1 The Gospel According to Paul First Thessalonians Lesson 6 “The first three chapters of…” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Page 25

2  He begins with “Finally” –This does not mean that Paul is closing his letter  In chapter 4, he is adding to the words at the end of chapter 3 (vs ) – blameless in holiness, love, and the Lord’s return  Today’s lesson covers: –Being blameless in holiness (1-8) –Having brotherly love (9-12)  The next lesson covers: –The coming of the Lord (4:13 – 5:6) First Thessalonians Chapter Four

3  He urges and exhorts them –That they should abound [to overflow] more and more –That they can do even better – do their best to be their very best –That they ought to walk and to please God “You Should Abound More And More…” 1Th 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

4  They knew the commandments for living pure lives in the Lord Jesus –Their heathen environment was so corrupt –The temptations were so strong  Paul needed to remind them again of the Lord’s expectations “For you know…” 1Th 4:2 for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

5  Their “sanctification” –Separation to God by a fitting course of life –It is fundamental to discipleship –It must regulate every aspect of the Christian experience  Their abstaining from sexual immorality –It was widespread in their society –In Corinth, the goddess Venus [the goddess of love], was rife with such sins –Pagan society did not disapprove of fornication “This Is The Will Of God…” 1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;

6  The human body is also called a “vessel” to be used by the spirit in pursuit of righteousness (2Cor. 4:7; 2Tim. 2:21)  The Thessalonians knew that they bodies were to be used in sanctification and honor –Not in passion of lust  They had left their carnal Gentile culture when they obeyed the gospel –Most Gentiles did not know God One’s “Own Vessel…” 1Th 4:4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 1Th 4:5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

7  There would be opportunities for misbehavior by men in the congregation –This would be sexual misbehavior with other men’s wives or other female members –This constitutes “taking advantage of and defrauding” his brother  The Lord is the avenger in such matters –Paul had earlier forewarned them of such punishment “The Lord Is The Avenger…” 1Th 4:6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

8  The church is saved individuals –Who have been “called out” from the practice of sin [uncleanness] –To engage in the practice of righteousness [holiness]  Separation [sanctification] from the world makes it totally inappropriate for the Lord’s people to continue in the ways of the world God Calls Us In Holiness 1Th 4:7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

9  These were God’s regulations, not man’s –They were delivered to the church by the Holy Spirit Himself –Sexual promiscuity is so serious and so dangerous –They must realize just how converted [changed] they must be  These regulations must not be ignored! 1Th 4:8 Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. God Calls Us In Holiness

10  Paul did not need to tell the disciples any more about the necessity of brotherly love –He discussed his love for them (2:7-12) –His prayer was that their love would increase and abound (3:12)  Brotherly love and Gentile love are vastly different –Gentile love was little more than an expression of lust and selfishness “Concerning brotherly love …” 1Th 4:9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

11  The church at Thessalonica had already compiled a good record of showing brotherly love to one another and to other disciples throughout Macedonia  Paul was urging them to increase more and more 1Th 4:10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; “Concerning Brotherly Love …”

12  To lead a quiet life,  To mind your own business,  To work with your own hands,  To walk properly toward those outside,  To lack nothing. The Saints Should Aspire [Strive] 1Th 4:11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 1Th 4:12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.