In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul speaks to us about how we are called to live lives that please God. He urges us to continue growing in holiness, love, and hope, reminding us that our faith is not just about what we believe but about how we live. This chapter provides encouragement, correction, and hope for the future, reinforcing the idea that our journey with God is ongoing and that we should strive daily to become more like Christ.
Paul begins by reminding us that we have already been taught how to live in a way that pleases God. However, he encourages us to do even more, emphasizing that growth in faith is a continuous process. We are never meant to be stagnant in our walk with God; rather, we should always be seeking ways to grow, improve, and strengthen our relationship with Him. Paul reassures us that we are not left without guidance—God’s will for our lives is clear: we are called to holiness.
A key area Paul highlights is purity, specifically urging us to abstain from sexual immorality. He reminds us that our bodies are meant to be treated with honor and that we should not live in lust like those who do not know God. This call to purity is not simply a rule to follow but a way of living that reflects our devotion to God. When we choose holiness over impurity, we demonstrate our commitment to Him and set ourselves apart in a way that honors His name. Paul warns that disregarding this instruction is not merely ignoring human advice but rejecting God Himself, who gives us His Holy Spirit. This reminds us that God’s standards are not arbitrary; they come from His perfect wisdom and love for us.
Paul then shifts the focus to brotherly love, acknowledging that God has already taught us how to love one another. However, just as with holiness, he urges us to continue growing in this area. Love is not something we master once and then move on from—it is an ongoing practice that requires daily effort. He encourages us to lead quiet lives, mind our own business, and work with our hands so that our way of life will earn the respect of others. This is a practical reminder that our faith should be evident in our actions. We do not need to seek attention or validation from the world, but by living with integrity, we become a witness to God’s truth.
As Paul continues, he turns to a subject that weighs heavily on all of us: death and the hope we have in Christ. The Thessalonians were concerned about their fellow believers who had died, wondering what would happen to them when Christ returned. Paul reassures us that we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Because Jesus died and rose again, we can have confidence that God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Christ. This is a powerful reminder that our hope is not based on wishful thinking but on the resurrection of Jesus Himself.
Paul then gives us a glimpse of what will happen when Christ returns. He describes how the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet call of God. At that moment, those who have died in Christ will rise first, and then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. This passage is often referred to when people speak about the rapture, a moment when believers will be gathered to be with Christ forever. The emphasis here is on the incredible hope we have—that death is not the end, and that one day, we will be united with Christ and with those who have gone before us.
Paul’s final words in this chapter are an encouragement: “Therefore comfort one another with these words.” He is reminding us that the truth of Christ’s return is not meant to be something we fear but something that gives us hope. When we face loss or uncertainty, we can hold onto the promise that Jesus is coming back and that those who belong to Him will be with Him forever.
This chapter challenges us to examine our lives and ask whether we are truly living in a way that pleases God. Are we growing in holiness, or are we holding onto things that pull us away from Him? Are we loving one another as we should, or are we letting selfishness take over? Are we living with hope, or are we allowing fear and uncertainty to cloud our faith? Paul’s words serve as both encouragement and correction, guiding us toward a life that reflects the goodness of God.
Through this passage, we see that holiness, love, and hope are essential to our faith. We are called to live in a way that honors God, to love others deeply, and to rest in the assurance that Christ will return. As we continue our journey, let us take these words to heart, striving each day to grow closer to God and to live in the hope of His promises.