1. The passage encourages Christians to abound more in holiness through strict obedience to God's commands and avoidance of sexual immorality. 2. It addresses living honorably and avoiding defrauding others, as God will judge wrongdoers. 3. Christians are called to live quietly, avoid meddling in others' affairs, and work honestly, so as to set a good example for outsiders. 4. The passage comforts Christians concerning those who have died, explaining that the dead in Christ will be resurrected when Christ returns and believers will be caught up to meet him in the air.

1. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

2. 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!

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

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

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

6. 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?

7. Exhortations for a Living Christian (vs. 9-12) 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

8. Exhortations for a Living Christian (vs. 9-12) 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

9. 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?

10. 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

11. 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