READ: 1 Thessalonians 4
There
are three main points Paul makes in this chapter. The first is the importance
of living pure and holy lives, especially in the area of sexual purity. The
second point Paul stresses is the importance of working hard and being
independent. Finally, Paul explains what happens to those who die and what will
happen to those who are still alive at the second coming of Christ.
The
Thessalonian believers likely came from a culture and lifestyle that was
sexually promiscuous. We know this from historical records, but Paul’s gentle
warning also confirms this. Paul encourages them by saying they are doing well
and growing, but they need to do this more and more. He pushes them to a higher
standard of holiness. He contrasts them to Gentiles who don’t know God. Those
who don’t know God still live in bondage to sexual sin, so he challenges them
to be different and live in the power of Christ. He gives them a stern warning.
He reminds them that this is not a man-made ‘rule’ but rather a requirement God
has placed on them, and to disobey could have eternal consequences. Sexual
purity is a really big deal to Paul because it is a really big deal to God.
In
regards to working hard, Paul encourages them regarding the growth he sees but
insists they need to keep improving. He acknowledges that their love is growing
and he is proud of them for that. However, it seems they are becoming dependent
on non-believers for their food, shelter, and well-being. It’s possible they
had gotten caught up with ministry or relationships to the point that they were
no longer working to support themselves. This puts a bad taste in the mouths of
non-believers. Christians need to be hard working and dependent on God while
using their gifts, talents, abilities and energy to provide what they need for
themselves and others. The way we work and live is a powerful message to the
non-believers around us as to the power of God in us. Paul warned the
Thessalonians about that, and he is warning us as well.
Finally,
in this chapter Paul takes a moment to answer a question that likely came to
him from them through Timothy. They wanted to know what happens to believers
after death. A common teaching in those days (much like today) is that death is
the end of life, with nothing after death – it’s just the end. Paul refutes
that belief. Paul taught that death in Christ is as temporary as sleeping. It
isn’t the end. Those who die in Christ will be woken up with the voice of the
Lord when He comes again. Paul encourages them with this. He wants them to know
their efforts are not wasted. Death is not the end. There is reward and
relationship after death. Our deaths are really an interruption in life, for a
few shorts years between our death and our bodily resurrection we are held back
from life. Those who escape death because they are still alive when Jesus
returns will be caught up together with them. At the coming of Christ all who
believe in Him will be gathered together, whether from life or from death. What
a blessed hope and future!
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Ask the Lord
to speak to you about your sexual purity. Are you doing well? Is there an area
of sexual impurity, no matter how small or hidden, that He wants to help you be
victorious over? Confess sin if there is any. Ask Him to speak to you about the
seriousness of sexual purity. Thank Him for His grace and help to overcome
these temptations, sins, and habits.
2. Ask the Lord
to speak to you about how well you are doing the following:
a. Working hard
to provide for yourself using the gifts and talents He’s given you;
b. Depending on
God to provide what you need and for all blessings; and
c. Being part of
a community that helps support those who cannot support themselves.
3. Spend a few
moments thinking about how your life would be different if you didn’t have
heaven to look forward to. Thank the Lord that your life will never come to an
end and you can spend eternity with Him if you have submitted to Him in this
life. Thank Him for making even the toughest struggle, trial and persecution
nothing in comparison to the beauty and joy of an eternity with Him.
