI 1:6HEB 2:71PE 1:42PE 3:1George Fox emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and wearing the whole armor of God to withstand trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to maintain their public testimonies and support one another, especially during difficult times, reminding them to keep their focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly concerns. Fox expresses his desire for all to remain steadfast and faithful to the truth, despite personal struggles and weaknesses. He urges Friends to visit and encourage each other, ensuring that no one falters in their faith. His heartfelt message is a call to unity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Witness of the Spirit
By J.W. McGarvey0NEH 9:30PSA 22:1PSA 23:1ROM 6:18ROM 8:162CO 5:6EPH 1:71TH 1:4HEB 10:151JN 3:2J.W. McGarvey preaches about the assurance of being children of God, emphasizing the importance of knowing our status as God's children for both our eternal happiness and joy in this life. He contrasts the uncertainty and doubt experienced by many believers today with the unwavering confidence of the apostles like Paul, who knew without a doubt their relationship with God. McGarvey urges believers to turn to the Bible to find a solid foundation for their faith, highlighting the need to align their character with the standards set by the Holy Spirit's testimony to confidently claim their identity as children of God.
On the Eternal Love of God
By Thomas Reade0ROM 8:282CO 1:20EPH 1:3COL 3:121TH 1:4HEB 12:21PE 1:2REV 7:9Thomas Reade preaches on the eternal love of God as the source of the believer's happiness and the final glorification of the saints. He emphasizes the unchangeable promises of God in Christ, the blessings of redemption, and the sovereign will of God in salvation. Reade highlights the importance of ministers preaching the whole counsel of God with sincerity and love, following the example of Paul who sought the salvation of others with fervor. He encourages believers to seek assurance through faith, holiness, and the witness of the Spirit, leading to eternal joy in the presence of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Knowing your election of God - Being assured, from the doctrine which I have delivered to you, and which God has confirmed by various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, that he has chosen and called the Gentiles to the same privileges to which he chose and called the Jews; and that, as they have rejected the offers of the Gospel, God has now elected the Gentiles in their stead. This is the election which the Thessalonians knew; and of which the apostle treats at large in his Epistle to the Romans, and also in his Epistles to the Galatians and Ephesians. No irrespective, unconditional, eternal, and personal election to everlasting glory, is meant by the apostle. As God had chosen the Jews, whom, because of their obstinate unbelief, he had now rejected; so he had now chosen or elected the Gentiles. And in neither case was there any thing absolute; all was most specifically conditional, as far as their final salvation was concerned; without any merit on their side, they were chosen and called to those blessings which, if rightly used, would lead them to eternal glory. That these blessings could be abused - become finally useless and forfeited, they had an ample proof in the case of the Jews, who, after having been the elect of God for more than 2000 years, were now become reprobates.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Knowing--Forasmuch as we know. your election of God--The Greek is rather, "beloved by God"; so Rom 1:7; Th2 2:13. "Your election" means that God has elected you as individual believers to eternal life (Rom 11:5, Rom 11:7; Col 3:12; Th2 2:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. Which intends not an election to an office, for this epistle is written not to the officers of the church only, but to the whole church; nor to the Gospel, the outward means of grace, since this was common to them with others, and might be known without the evidence after given; nor does it design the effectual calling, sometimes so called for this is expressed in the following verse as a fruit, effect, and evidence of the election here spoken of, which is no other than the eternal choice of, them to everlasting life and happiness: this is of God, an act of God the Father, made in Christ Jesus before the world began, and which springs from his sovereign will, and is the effect of his pure love and free favour; and therefore these persons who are the objects of it are said to be "beloved of God"; for so the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read the words, and which agree with Th2 2:13 for this choice does not arise from the merits of men, or any conditions in them, or from the foresight of their faith, holiness, and good works, but from the free grace and good pleasure of God; and is the source and spring of all grace, and the blessings of it, and even of good works; and is a sure, immutable, and irreversible act of God, being founded on his own will, and not on the works of men; the knowledge they had of this was not what the Thessalonians themselves had, though they might have, and doubtless had the knowledge of this grace, and which may be concluded with certainty from the effectual calling; and is a privilege which many particular believers may, and do arrive unto the knowledge of, without any extraordinary revelation made unto them: but here it intends the knowledge which the apostle and his companions had of the election of the members of this church; not by inspiration of the Spirit of God, but by the manner of the Gospel's coming unto them, and the effects it had upon them, as expressed in the following verses; and from their faith, hope, and love, mentioned in the preceding verse; and which was the ground and foundation of their thanksgiving for them; see on Gill Th2 2:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 dear brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term that refers to members of the same family, both male and female.