6/30/18
Tom Lowe
Lesson : To Please God (1Th 4:1-2)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 (NIV)
1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Lesson 9
Introduction
Chapters 1, 2 and 3 are complete in themselves, carrying a complete message for the believers in Thessalonica. Paul had accomplished the chief object for which he began the epistle—which was that of assuring the believers of his deep interest in their welfare (spiritually and otherwise), and to express to them heartfelt sympathy because of their persecution as well as explaining how he had longed to return to them but Satan had prevented his doing so. These things were uppermost in his mind and rested heavily upon his heart. Thus the first three chapters carry a complete message to the Christians at Thessalonica. Throughout this letter the apostle expresses his concern for spiritual advance in the Thessalonian church; the subject has come up a number of times, but in Chapter 4 he gives it more concentrated attention.
Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians addresses a very serious matter. He underlines it with the double injunction, “we ask you and urge you.” The two verbs have their own proper meanings, but in this context the difference is not important; they simply reinforce one another, and the combination gives emphasis to the apostle’s request. The affectionate “brothers” fits into this pattern, for Paul is putting the right way before people who were dear friends of his. Indeed, it is this which makes his exhortation so very important to him. He exhorts them “in the Lord Jesus.” That is to say, he is not taking up any position of superiority, nor, on the other hand, is his attitude one of hesitant timidity. He speaks as one who has authority committed to him by the Lord. He speaks as one who has “the mind of Christ” [“for, ‘who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16).] He speaks to people who themselves are in Christ.
However, Paul could not let the occasion go by without also admonishing and exhorting the believers concerning certain subjects and doctrines in which they needed further guidance and instruction. Chief among these was the misunderstanding that had arisen concerning the second coming of the Lord Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13; 5:11); but before Paul dealt with that subject there were a few things he wished to say to them about morals and their conduct toward each other. We will find these subjects discussed in chapter four and to some degree, in chapter five.
It is significant that Paul puts these things first in his exhortation, for surely his heart was bursting with the desire to instruct them concerning the Rapture, which he calls, “the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
The Christian life can be compared to a walk. The Christian life begins with a step of faith. But that step leads to a walk of faith, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Walking suggests progress, and we must make progress in the Christian life (Philippians 3:13-16; Hebrews 6:1). Walking also demands strength, and God has promised, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).
But we must be sure to “walk in the light” for the enemy has set traps and detours to catch us (1 John 1:5-7). Of course, at the end of life’s walk, we will step into the very presence of the Lord.
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 (NIV)
1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
Paul wrote to young Christians in a vulgar, promiscuous society much like ours to live “blameless and holy in the presence of our God” (3:13). He then instructed them on “how to live in order to please God.” God’s word reveals what to believe and how to live—a blend of belief and behavior, of words and works, and of motives and action.
It may seem strange that Paul would go to such lengths to instill sexual purity in a Christian congregation; but two things have to be remembered:
• First, the Thessalonian had only recently come into the Christian faith and they had come from a society in which chastity was an unknown virtue; they were still in the midst of such a society and the infection of it was playing upon them all the time. It would be exceedingly difficult for them to unlearn what they had for all their lives accepted as natural.
• Second, there never was an age in history when marriage vows were so disregarded and divorce so disastrously easy. The phrase which we have translated “that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable (4:4),” could be translated “that each of you may possess his own wife in consecration and in honor.”
Have you ever asked yourself questions like these? How can I please God? What are His boundaries? What does He want? What are His demands for me? In view of my love for Him, what are my obligations to Him? Paul explains it clearly “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified [holy]” (4:3). I am made entirely by a specific work of God in response to my wholehearted surrender to Him. I can never grow into holiness, but once made pure and empowered by God’s Spirit, I can grow “in” holiness. The concept appears here in Paul’s sentence, “For God wants you to be holy and pure” (4:3, TLB). Throughout Scripture, God promised to deliver us not only from the punishment of sin but also from the power of sin. Thus, “conscientious obedience to the known will of God is . . . the . . . foundation for success and growth in the Christian life.” When anyone is saved by the work of Christ, they are not completely free to decide whether they will serve God or not. He has been bought with a price [“you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:20).]. He has become a slave of Christ. Christian service is not an optional extra for those who like that sort of thing. It is a compelling obligation that lies on each one of the redeemed.
The redeemed of Thessalonica could certainly say, “I please God by living a holy life in an unholy world. It is also beneficial for me to experience the highest quality of life that holiness, purity, and blamelessness provide.” Paul then goes on to explain safe boundaries within which I can walk2 in joyful fellowship with Jesus. Walking is connected with pleasing God. The whole Christian life is God-centered. Christians do not “walk” with a view to obtaining the maximum amount of satisfaction for themselves but in order to please their Lord [elsewhere Paul warns against walking in evil paths, (2 Cor. 4:23; 10:2).]. Paul does not specify any particular way in which they should “please” God, for he is concerned with the entirety of the individual life. Paul states specific boundaries for a life that pleases God. Though these are not the only boundaries, they are ones Paul chooses to emphasize to the young Christians in Thessalonica. God has established these boundaries for believers in all generations. That includes all of us.
Paul asks the believers at Thessalonica to consider these things because of him; they are his converts, and he does not want them to disgrace him through immorality or any other sin of the flesh or sin against each other. He also exhorts them because of their duty to Christ, since they are children of God. In other words, “because you are Christians you should practice these things every moment of everyday.”
There are many things Christians can do and not lose their salvation and burn in hell; but there are many things Christians should not do because they are Christians. We are the children of God, and the world judges God by our daily living. Those who will not read the Bible will read every move we make and every word we speak. Someone has said, “You are the only Bible this careless world will read. You are the sinner’s Gospel; you are the scoffer’s creed.” Paul who has this truth in mind as he begs the believers at Thessalonica to be sanctified in soul, spirit and body, to live blameless and above reproach, because they are in the church in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:15-19).
The duty of pleasing God day by day in every aspect of living was a part of Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians. He declared that all they did, all they said and all that they were should be in the light of “pleasing God.” In verse 2:4 Paul speaks of himself and Silas as being governed in everything they did by the thought of “pleasing God,” and in verse 15 of chapter 2 Paul pours out judgment and condemnation on the Jews because they were not pleasing God. The conduct of the believer—always, in all things—should please God, and if we do not please Him we are automatically displeasing Him, because there is no middle-of-the-road with God.
Everybody lives to please somebody. Many people live to please themselves. They have no sensitivity to the needs of others. Christians cannot go through life pleasing only themselves [“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).] Religion is a life which finds its chief joy in divine approval—“And to please God.” It is, possible, then, to live in a manner that pleases God. What a powerful incentive that is to a holy life?the Lord takes pleasure in His people! We can rise no higher in moral excellence than to be acceptable to God. To enjoy the sense of His approval fills the cup of happiness to the brim.
We like to look forward to the day when we shall be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. But, my friend, in the meantime our feet are down here on the ground and we need to do some walking. We are to walk in a way that will please God. How do we know what pleases God? The same way we know what pleases an earthly father. By listening to him and living with him. As we read the Word, and as we fellowship in worship and service, we get to know the heart of God; and this opens us up to the will of God.
Paul was admonishing the believers—not censuring them. He was sure they were walking in the true path1, but he wished with all of his heart that they would continue in that straight and narrow way. He urged them to continue walking as they had walked; he did not want them to come to a spiritual standstill. He wanted them to abound “more and more,” to become stronger and stronger and to launch more deeply into spiritual things, thereby becoming better soldiers in the great army of the Lord.
Nowhere does Paul complain that the Thessalonians had not been living out the Christian life. They had heeded the exhortation when it was originally given (1:34, 6-10, etc.), and Timothy’s report showed that they were still putting it into practice. He lets them know that he has not forgotten their achievement. But the Christian can never rest satisfied. So Paul urges them to venture further into spiritual things. The substance of his exhortation is that they should abound “more and more.” Here Paul is concerned with the thought that Christians are to grow continually. Their lives are to be far from static. Ironically, it can be said of them that they are the slaves of Christ and at the same time that they are the freest of people. [“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).] The Thessalonians are under the necessity of living to please God, but far from leading them into a narrow and cramped existence; this opened for them the door to the abundant life. [“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10).]
Special notes and Scripture
1) The exhortation and instruction given by Paul is based upon the report brought back by Timothy.
2) He is concerned with the whole of the Christian life, “how you must walk and please God, and then, he goes on to speak of “abounding.” “Walk” is commonly employed, especially by Paul and John, as a way of referring to the entirety of a believer’s manner of living (2:2).
3) “Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.”(2 Corinthians 4:2)
4) “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
This gives a reminder that their conversion bound them over to a life of obedience. For they had been ransomed from the dominion of sin in order to serve the Lord in perfect freedom [“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).]. What Paul therefore means is that he had delivered these charges2 to them on the authority of the Lord Jesus. As an apostle in living union with Christ, Paul’s commission is not limited to recalling the words of Jesus; the absolute authority he claims for these commandments is that of the exalted Lord himself. The magnitude of this claim should make those who parade their fresh revelations today pause and ponder whether they really measure up to it!
In this letter Paul is reminding the believers of the things he taught them while he was with them and to assure his readers that he is doing no more than to lead them along the way he had showed them then. “You know,” he said, calling them to witness to the truth of what he is saying. In verse 11 we read, “and that ye study to be quiet . . . Do your own business . . . . Work with your own hands . . . as we commanded you.” Also note 2 Thessalonians 3:4. Here the Greek word suggests an announcement (or advice) publicly delivered. In 1 Timothy 1:3 and 18 the heart and soul of practical teaching as having to do with Christianity is referred to as a “charge.”
The exhortation (or charge) is given “by the authority of the Lord Jesus”; it did not originate with Paul. Notice 2 Thessalonians 3:6: “. . . in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This admonition appealed to the believers as having to do with their standing and relationship to Christ, who is coming in glory to reward each and every believer in righteousness. Since we know that He will come “as a thief in the night” we should be alert and blameless every moment of every day. These were not new charges or new commandments delivered unto the believers at Thessalonica, for they well remembered Paul’s preaching while he was with them in person.
Special notes and Scripture
1) The exhortation and instruction given by Paul is based upon the reporter brought back by Timothy.
2) The word “charges” has a military flavor and “is strictly used for commands received from a superior and transmitted to others”?“who, having received such a charge, cast them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.” (Acts 16:24).
