Author: Will

1 Thessalonians 4:11 – Love, Don’t Meddle

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that you also Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you,

Truth to Learn

Loving others is right. Meddling in their affairs is wrong.

 

Behind the Words

“Ambition” is translated from the Greek word philotimeomai. This big word is composed of philos, meaning “a friend” along with a form of timē, meaning “honor.” So, literally it means “to be fond of honor.” In general usage it means “to be ambitious of something honorable” or “to be eager to do something honorable.” This word is never used of ambition to do something dishonorable or bad.

The words “to lead a quiet life” are from the Greek verb hēsuchadzō, a form of hēsuchos, meaning “quiet or still.” Hēsuchadzō means “to live quietly” or “to be quiet.”

The words “to mind your own business” are from prassein ta idia. Prassein is a form of prassō, meaning “to make a practice of.” The Greek word ta means “things.” And idia means “pertaining to yourself.” Thus, this expression means “to practice your own things” or “to mind your own affairs.”

“To work with your hands” is a very literal translation of ergadzesthai tais chersin. Paul recognizes the value of hard work and he saw no dishonor in manual labor. He himself worked as a tent maker to provide for himself while he was also performing the ministry that God had given him to do.

 

Meaning Explained

As we have noted previously, the Christians in Thessalonica had a reputation for being very loving toward others. Paul commended them for this, but challenged them to add abundantly to this practice. In order to show love to others, however, it is often necessary to know what is going on in the lives of others. But this presents a dilemma and a fine line that should not be crossed.

Some people are natural care givers while others have to work at it. The problem is that care givers sometimes get carried away, meddling in the private affairs of others, wanting to know more details than is necessary and giving advice on matters that they should leave alone. These people sometimes get so wrapped up in the lives of others that they become quick to give advice and slow to do their own things.

These are the people (and problems) that Paul is addressing in today’s verse. Yes, it’s important to show love to our brothers and sisters in the Lord. It’s just as important, however, to be a silent witness of the love of Christ. Yes, it’s important to assist others who are going through difficult times. It’s just as important to mind your own affairs and get your own work done.

In fact, the Thessalonians had such a difficult time in showing love without crossing the line into being meddlesome that in his second letter to them he had to tell them:

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. (2 Thessalonians 3:11)

 

Application

We all need to work hard at showing love for others, for those inside the church as well as those outside the church. But, we need to work just as hard at not becoming meddlesome, rather minding our own business. Our testimony to others depends on us being Christ-like in everything we say and do. Does your love of others look like Jesus in action?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:10 – Increase Your Love

Posted on by Will

and indeed you do so toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, that you increase even more;

Truth to Learn

We need to greatly increase our love for all Christians.

 

Behind the Words

The words “you do” are translated from the Greek verb poieō, meaning “to make” or “to do.”

The word translated “urge” is parakaleō, which we have looked at several times before. It is made up of para, meaning “near, in the vicinity of, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” It is a picture of a coach being called alongside an athlete to encourage, comfort, and challenge him or her.

“Increase” is translated from perisseuō, which is the verb form of perissos, meaning “abundant” or “excessive.” Perisseuō means “to be in excess” or “to be full to the point of overflowing.”

Mallon is the Greek word translated “even more.” It means “much more.” When combined with perisseuō it indicates a huge increase which is what Paul is urging the Thessalonians to accomplish in loving each other.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul began his teaching regarding how we are to conduct our lives, both with regard to our brothers and sisters in Christ and to those outside the church. He told the Thessalonians that they already knew about loving their Christian brothers, having learned this love from God Himself.

Now he gives them a few words of affirmation, demonstrating that he is aware that they do indeed practice love for all Christians in their part of the world. Back in the first chapter of this letter, Paul remembered how hard they worked (labored) at loving others (1 Thessalonians 1:3) and noted that they were good examples to Christians throughout Macedonia (the northern part of modern day Greece) and Achaia (the southern part of modern day Greece).

But – when it comes to demonstrating love in our lives, we can’t simply rely on our reputation, and we can never assume that the amount of love we are currently showing is good enough. Even though Paul tells them that they are “doing” love toward all Christians, he now challenges them to do it even more. And, he doesn’t simply tell them (and us) to increase their (our) love a little bit. He coaches them, he urges them, he challenges them, like an athlete in a race, to increase their love exceedingly.

Take note that Paul does not simply bark out commands to those under his ministry and expect them to perform without any help, he spends time in prayer asking God to give them the ability to follow his advice (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

 

Application

We need to put more effort into loving others. Even though we may think we’re doing all we can, we need to do more – much more. Remember that our Lord told us that this is how others will know that we are His disciples (John 13:35). How is your love for your brothers? Is it strong, is it openly demonstrated? Good! Now, increase that love – a lot!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:9 – The Christian Birthmark

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But concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

Truth to Learn

Brotherly love is the birthmark of a true Christian.

 

Behind the Words

The words “brotherly love” are from the Greek word philadelphia, which is made up of philos, meaning “a friend” and adelphos, meaning “a brother.” This word refers to the kind of personal fondness that good friends have for one another.

The words “you have” is from the verb echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” In some translations this is written as “we have”; however, the best Greek manuscripts have it written in the second person plural form, meaning “you (plural) have.”

“Need” is translated from cheira, which properly means “employment.” By implication, however, it refers to “an occasion, a requirement, or a necessity.”

“Theodidactos” is the Greek adjective translated “taught by God.” This word is made up of theos, meaning “God, or some deity” and a form of the verb didaskō, meaning “to teach.” Thus theodidactos literally means “taught by God.”

The words “to love” are from the infinitive form of agapē, which refers to “a self-sacrificing God-love.”

“One another” is from the Greek plural reciprocal pronoun allēlous, meaning “each other” or “one another.”

 

Meaning Explained

The Apostle Paul spent the first three chapters of this letter to the Thessalonians assuring them of his love and concern for them. In this fourth chapter he began his doctrinal teaching for the church. Through the first eight verses of this chapter, he taught about avoiding sexual immorality, specifically fornication and, instead, living a life of holiness.

Now he switches his teaching to how we should live our lives both within and outside the church. Within the church we should all exhibit a genuine fondness for our brothers and sisters in the faith. He starts off with “you have no need that anyone should write to you concerning brotherly love.” In other words, the Christians in Thessalonica had already learned and were demonstrating that they had a genuine love for the brothers.

It is also interesting that Paul tells them that they learned this love for each other, not from some preacher of other people in the church, but they learned it from God. So how does God teach us to love one another? God the Father taught us how to love each other when He gave His only begotten Son to die for us. God the Son taught us to love one another when he said, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another” (John 13:34). And the Holy Spirit taught us to love one another when He poured out the love of God in our hearts (Romans 5:5) when we trusted in Christ as our personal Savior. This love for one another is the defining characteristic of a Christian, a mark of the new birth of true Christians (1 John 4:7).

 

Application

The best way we can demonstrate the genuiness of our new birth is to exhibit the love we have for others in the Church. Can people see how real your faith is in the way you treat other Christians?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:8 – Spirit-filled Living

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Consequently he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives us His Holy Spirit.

Truth to Learn

We live godly lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Behind the Words

“Consequently” is translated from toigaroun, an old double compound word which is made up of three separate Greek words. The first is toi, which indicates a contrast to what was just said. The second word is gar, a particle which assigns a reason, often translated “for.” The third word is oun, meaning “then” or “therefore.” The full impact of this word is best understood by the English word “consequently.” This word is used only here and in Hebrews 12:1.

The word translated “rejects” is atheteō, which is made up of the negative particle a and thetos, referring to something that has been put in place. Atheteō refers to removing something from its rightful place, that is, “to cast off or to reject.”

The word “gives” is from the Greek verb didōmi, which means “to give of one’s own accord and with good will.” This word does not indicate the act of giving out of obligation or as a result of something done, it indicates giving strictly out of the goodness of one’s heart. In some translations it is expressed in the aorist tense (has given). Most of the better manuscripts, however, have this verb as a participle in the present tense, indicating current, ongoing action.

 

Meaning Explained

Having spoken very firmly about the evils of fornication (sex outside the bounds of marriage), Paul now concludes this particular teaching with a stern warning. This warning is to those who would reject his teaching on this subject, who would instead cling to following their own lusts. He says, “Anyone who rejects this teaching is not rejecting human wisdom and instruction, he is rejecting God’s teaching.”

The second half of this verse has differing readings depending on which manuscripts are being translated. The better manuscripts would be translated as “who is giving you His Holy Spirit.” Paul is not trying to justify his statement that this is God’s teaching by claiming to be a channel of the Holy Spirit (which certainly is true of all the writers of Scripture). He is, rather, emphasizing the statement that he made in the previous verse (… but in holiness). All Christians have been called to live a life of holiness (separation from the world and dedicated to God), and God is continually supplying us with His Holy Spirit in order to enable us to live a holy life.

This should not be interpreted as God giving us His Spirit at times and taking it away at others because we have been sealed with the Spirit, and He has been permanently given to us as a guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13, 14) which cannot be taken away. Nonetheless, we are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and there are many examples of believers being filled with the Spirit at times (Acts 2:4, Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 13:9, 52). Paul’s teaching here is that in order for us to resist the lustful temptations of fornication and to live a sanctified life, we must do so by the power of His Spirit. God knows our weaknesses and provides us with the Holy Spirit’s power to resist temptation if we are willing to accept His help.

 

Application

Living a life separated from worldliness and dedicated to Godliness can only be accomplished through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Lord God, fill us with Your Spirit!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness

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For God did not call us for uncleanness, but in holiness.

Truth to Learn

We are to avoid uncleanness and separate ourselves to God.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “call” is kaleō. This word primarily means “to call out to someone, inviting him or her to come or to go somewhere.”

“For” is translated from epi, which can mean “on, upon, or over,” but it can also be used as a preposition of purpose and can be translated as “for.” Used in this way it means “on the basis of.”

“Uncleanness” is from the Greek word akatharsia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” or “without” and a form of the verb kathairō, meaning “to cleanse.” Thus, akatharsia refers to “the state or condition of not being cleansed; in other words, unclean.”

The word “in” is translated from the preposition en, which refers to a position at rest within something (not movement into or movement out of, but in).

Hagiasmos is the Greek word translated “holiness.” We saw this word back in verse three. Hagiasmos indicates “separation from sin and dedication to God.”

 

Meaning Explained

In this portion of Paul’s letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he has been giving doctrinal instruction regarding fornication (sexual activity with anyone other than one’s husband or wife). He started off by saying that we should keep ourselves away from such activity and, instead, care for and nurture the person to whom we are married. Our relationship with our husband or wife should not be based on lust, and we should not go beyond the proper bounds of marriage in this matter.

Now Paul tells us why this particular teaching is consistent with what God wants for us. He says that this (sinful sexual activity) is not the purpose for which God called us. Through His holy Word (the Bible), God calls each one of us to follow Him, but there are two aspects of this calling. The first is the “general call.” In Matthew 22:14, as part of His parable of the wedding feast, Jesus said:

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

The second aspect of God’s calling is sometimes referred to as the “effectual call.” This refers to the calling in which those who hear His call respond to it by submitting to His will and following Him. This aspect of God’s calling is referred to numerous times in the New Testament (see Romans 1:6, 7; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 1:2, 9, 26, Galatians 1:15, 5:13; Ephesians 4:1, 4, etc.)

Paul tells the Thessalonians that we were not called on the basis of uncleanness, but in holiness. The contrast between these two conditions (uncleanness and holiness) is further emphasized by Paul’s use of different prepositions (epi and en). God expects us to live our lives in a holy manner. He expects us to live our lives separated from the sinful practices of the world and to remain dedicated and devoted to Him.

 

Application

Living a life separated from the sinfulness of the world and remaining dedicated to following God is not easy! It is a constant struggle for all Christians, but it is the life that He has called us to. It can only be accomplished by constant prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you committed to that?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:6 – Avoid The Avenger

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that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.

Truth to Learn

Don’t deceive, either in business or in marriage.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “take advantage” is huperbainō, which is made up of huper, meaning “over” or “beyond” and bainō, meaning “to go.” Thus it means “to go beyond (what is right)” or “to go too far.”

“Defraud” is translated from pleonekteō. This word is made up of pleiōn, which means “more in quantity or quality” and a form of echō, meaning “to have.” As used in the New Testament, pleonekteō properly means “to have more than someone else.” Through usage it has come to mean “to have an advantage over someone else,” then, to mean “to take advantage of someone else” or “to take something by means of fraud.”

The word “matter” is from pragma, which means “a business matter” or “a deed.”

Ekdikos is the Greek word translated “avenger.” It is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and dikē, meaning “justice.” Ekdikos refers to “one who executes justice,” that is, “one who gets revenge” or “one who punishes.”

 

Meaning Explained

There are two main interpretations of this verse. Some claim that Paul is now talking about business matters in general. Others say that it is a continuation of Paul’s teaching about fornication (sex with someone other than one’s marriage partner.)

Those who hold to the former interpretation explain that Paul is teaching the wrong of transgressing the bounds of justice and cheating, or taking unfair advantage, of someone in a business transaction. This could be in the form of tricking someone into purchasing something for more than it is really worth or intentionally violating a contract in order to gain at the expense of the other party in the contract. Clearly, this is not the behavior that God expects from His children, and Paul warns that God will execute revenge against any Christian who conducts business in this manner.

Others point out, however, that Paul refers to such action in “the matter,” not in “a matter.” Therefore, they say that it is clear that he is referring to the matter currently being spoken of (fornication). He says that no one should “go beyond what is right” regarding sexual relations. It is right that a married man and woman should enjoy the sexual act which God approves of, and it is wrong to go beyond the bounds of marriage and engage in sexual relations with anyone else. He also says that it is wrong to take advantage of someone else, that is, taking advantage of someone else’s wife.

If this second interpretation is the correct explanation of what Paul is teaching here, why does he talk about taking advantage of his “brother” and not of his “sister?” The only way this could be interpreted is if the sexual immorality is committed between a man and his (spiritual) brother’s wife. But the fornication that Paul is talking about refers to sexual activity between a married person and another person to whom he or she is not married (whether the other person is married or not).

Whichever interpretation you accept (I believe the first interpretation is correct), Paul makes it clear that the one committing the fraud should expect that God will stand on the side of the one being wronged and will take vengeance on the one committing the wrong.

 

Application

Whether in the sanctity of the marriage bed or business transactions, God will take vengeance against the evil doer. I don’t know about you, but I would rather have God as my defense attorney, not as the prosecuting attorney, because He always wins his case and He is the ultimate avenger.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:5 – Uncontrolled Desires?

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not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

Truth to Learn

Uncontrolled passion is bad for a marriage and Christian faith.

 

Behind the Words

The word translated “passion” is pathos, which is derived from the verb paschō, meaning “to suffer.” In general usage it refers to strong emotion, either as suffering or as passionate emotion. In the New Testament it is used twice with epithumia (strong desire), and once with atimia (dishonorable).

“Lust” is from the Greek word epithumia, which is made up of epi, meaning “on” or “over,” used as an intensifier, and thumos, meaning “an violent action of the mind” such as anger or strong desire. Thus epithumos refers to overly strong desire or lust.

Ethnos is the Greek word translated “Gentiles.” It refers to “a nation” or “a race of people.” In Hebrew writing it generally refers to all non-Jews. When Paul used the term he often means all peoples who are neither Christian nor Jewish. In the current verse he makes it clear that he is talking about non-Christians.

 

Meaning Explained

In the first three chapters of this letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul put considerable time and energy into addressing the concerns of the church there. They were under considerable persecution and some believed that Paul had deserted them, fleeing from the same persecution they were suffering. In response, he expressed in very tender terms how much he loved them and was concerned about their welfare. He also informed them that he had tried to return to them but was hindered. Therefore, he had sent Timothy to them to help them grow in their faith. Upon Timothy’s return, Paul learned that the Thessalonians had a strong faith and had as much fondness for Paul as he did for them.

Paul then began the doctrinal teaching portion of this letter. The first subject that he addressed head-on was that of sexual promiscuity, which seems to have crept into the church. This is not surprising, since Macedonia and Achaia (all of modern day Greece) were dominated by paganism. The practices of these pagan religions frequently involved acts of sexuality. In fact, many of these religions employed temple prostitutes as part of their “religious” observances.

One of the difficulties for recent converts to Christianity was, and is, separating themselves from the pleasurable (though sinful) practices that they had previously thought to be normal and acceptable. One of the major differences between religion and Christianity, however, is the fact that God does not want religious observance from us, He wants a relationship. He wants more than a casual relationship, He wants an intimate relationship, and promiscuity destroys intimacy, whether it occurs before marriage or within a marriage. He tells them here that the way to avoid the desire for extra-marital affairs is for a man to nurture and care for his wife (or wife-to-be), developing an intimate relationship with her, not based on passionate lust.

Marriage is a picture of our relationship with God. It is one of submissive fellowship and genuine love. Clinging to and putting your faith in anything other than God is like infidelity in a marriage, it damages the relationship and fellowship.

 

Application

You may not have a problem with uncontrolled passion and lust in your marriage, but do you have a problem with selfish desires and unfaithfulness in your relationship with God?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:4 – Sacred and Honorable

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that each of you should know how to acquire his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

Truth to Learn

Sex within a marriage is undefiled, sacred, and honorable.

 

Behind the Words

Eidō it the Greek word translated “know.” We have pointed out previously that this word literally means “to see with perception.” However, Paul may be using this word as a Hebrew expression meaning “to have regard for” or “to care for.” This is the apparent meaning in 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (know those who labor …), and is probably Paul’s intent here.

The Greek verb translated “acquire” is ktaomai, which literally means “to get for oneself, to acquire, or to purchase.” When expressed in the perfect tense (past completed action with an ongoing effect) it can also mean “to have acquired” or “to possess.” Although it is expressed here as a present tense infinitive, many Biblical scholars believe that Paul’s meaning here is “to possess” or “to take care of.” However, that is not what Paul is teaching here. He clearly uses the word meaning “to acquire,” not “to possess.”

“Vessel” is translated from skeuos, meaning “a container, utensil, or implement.”

 

Meaning Explained

This is probably one of the most difficult verses to translate in this letter to the Thessalonians. The difficulty is due primarily to the three words we looked at above (eidō, ktaomai, and skeuos) along with the word porneia, which we saw in the previous verse.

Let’s start with proneia. This word originally referred to “prostitution.” If we look at the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) we can see the meaning of the Hebrew words that were translated with porneia. These various words mean, “lying down like a prostitute, harlotry, prostitution, or unfaithfulness.” Thus, it does not refer to just any sexual sin, but specifically to “sex with another person that you are not married to.” The best translation of this word is “fornication.”

Now let’s look at ktaomai. It literally means “to acquire.” Again, looking at the Septuagint, we see in Ruth 4:10 that ktaomai is used to translate a word that means “to acquire.”

…  I have acquired as my wife … (Ruth 4:10)

There is a similar word in Greek, kektesthai, which means “to possess.” But that is not the word Paul uses here. He uses ktaomai, “to acquire.” Thus, I believe the proper translation in this verse is “to acquire.”

Skeuos, as noted above, refers to “a container, utensil, or implement.” In 1 Peter 3:7, it refers specifically to the physical body of a man’s wife. But in 2 Corinthians 4:7 and 2 Timothy 2:21 it refers to a person’s own body, so it isn’t necessarily a reference to a wife, though it most likely is here.

Therefore, a reasonable translation of this verse would be “each of you should know how to acquire his own vessel in sanctification and honor.” But Paul is talking about abstaining from fornication. Why would the knowledge of acquiring a wife prevent fornication? In our current society, it is acceptable to many to engage in sexual activity before being married. Many people believe that keeping oneself a virgin until being married is an outdated, archaic notion. However, I believe that this is exactly what Paul is teaching here. Knowing how to acquire one’s own vessel (referring to a wife) in sanctification (set apart to God) and honor (respecting the honor of the one you desire to marry) is what Paul is teaching. This can only be done by abstaining from sexual immorality as Paul noted in yesterday’s verse. We will talk a little more about this in tomorrow’s verse.

 

Application

Sexual gratification should never be the reason for getting married and it should never be a precursor to marriage. Marriage is an intimate relationship between a man and a woman, and the pleasure of sexual intercourse is only a part of that relationship. According to Paul, there is no justification for sex outside of marriage. Marriage (and sex within a marriage) is intended to be undefiled, sacred, and honorable before God. It is of critical importance for a man to respect his wife to be and not expect any sexual activity until after the marriage ceremony is completed.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:3 – It’s Very Clear!

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For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;

Truth to Learn

Christians are to avoid all sexual impurity.

 

Behind the Words

“Will” is translated from the Greek noun thelēma, which is one of two Greek words translated “will.” The other word is boulēma. Both words indicate a desire or intent to do something, but thelēma also implies combining the desire with action. Thus, we often refer to thelēma as God’s determined will and to boulēma as God’s desirous will.

The word translated “sanctification” is hagiasmos, which is based on the verb hagiadzō, meaning “to sanctify.” To sanctify something means to set it apart from common usage to usage devoted to God. Thus, sanctification carries the meaning of being set apart or separated. Sanctification and holiness are often used interchangeably, both indicating separation from sin and dedication to God.

The word “abstain” is from the Greek verb apechomai, which is made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and a form of echo, meaning “to have” or “to hold.” Thus, apechomai means “to hold off from.” It is expressed here in the middle voice indicating an action done by the subject (you) to the subject (yourself). Thus, this word means for you to hold yourself back from something.

“Sexual immorality” is translated from porneia (from which we get our English word pornography). This word is based on the verb porneuō meaning “to commit any sexual sin” or “sexual immorality.”

 

Meaning Explained

“What is God’s will for my life?” This is a question that many Christians ask early in their walk with God. While attending a Christian college years ago, I encountered many students asking that same question. I remember one student, not knowing which direction to turn, stating that he was going to just sit and “wait on the Lord,” not making any decision until he knew for sure what God wanted him to do. Fortunately, a wise professor said to him, “It is much easier to turn a ship that is moving than one that is sitting still.” In other words, “Step out on faith and God will guide you by His spirit.”

Sometimes our Father-Guide makes His will very clear, while at other times we have to seek His face in prayer, not knowing if we are going the right direction, but trusting that He will tell us if we are going the wrong way. In today’s verse we are told that God’s determined will is that we be sanctified (set-apart). God has determined that we will be set apart from sin and from the world system. Ultimately He will accomplish that determination when we are glorified in His presence. Until then, however, we are told that there are certain things He desires us to do as we walk the pathway of Christian life. We have a responsibility to be obedient and take the right path.

One of those paths is made very clear in today’s verse. We are to hold ourselves back (separate ourselves) from sexual impurity. The Christian walk is composed of many choices. When we choose, we have to decide whether we will follow our own desires, or take the path He desires for us.

 

Application

God is very clear on this one. If you are unmarried, stay away from all sexual activity. If you are married, enjoy it, but only with your husband or wife. No ifs, ands, or buts!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:2 – God, our Father

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for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Truth to Learn

Christians are God’s children, not just His subjects.

 

Behind the Words

“You know” is translated from the verb eido, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.”

The word “commandments” is from the Greek noun parangelia. This word is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and a form of angellō, meaning “to deliver a message.” The picture is of a soldier passing on a message to the soldier beside him. In the strictest sense, parangelia refers to a command or an order given by a superior to those under him.

The words “we gave” are from the verb didōmi, meaning “to give of one’s one accord.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense, indicating an action completed sometime in the past..

 

Meaning Explained

In yesterday’s verse, we noted that Paul has now switched from a message of comfort and encouragement to doctrinal teaching. Many Christians today bristle at the word “doctrine.” They see doctrine as cold, dogmatic, restrictive rules that are hard to follow and, quite honestly, are no fun at all. If we approach Christianity from a legalistic viewpoint, that’s what doctrine often becomes. Doctrine, however, simply means “teaching.” The things that your church teaches you are the doctrine of the church.

The problem with most legalistic doctrine is that it teaches us “rules” instead of principles. It teaches us that our relationship with God is strictly one of Master/slave. “Now that you are a Christian, you must follow these rules!” Don’t get me wrong, God is our Lord and Master, and a fulfilled Christian life must be based on our complete submission to His will. However, our relationship to God is much more than simply being His slave (although we are His slaves). He has extended that relationship because He has adopted us into His family and calls us His children. This is a significant distinction between Christianity and religion. In addition to being His servants, we are God’s children and He is our loving Father.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of “walking the pathway of life” in depicting our life as a Christian. He often pictures God as our guide or coach, advising us in which pathways to take and which to avoid. He sometimes pictures God as our rescuer who saves us when we take a wrong path and get mired in the muck of sin. He also pictures God as our Commander in Chief, who prepares us for those times when our enemy attacks. But more than anything, Paul pictures God as our Father, who is all of these things and so much more.

Our Heavenly Father knows us more deeply than we know ourselves and, in spite of what we see in ourselves, He loves us with an everlasting love. His love is so great that he sacrificed His only begotten Son so that we can have a Father/child relationship with Him. But God did not send his Son only to die for our sins, He also sent Jesus to teach us about the Father/child relationship He wants to have with us. Paul is about to teach us this doctrine from our Master/Teacher Jesus.

 

Application

As you walk the pathway of this life, keep in mind that God wants you to walk with Him instead of wandering off on your own. He wants to demonstrate Himself as our loving Father and have us respond as His beloved children. He wants obedience from you, but He also wants a relationship with you, because He loves you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved