Welcome to the next Bible Study of the book of 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 4:

Let’s explore “1 Thessalonians 4:1-18”, verse by verse, focusing on the themes of holiness, love, and hope in the context of Christian living and the promise of CHRIST’S return.

Verses 1-2: 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. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the LORD JESUS.

Paul begins with a heartfelt appeal to the believers, emphasizing the importance of living in a way that pleases GOD. The idea of “walking” refers to the daily conduct and lifestyle of a Christian. The encouragement to “abound more and more” indicates that spiritual growth is a continual process. The commandments Paul refers to are the teachings of JESUS, reminding the Thessalonians that they are to adhere to the teachings passed down to them.

Verses 3-5: For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not GOD:

Here, Paul explicitly defines GOD’S will for believers: sanctification, which means being set apart for GOD’S purposes and living a holy life. He urges them to avoid sexual immorality and to have control over their bodies, living in honor instead of succumbing to the lustful behaviors prevalent among non believers. The call to sanctification is a reminder that Christians are called to a higher standard of living.

Verses 6-8: 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. For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but GOD, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.

Paul warns against wrongdoing and taking advantage of others, highlighting the seriousness of these actions by stating that the LORD will hold wrongdoers accountable. He reiterates the call to holiness, reinforcing that GOD desires purity and righteousness from His people. To reject this call is to reject GOD Himself, who has given believers His Spirit to empower them toward living a holy life.

Verses 9-10: But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of GOD to love one another. 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;

Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another, which demonstrates that they are indeed living out GOD’S command. However, he encourages them to continue growing in this area. Love should be an ever increasing part of the Christian life, extending beyond the local community to all believers.

Verses 11-12: And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

Paul advises the believers to lead a quiet life, focusing on their responsibilities and working diligently. This admonition encourages self-sufficiency and integrity in their interactions with those outside the faith. Living honestly reflects the character of JESUS CHRIST and can serve as a witness to non-believers.

Verses 13-14: 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. For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in JESUS will GOD bring with him.

Paul addresses concerns about those who have died (referred to as “asleep”), ensuring the Thessalonians that death is not the end for believers. The hope of resurrection is central to the Christian faith, providing comfort and assurance that those who have died in CHRIST will be raised to eternal life.

Verses 15-17: 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. 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: 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.

Paul provides a vivid description of the second coming of CHRIST, assuring believers that they will not be left out of GOD’S promised divine plan. The resurrection of the dead in CHRIST will happen first, followed by those who are alive. This promise of being “caught up” with the LORD in the air inspires great hope and anticipation for the future.

Verse 18: Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Paul concludes this vers with an exhortation to provide comfort to one another. The message of hope in the resurrection and the return of JESUS CHRIST should be a source of great encouragement and strength for believers, reinforcing their faith and unity as they face life’s challenges.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We thank You for the incredible truths found in “1 Thessalonians Chapter 4”. We are grateful for Your call to holiness and love, and we acknowledge that we can only fulfill this calling through the power of Your truth fulfilling Holy Spirit. Help us to live lives that are pleasing to You, to walk in holiness, and to love one another as You love us. Renew in us an eager anticipation for CHRIST’S return, and may this hope shape our lives and interactions with others. May we comfort each other with the promise of resurrection and eternal life with You. Lead us to abound more and more in love and good works.
Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!