Devotional about Short Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 4
Devotional: Living to Please God – A Study on 1 Thessalonians 4
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to live a life that is not only pleasing to God but also exemplary to non-believers. The importance of sanctification, brotherly love, hard work and living a quiet life are key themes that shape this chapter. Let’s delve deeper into these principles and reflect on how they apply to our daily living.
1. Walk in Holiness (v 3-8)
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 speaks about the call for Christians to walk in sanctification and holiness by abstaining from sexual immorality. Paul emphasizes that each person should learn to control their own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not lustful and passionate like the Gentiles who do not know God.
2. Brotherly Love (v 9-10)
Expressing sincere love to our fellow brethren is a command that flows from the heart of God. Paul acknowledges the Thessalonians’ love and urges them to increase this love for one another and for everyone else.
3. Lead a Quiet Life (v 11-12)
Here, Paul encourages the believers to lead a quiet life, mind their own business, work with their own hands and conduct themselves honorably in the eyes of outsiders. A peaceful and industrious life provides a strong Christian witness and reduces dependence upon others.
4. The Comfort of Christ’s Coming (v 13-18)
Finally, Paul comforts the Thessalonians regarding the fate of those who have died in Christ, assuring them that believers who are still alive at the coming of the Lord would not precede those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. This is a reassurance of our Great Hope – the return of Christ.
Journal Prompts:
- How can I apply the principles of living a holy, honorable life in my context today?
- How does the anticipation of Christ’s second coming affect my daily living?
- What practical steps can I take to express my love for others more generously?
- What would ‘leading a quiet life’ look like in my situation and how can I strive towards that?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I pray that you enable me to live a life pleasing to You, walking in sanctification and honor. Help me to extend Your love to others and to work diligently in all I do. May I always be comforted and guided by the hope of Your coming again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Social Posts:
- Our Great Hope is the return of Jesus. Let’s live each day in anticipation of His coming. #1Thess4 #LiveForJesus
- Called to holiness, commanded to love. Embracing biblical principles from 1 Thessalonians 4 today. #BibleStudy #LivingForGod
- Lead a quiet life, work with your hands, and show the love of Christ. Guidance from 1 Thessalonians 4. #GuidedByScripture
- Sanctification, brotherly love, honest work, hope in Christ’s return – key themes from 1 Thessalonians 4. Dive in with us! #BibleStudy
- In a world of chaos, we’re called to live a quiet life, to show Christ’s love through our words and actions. #1Thess4 #ChristianLiving
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Q&A about Short Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 4
Question: What is the central theme of 1 Thessalonians 4?
Answer: The central theme of 1 Thessalonians 4 is living a life that pleases God, specifically through sexual purity, brotherly love, and leading a quiet and productive life.
Question: What is the commandment that Paul recalls to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 4?
Answer: Paul recalls the commandment to live in holiness and honor, abstaining from sexual immorality.
Question: How does Paul encourage the Thessalonians to express their love for each other in 1 Thessalonians 4?
Answer: Paul encourages the Thessalonians to express their love by leading a quiet life, minding their own affairs, and working with their hands.
Question: What promise is given to the Thessalonians about those who have died?
Answer: In 1 Thessalonians 4, the Thessalonians are given the promise that those who have died in Christ will rise again when Jesus returns.
Question: What is the purpose of the instruction given in 1 Thessalonians 4, according to Paul?
Answer: According to Paul, the purpose of the instruction is to guide the Thessalonians in living a life pleasing to God and to reassure them about the destiny of believers who have died.
Question: What does Paul say about the second coming of Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4?
Answer: In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul states that Jesus will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ will be the first to rise, and then those who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.
Question: According to 1 Thessalonians 4, how should Christians behave?
Answer: Christians should lead a quiet life, mind their own business, work hard, live in holiness and honor, abstain from sexual immorality, and express love towards each other.
