1. 1 Thessalonians 4
Excel Still More

2. Paul’s 2nd Preaching Trip (Acts 15-18)

3. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”

4. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”

5. 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”
Tension – not from false teaching or moral deficiency, but from persecution, separation, and concern

6. Paul’s Prayer (3:11-13)

7. Paul’s Prayer (3:11-13)
Demonstrates awareness of the spiritual realm

8. Paul’s Prayer (3:11-13) Demonstrates awareness of the spiritual realm
Shows an understanding of and an appeal to God’s power

9. Paul’s Prayer (3:11-13) Demonstrates awareness of the spiritual realm
Shows an understanding of and an appeal to God’s power
How does the Lord “cause” us to increase and abound in love? (see Ezek. 34:24-32)

10. Paul’s Prayer (3:11-13) Demonstrates awareness of the spiritual realm
Shows an understanding of and an appeal to God’s power
How does the Lord “cause” us to increase and abound in love? (see Ezek. 34:24-32)
Leads to confidence in God’s ability to cause growth even in Paul’s absence

11. Excel Still More (4:1-12)

12. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The will of God – our sanctification (generic rather than specific)

13. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The will of God – our sanctification (generic rather than specific)
“Abstain from sexual immorality” (porneia – broad & inclusive term)

14. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The will of God – our sanctification (generic rather than specific)
“Abstain from sexual immorality” (porneia – broad & inclusive term)
Because it rejects our God-given identity & purpose

15. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The will of God – our sanctification (generic rather than specific)
“Abstain from sexual immorality” (porneia – broad & inclusive term)
Because it rejects our God-given identity & purpose
Because it defrauds our brethren

16. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The will of God – our sanctification (generic rather than specific)
“Abstain from sexual immorality” (porneia – broad & inclusive term)
Because it rejects our God-given identity & purpose
Because it defrauds our brethren
Because it invites vengeance from the Lord

17. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The love of the brethren – “you yourselves are taught by God”

18. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The love of the brethren – “you yourselves are taught by God”
Lead a quiet life, attend to your own business, work with your hands – how do these relate to excelling in love? (see Ephesians 4:28)

19. Ephesians 4:28
28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

20. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The love of the brethren – “you yourselves are taught by God”
Lead a quiet life, attend to your own business, work with your hands – how do these relate to excelling in love? (see Ephesians 4:28)

21. Excel Still More (4:1-12)
The love of the brethren – “you yourselves are taught by God”
Lead a quiet life, attend to your own business, work with your hands – how do these relate to excelling in love? (see Ephesians 4:28)
The life of a Christian is marked by progress and a commitment to excel – this leads to true growth.