1 THESSALONIANS 4
3 Outlines
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
SUITABLE BEHAVIOR
Christians are supposed
to act like Christians! We are to follow
the example of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 John 2:6). In our text Paul calls for the Thessalonians
to behave in a way that is suitable to their calling as followers of Christ.
OUR CONCERN - TO PLEASE
GOD - VS. 1
THE LORD'S COMMANDS -
LEADING TO SANCTIFICATION - VSS. 2-6
GOD'S CALL - TO HOLINESS
- VSS. 7-8
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1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY
Some people live like
Christianity is something that is only practiced for an hour or two on Sunday.
However Christianity is
a very practical religion which is to be practiced all day, every day.
Here are some tips on
how to live a practical Christian life from the pen of Paul, who wrote by the
inspiration of God's Holy Spirit.
A HEAVENLY WORD - Vss.
9-10
We are taught by God to
love one another. The Greek word here for brotherly love is "phileo", which refers to brotherly love. It is the love that comes from being in the
same family, the family of God. This love comes from having the same Heavenly
Father. This love says, "Other Christians are family and therefore I have
a family type of love for them."
The stronger word for
love, a form of the word "agape" in the Greek is used later in this
verse. This type of love is a proof of regeneration (John
Not only were the
Thessalonians taught to love one another, but also they did it! (Vs. 10)
They were to work at
getting better at loving each other. They were to increase or abound in their
love for each other. Just as a good
athlete should now be satisfied with his accomplishments, but always try to do
better, so should the Christian never be satisfied and always try to love more.
A HOLY WORK - Vs. 11
"Study to be
quiet" - The word "study" means to "strive earnestly".
This means that we are to work at being quiet within our Spirit. As we are
quiet within our spirits, we will be quiet in our handling of the difficulties
that come our way.
"Do your own
business" - As Christians we should "mind our own business".
There is a time to "bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2), but
we are not to be busybodies.
"Work with your own
hands" - The Macedonians were known for being on the lazy side. They did
not necessarily like to work. They were told here to care of business by
working with their own hands.
AN HONEST WALK - Vs. 12
Our testimony as
Christians is extremely important. If we walk honestly, doing our own business,
and loving each other, we will have a good testimony towards those who are
without Christ. Also, God will bless by
providing for our needs. God will not provide supernaturally for our needs when
we are being lazy or stingy. Philippians 4:18-19
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
THE RAPTURE
Many Christians are looking for the second coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ. The event, known as the Rapture will feature the
resurrection of dead saints and the rising of living to meet Jesus in the air.
PROBLEM OF SORROW Vs. 13
It's easy to sorrow for a loved one. Paul reminds us that when we sorrow for a
dead Christian, we are not to sorrow as those without hope.
PROMISE FOR THOSE ASLEEP Vss. 14-15
Those who are "asleep" (dead Christians)
will be raptured with the living Christians.
PROCEDURE FOR THE RAPTURE Vss. 16-17
The dead in Christ shall rise first, followed by
Christians who are alive at the time of Jesus' coming.
PURPOSE FOR THESE WORDS Vs. 18
This teaching about the rapture should be used to
comfort fellow Christians in times of sorrow.
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