1 Thessalonians 4:9
Verse
Context
Living to Please God
8Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.9Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.10And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more
Sermons
Bill McLeodBill McLeod
David SmithersBill McLeod
Brian Brodersen
Michael HaykinSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Touching brotherly love - They were remarkable for this; and though the apostle appears to have had this as a topic on which he intended to write to them, yet, from the account which he received of their prosperous state by Timothy, he finds that it is unnecessary to spend any time in inculcating a doctrine which they fully understood and practised. See Th1 3:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
brotherly love, &c.--referring here to acts of brotherly kindness in relieving distressed brethren. Some oldest manuscripts support English Version reading, "YE have"; others, and those the weightiest, read, "WE have." We need not write, as ye yourselves are taught, and that by God: namely, in the heart by the Holy Spirit (Joh 6:45; Heb 8:11; Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27). to love--Greek, "with a view to," or "to the end of your loving one another." Divine teachings have their confluence in love [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as touching brotherly love,.... Another branch of sanctification; which is distinct from love to God and Christ, though it always accompanies it, and from love to all mankind; and is what is peculiar to brethren in a spiritual relation, and ought to be universal, fervent, and sincere, and as Christ has loved them: concerning which the following things are said, ye need not that I write unto you. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "we have no need to write unto you"; and so some copies. It seems that it was needful to write unto them about other things, as to refresh their memories with the instructions they had given them, when with them, how they should walk and please God; and to put them in mind of the commandments given them by Christ, and that their sanctification was the will of God; and particularly it was necessary to write unto them about chastity, and purity of life, whether in or out of the conjugal state; but as for brotherly love, there was no immediate absolute necessity to write about that, either about the nature of it, or to describe the objects of it, or point out instances of it, or to exhort to it in a pressing manner: the reason is, for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another; not merely by the light of nature, which teaches men to be kind, courteous, affable, and beneficent; nor by the law of Moses, which obliges men to love their neighbours as themselves; nor only doctrinally by the ministry of the Gospel, which frequently inculcates the exercise of this grace as a matter of great importance and consequence; nor only by the new commandment, and example of Christ; but by the Spirit of God internally in regeneration, who, according to the tenor of the new covenant, writes this law of love, and of Christ, upon the heart; and this being written upon the hearts of the Thessalonians, by the finger of the Spirit of God, whereby they were dearly directed, and powerfully taught to exercise this grace, and discharge this duty, and under the influence of the same spirit did exercise it, it was unnecessary for the apostle to write about it, and press them to it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these words the apostle mentions the great duties, I. Of brotherly love. This he exhorts them to increase in yet more and more. The exhortation is introduced, not with a compliment, but with a commendation, because they were remarkable in the exercise of it, which made it less needful that he should write to them about it, Th1 4:9. Thus by his good opinion of them he insinuated himself into their affections, and so made way for his exhortation to them. Note, We should take notice of that in others which is good, to their praise, that by so doing we may lay engagements upon them to abound therein more and more. Observe, 1. What it is that the apostle commends in them. It was not so much their own virtue as God's grace; yet he takes notice of the evidence they gave of the grace of God in them. (1.) It was God's grace that he took special notice of: that God had taught them this good lesson: You yourselves are taught of God to love one another, Th1 4:9. Whoever does that which is good is taught of God to do it, and God must have the glory. All who are savingly taught of God are taught this lesson, to love one another. This is the livery of Christ's family. Note also, The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teaching of men; and, as no man should teach contrary to what God teaches, so none can teach so effectually as he teaches; and men's teaching is fain and useless unless God teach also. (2.) The Thessalonians gave good evidence of their being taught of God by their love to the brethren in all Macedonia, Th1 4:10. They not only loved those of their own city and society, or such as were near them and just of their own sentiments, but their love was extensive. And a true Christian's is so to all the saints, though distant from him in place, and differing from him in some opinions or practices of less moment. 2. The exhortation itself is to increase more and more in this great grace and duty of brotherly love, Th1 4:10. Though these Thessalonians had in some sense no need of an exhortation to brotherly love, as if it were wholly wanting, yet they must be exhorted to pray for more, and labour for more. There are none on this side heaven who love in perfection. Those who are eminent in this or any other grace have need of increase therein as well as of perseverance unto the end. II. Of quietness and industry in their callings. Observe, 1. The apostle exhorts to these duties: that they should study to be quiet, Th1 4:11. It is the most desirable thing to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. This tends much to our own and others' happiness; and Christians should study how to be quiet. We should be ambitious and industrious how to be calm and quiet in our minds, in patience to possess our own souls, and to be quiet towards others; or of a meek and mild, a gentle and peaceable disposition, not given to strife, contention, or division. Satan is very busy to disquiet us; and we have that in our own hearts that disposes us to be disquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. It follows, Do your own business. When we go beyond this, we expose ourselves to a great deal of inquietude. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, generally have but little quiet in their own minds and cause great disturbances among their neighbours; at least they seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands; and yet this was what the apostle commanded them, and what is required of us also. Christianity does not discharge us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. 2. The exhortation is enforced with a double argument; namely, (1.) So we shall live creditably. Thus we shall walk honestly, or decently and creditably, towards those that are without, Th1 4:12. This will be to act as becomes the gospel, and will gain a good report from those that are strangers, yea, enemies to it. Note, It is a great ornament to religion when the professors of it are of meek and quiet spirits, diligent to do their own business, and not busy-bodies in other men's matters. (2.) We shall live comfortably, and have lack of nothing, Th1 4:12. People often by their slothfulness bring themselves into narrow circumstances, and reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants, when such as are diligent in their own business live comfortably and have lack of nothing. They are not burdensome to their friends, nor scandalous to strangers. They earn their own bread, and have the greatest pleasure in so doing.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9–5:11 Paul responds to a series of questions from the Thessalonians (cp. 1 Cor 7:1) concerning love for one another (1 Thes 4:9-12), the destiny of deceased believers (4:13-18), and when the day of the Lord would come (5:1-11). 4:9 God himself has taught you to love one another (cp. Isa 54:13) through the teaching of Jesus (John 13:34-35), the cross (Rom 5:8; Eph 5:1-2), and the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22).
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Living to Please God
8Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.9Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.10And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Building Up Yourselves
By Bill McLeod1.8K28:34Edification1CO 16:141TH 4:91TI 1:82PE 2:3JUD 1:20JUD 1:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reviving the gift of God within oneself. He encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord and highlights the three stages of faith: the blood of the Lamb, the word of testimony, and surrendering oneself to the cross. The speaker also emphasizes the need for believers to lay down their lives for others, just as Christ laid down his life for us. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of sharing the message of Christ with others and how it is essential for maintaining a deep walk with God.
The Secret of Growing
By Bill McLeod1.6K51:39Spiritual Growth1TH 3:121TH 4:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of showing love and compassion towards others, especially those in need. He shares a story about a young man who was moved by a film about the work of Daniel Abraham in India and decided to donate his savings of $1000 towards his cause. The preacher also mentions the power of music and singing in uplifting the soul and creating a sense of unity among believers. He encourages Christians to have a heart for world missions and suggests a book on the topic that provides information about the spiritual condition and prayer needs of different countries.
Abounding Love of Paul for the Saints
By David Smithers1.5K52:171TH 4:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having priorities and landmarks in our Christian lives. He encourages the audience to recognize and be thankful for the work of grace in others, and to demonstrate love in practical ways. The speaker also highlights the significance of growing in love for God and for others, and emphasizes that grace is the means by which we can achieve this growth. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of prayer and the role it plays in our spiritual development.
Christian Love
By Bill McLeod1.3K27:04LoveEZK 33:31JHN 17:26ROM 5:51TH 3:121TH 4:91JN 3:181JN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker shares two powerful illustrations about the transformative power of love. The first story is about a pastor in Chile who, after struggling with a stagnant church, simply told his congregation to love one another. This simple message sparked a change in the church and things began to happen. The second story is about D.L. Moody, who experienced a profound encounter with the love of God that transformed his ministry. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life of love, not just in words, but in actions. They also encourage listeners to examine their own hearts and ask God to fill them with His love. The sermon references passages from Ezekiel, 1 John, 1 Corinthians, and Philippians to support the message of love and serving others.
(1 Thessalonians) the Business of the Church
By Brian Brodersen91443:11MAT 22:37GAL 5:221TH 4:91TH 4:121TI 1:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love as a sign of spiritual health, both individually and collectively as a church. The speaker references Paul's teachings on walking properly towards those outside the church and the purpose of the commandment being love from a pure heart. Jesus' commandment to love God and love our neighbor is also highlighted. The speaker encourages believers to focus on loving one another, minding their own business, seeking the things of God, and working hard, as these actions will serve as a testimony to the world and draw sinners to God's love.
Andrew Bonar 2
By Michael Haykin68845:551TH 4:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the decline of a church building and the challenge of reaching multitudes of souls. He discusses the 19th century approach of crusade ministry to reach the poor in cities. The preacher then shifts to the story of Horatius Bonner, a church planter who faced the task of reaching a booming city with a large population. The sermon concludes with a reading from 1 Thessalonians 4, emphasizing the importance of brotherly love and living properly before outsiders.
(The Recovery of the Apostolic) 4. Liberty of Conscience
By Dale Heisey6871:15:10EPH 4:211TH 4:91TI 1:51TI 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that faith does not come from human will or effort, but from the mercy of God. He explains that not everyone is able to believe on their own, as it is a result of being born of God and being driven by the Holy Spirit. The preacher also highlights the importance of having compassion and treating others as we would like to be treated. He references Romans 14, emphasizing the need to refrain from judging others and to be fully persuaded in our own minds. The sermon emphasizes the individual heart connection with God and the responsibility of every believer to live in obedience to their Bible-taught conscience.
Discipline - George Verwer
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons43038:27RadioDEU 6:5ECC 12:1MAT 22:391TH 4:92TI 2:15JAS 1:52PE 1:12In this sermon, George Verwer discusses the importance of discipline in the life of a disciple. He acknowledges that self-discipline goes against our human nature and is often met with resistance. Verwer emphasizes the need to fill our minds with good and pure things, rather than leaving them empty and susceptible to negative influences. He also highlights the importance of discipline in our speech, cautioning against talking excessively about trivial matters. Verwer references James chapter 3 to support his points on the discipline of the tongue.
Unity & Diversity
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 21:2PSA 139:16AMO 3:3JHN 17:20ROM 12:51CO 1:10EPH 4:31TH 4:9HEB 5:7J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of manifested union among believers, as prayed for by Jesus in John 17, emphasizing the visible unity and harmony that should exist among God's people to glorify the Father and testify to the world. While differences may exist, the underlying substantial union among the living family of God far outweighs them, resembling the unity within the human body despite external variations. Philpot challenges the current state of visible unity among believers, questioning if the churches truly exhibit the love and harmony that should mark them as followers of Christ, urging a deeper reflection on the manifested union among God's people.
Just as There Is an Evil Zeal of Bitterness
By St. Benedict of Nursia0JHN 15:12ROM 12:101CO 13:4GAL 6:2EPH 4:2PHP 2:3COL 3:141TH 4:91PE 1:221JN 4:7St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of practicing good zeal that leads to God and eternal life, rather than being consumed by bitterness that separates from God. He encourages sisters to show fervent love, honor one another, endure each other's weaknesses, and prioritize obedience and selflessness. Sisters are urged to embrace sisterhood with pure charity, fear God with love, love their Abbess sincerely, and above all, to choose Christ above everything else, looking forward to eternal life together.
Working and Waiting for Christ 1 Thessalonians 4:9-5:2
By J.R. Miller0Living in LoveHope in Grief1TH 4:9J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of living a life of love and responsibility as believers await Christ's return, addressing the misconceptions held by the Thessalonian church regarding idleness and the second coming. He highlights that true preparation for Christ involves loving one another and leading a quiet, industrious life, rather than being preoccupied with others' affairs. Miller encourages Christians to mind their own business, work diligently, and maintain a good reputation in the eyes of the world, as their conduct reflects Christ. He also reassures believers about the hope of resurrection and the comfort found in God's promises during times of grief. Ultimately, he calls Christians to be true comforters, uplifting others with the strength of God's Word in their sorrow.
Christian Fellowship
By Thomas Reade0JHN 13:35ROM 12:91CO 13:4EPH 4:15COL 3:141TH 4:9HEB 5:131PE 3:82PE 1:7REV 3:10Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of Christian fellowship, emphasizing the unity, love, and harmony that should exist among believers. He highlights the beauty and blessedness of Christian love as a reflection of discipleship to Jesus. Despite the challenges and imperfections within the church, Reade encourages believers to strive for maturity in Christian experience and ripeness in Christian graces, aiming for consistency and sincerity in their walk with God. He concludes with a call to embrace the communion of saints, finding joy in the everlasting bond of Christian friendship and the promise of perfect unity in the presence of God.
Resisting the Everyday Temptations
By Mary Wilder Tileston0JHN 15:12ROM 13:81CO 13:13EPH 3:17COL 3:141TH 4:91PE 4:81JN 4:71JN 4:12Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Francis Paget, emphasizes the importance of loving one another as a key aspect of our purpose on earth. By allowing God's love to fill our hearts and lives, we can overcome sin and selfishness, leading to a daily increase in His love within us. Through prayer, work, studying the Bible, and partaking in the Holy Eucharist, we can cultivate and strengthen this love, leading to growth in love, joy, and peace beyond our imagination. Ultimately, God's forgiveness and eternal love will bring us into the fullness of life in His perfect and unending love.
Heavenly Teaching
By J.C. Philpot0EXO 33:16DEU 32:2JOB 42:5ISA 54:13LUK 11:1JHN 17:3ROM 10:32CO 12:91TH 4:9HEB 12:111JN 2:20J.C. Philpot preaches about the divine teaching of God in the souls of His children, emphasizing the necessity of this heavenly instruction for spiritual growth and understanding. He highlights the four prominent blessings bestowed upon the church in Christ - eternal election, redemption, regeneration, and heavenly teaching, focusing on the promise that 'All your children shall be taught of the Lord.' Philpot delves into the nature and effects of this divine teaching, comparing it to dew, rain, and oil, and its role in helping believers know God and themselves. He stresses that this special teaching leads to a deep knowledge of God, a true understanding of sin, a humble recognition of self, and a genuine faith and love for God and His people.
The Snack We Call Supper
By David Servant0LUK 14:12ACT 2:421CO 11:201TH 4:91JN 3:14David Servant discusses the evolution of the Lord's Supper from a full meal shared by intimate friends in the early church to a small ritual in modern times, emphasizing the importance of love and care for one another in the body of Christ. He highlights Paul's admonition to the Corinthian Christians regarding the Lord's Supper, revealing the significance of sharing meals and caring for the poor among believers. Servant challenges the traditional practices of the Lord's Supper, calling for a return to the original intent of a love feast that reflects Jesus' command to love one another and care for those in need.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Touching brotherly love - They were remarkable for this; and though the apostle appears to have had this as a topic on which he intended to write to them, yet, from the account which he received of their prosperous state by Timothy, he finds that it is unnecessary to spend any time in inculcating a doctrine which they fully understood and practised. See Th1 3:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
brotherly love, &c.--referring here to acts of brotherly kindness in relieving distressed brethren. Some oldest manuscripts support English Version reading, "YE have"; others, and those the weightiest, read, "WE have." We need not write, as ye yourselves are taught, and that by God: namely, in the heart by the Holy Spirit (Joh 6:45; Heb 8:11; Jo1 2:20, Jo1 2:27). to love--Greek, "with a view to," or "to the end of your loving one another." Divine teachings have their confluence in love [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But as touching brotherly love,.... Another branch of sanctification; which is distinct from love to God and Christ, though it always accompanies it, and from love to all mankind; and is what is peculiar to brethren in a spiritual relation, and ought to be universal, fervent, and sincere, and as Christ has loved them: concerning which the following things are said, ye need not that I write unto you. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "we have no need to write unto you"; and so some copies. It seems that it was needful to write unto them about other things, as to refresh their memories with the instructions they had given them, when with them, how they should walk and please God; and to put them in mind of the commandments given them by Christ, and that their sanctification was the will of God; and particularly it was necessary to write unto them about chastity, and purity of life, whether in or out of the conjugal state; but as for brotherly love, there was no immediate absolute necessity to write about that, either about the nature of it, or to describe the objects of it, or point out instances of it, or to exhort to it in a pressing manner: the reason is, for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another; not merely by the light of nature, which teaches men to be kind, courteous, affable, and beneficent; nor by the law of Moses, which obliges men to love their neighbours as themselves; nor only doctrinally by the ministry of the Gospel, which frequently inculcates the exercise of this grace as a matter of great importance and consequence; nor only by the new commandment, and example of Christ; but by the Spirit of God internally in regeneration, who, according to the tenor of the new covenant, writes this law of love, and of Christ, upon the heart; and this being written upon the hearts of the Thessalonians, by the finger of the Spirit of God, whereby they were dearly directed, and powerfully taught to exercise this grace, and discharge this duty, and under the influence of the same spirit did exercise it, it was unnecessary for the apostle to write about it, and press them to it.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these words the apostle mentions the great duties, I. Of brotherly love. This he exhorts them to increase in yet more and more. The exhortation is introduced, not with a compliment, but with a commendation, because they were remarkable in the exercise of it, which made it less needful that he should write to them about it, Th1 4:9. Thus by his good opinion of them he insinuated himself into their affections, and so made way for his exhortation to them. Note, We should take notice of that in others which is good, to their praise, that by so doing we may lay engagements upon them to abound therein more and more. Observe, 1. What it is that the apostle commends in them. It was not so much their own virtue as God's grace; yet he takes notice of the evidence they gave of the grace of God in them. (1.) It was God's grace that he took special notice of: that God had taught them this good lesson: You yourselves are taught of God to love one another, Th1 4:9. Whoever does that which is good is taught of God to do it, and God must have the glory. All who are savingly taught of God are taught this lesson, to love one another. This is the livery of Christ's family. Note also, The teaching of the Spirit exceeds the teaching of men; and, as no man should teach contrary to what God teaches, so none can teach so effectually as he teaches; and men's teaching is fain and useless unless God teach also. (2.) The Thessalonians gave good evidence of their being taught of God by their love to the brethren in all Macedonia, Th1 4:10. They not only loved those of their own city and society, or such as were near them and just of their own sentiments, but their love was extensive. And a true Christian's is so to all the saints, though distant from him in place, and differing from him in some opinions or practices of less moment. 2. The exhortation itself is to increase more and more in this great grace and duty of brotherly love, Th1 4:10. Though these Thessalonians had in some sense no need of an exhortation to brotherly love, as if it were wholly wanting, yet they must be exhorted to pray for more, and labour for more. There are none on this side heaven who love in perfection. Those who are eminent in this or any other grace have need of increase therein as well as of perseverance unto the end. II. Of quietness and industry in their callings. Observe, 1. The apostle exhorts to these duties: that they should study to be quiet, Th1 4:11. It is the most desirable thing to have a calm and quiet temper, and to be of a peaceable and quiet behaviour. This tends much to our own and others' happiness; and Christians should study how to be quiet. We should be ambitious and industrious how to be calm and quiet in our minds, in patience to possess our own souls, and to be quiet towards others; or of a meek and mild, a gentle and peaceable disposition, not given to strife, contention, or division. Satan is very busy to disquiet us; and we have that in our own hearts that disposes us to be disquiet; therefore let us study to be quiet. It follows, Do your own business. When we go beyond this, we expose ourselves to a great deal of inquietude. Those who are busy-bodies, meddling in other men's matters, generally have but little quiet in their own minds and cause great disturbances among their neighbours; at least they seldom mind the other exhortation, to be diligent in their own calling, to work with their own hands; and yet this was what the apostle commanded them, and what is required of us also. Christianity does not discharge us from the work and duty of our particular callings, but teaches us to be diligent therein. 2. The exhortation is enforced with a double argument; namely, (1.) So we shall live creditably. Thus we shall walk honestly, or decently and creditably, towards those that are without, Th1 4:12. This will be to act as becomes the gospel, and will gain a good report from those that are strangers, yea, enemies to it. Note, It is a great ornament to religion when the professors of it are of meek and quiet spirits, diligent to do their own business, and not busy-bodies in other men's matters. (2.) We shall live comfortably, and have lack of nothing, Th1 4:12. People often by their slothfulness bring themselves into narrow circumstances, and reduce themselves to great straits, and are liable to many wants, when such as are diligent in their own business live comfortably and have lack of nothing. They are not burdensome to their friends, nor scandalous to strangers. They earn their own bread, and have the greatest pleasure in so doing.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9–5:11 Paul responds to a series of questions from the Thessalonians (cp. 1 Cor 7:1) concerning love for one another (1 Thes 4:9-12), the destiny of deceased believers (4:13-18), and when the day of the Lord would come (5:1-11). 4:9 God himself has taught you to love one another (cp. Isa 54:13) through the teaching of Jesus (John 13:34-35), the cross (Rom 5:8; Eph 5:1-2), and the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22).