1 Thessalonians 4 Bible Class

1 ThessaloniansChapter 4

Exhortations for a Living Christian (vs. 1-8)

• Abound more and more = More than enough to spare!

• What does more than enough mean? No room for complacency!

• Philippians 1:9-10• Vs. 2, “Commandments” – see

Acts 5:28, “strictly command” – we are under “strict commands from God!


• Vs. 3 – Your state of “sanctification” – or “purification” – separated to God.

• “Fornication” or “Sexual Immorality” – from the Greek word porneia – broad heading of sexual sin.

• See 1 Corinthians 6:15-19.• Vs. 4 – This is the “why” – Vessel

refers to one’s life – keeping one’s life in a sanctified and honorable fashion (2 Timothy 2:19ff)


• Vs. 5 – A Christian’s actions ought not be controlled by physical desires! (cf. Galatians 5:16ff; those who knew not God – Romans 1:21-28).

• Vs. 6 – Don’t defraud your brothers and sisters – “in this matter” = matter at hand. (applicable to any matter)

• God will judge evildoers – Hebrews 13:4; Eph. 5:3-6


• Vs. 7 – God doesn’t call us to sin – “uncleanness, impurity” – but rather to holiness – 2 Thess. 2:13-15

• Vs. 8 – Think twice about rejection!• Those who reject Paul’s writing are

rejecting God’s Word, given to Paul by the Holy Spirit.

• We must walk according to the Spirit’s direction, found in God’s Word – rejection of these things constitutes rejection of God. See also 1 Cor. 6:19

Questions

• How must we go “above and beyond” the call of duty?

• How does one’s behavior affect his/her honor?

• Are God’s commands elective, or optional? Discuss.

• Where/How do we apply the Scriptures’ teaching on fornication?


• Concerning brotherly love, they had no need for him to write to them.– Paul had likely taught them about it.– Paul had likely transferred “spiritual

gifts” to them (cf. 1 Cor. 12; Rom. 1:11).

• We are taught today, though, through the Bible. (1 Tim. 3:16-17)

• “Brother Love” = concept of good-will– As Christians, we have a new family.– Romans 12:10; Heb. 13:1


• Vs. 11 – Three Aspirations (Contrast these with Worldly Aspirations Titus 2:12):– A Quiet Life = “tranquility, no disturbance” – 1

Peter 3:4– Don’t be a “busybody” – we have

responsibilities toward others (cf. 1 Cor. 10:24, Gal. 6, etc., especially in brotherly love) – but we ought not be meddlers – 1 Peter 4:15-16

– Honest workers – Ephesians 4:28

• Vs. 12 – Walk properly in the sight of those outside the Church – Col. 4:5

Questions

• What are some ways to let brotherly love abound (more) with us?

• What are your tips for:–Living a “quiet life”?–Not being a busybody?–Being honest in work and

toward others?

Comfort Concerning the Sleeping (vs. 13-18)

• Didn’t want them to be “ignorant” concerning those who had “fallen asleep” – he wanted them to have this knowledge in their minds!

• Consider this: Timothy might have brought back a report about certain brethren dying, and the reaction that some had to it, possibly thinking that they had forfeited their eternal blessings since they died before Christ came.

• Vs. 14 – we believe Christ was raised, why would he not also bring others from the grave? Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:12ff

Comfort Concerning the Sleeping (vs. 13-18)

• Vs. 15 – those who are alive and remain will not precede those who are asleep.

• Vs. 16 – the Lord will descend from Heaven “with a shout” – voice of the archangel.

• Vs. 17 – We will be “caught up in the clouds” – he will not touch foot again on the earth.

• Vs. 18 – Oh what comfort!• Other passages dealing with the end of

time: John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:50-53; Matthew 25:31ff

Spiritual

1 Thessalonians 4 Bible Class