1 Thessalonians 4 – Page 2 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: 1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:8 – Spirit-filled Living

Posted on May 24, 2016 by Will

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,

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – Uncleanness or Holiness

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Will

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,

1 Thessalonians 4:6 – Avoid The Avenger

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Will

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,

1 Thessalonians 4:5 – Uncontrolled Desires?

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Will

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,

1 Thessalonians 4:4 – Sacred and Honorable

Posted on May 18, 2016 by Will

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,

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

Posted on May 17, 2016 by Will

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,

1 Thessalonians 4:2 – God, our Father

Posted on May 16, 2016 by Will

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,

1 Thessalonians 4:1 – Love Others!

Posted on May 13, 2016 by Will

As for the rest then, brothers, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you need to walk and to please God that you should abound more;

Truth to Learn

Being more loving is our responsibility.

Behind the Words

“As for the rest” is translated from the Greek word loipon, which refers to “something remaining.” In regard to time, it can be translated as “henceforth” In regard to other things, it can be translated “as to the rest” of “for the remainder.”

The word translated “request” is erotaō, which means “to ask, to inquire, or to urge.”

The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “near, beside, or alongside” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus parakaleō literally means “to call near” or “to call alongside.” Metaphorically, it means “to encourage, to challenge, or to coach.”

“You received” is from paralambanō. This word means “to take near” or “to receive to oneself.”

“Need” is translated from the Greek word dei, which means to have a necessity or a need.

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, which literally means “to walk around.” Metaphorically, it refers to the manner in which one lives one’s life.

“Please” is from areskō, meaning “to soften one’s heart toward another” or “to please.”

Perisueuō is the word translated “should abound.” It means “to be in excess” or “to have more than enough.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of something happening. So, we see that it means “you may abound” or “you might abound.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter Paul explained why he sent Timothy to the Thessalonian church: to strengthen and encourage them. His concern was that the afflictions and suffering that Paul and his companions were enduring, as well as what the Thessalonians themselves were enduring, might have caused their faith to grow weak. Having learned that their faith remained strong, Paul then offered up a prayer for them.

Paul now switches gears and goes into preaching mode in this chapter and most of the next. He has been expressing his love and concern for the Thessalonians, but now he needs to get down to some serious teaching. Therefore, he starts out his sermon with “As for the rest then, brothers, we request and exhort …” His challenge is that the Christians there might abound even more. But what are they supposed to abound in? If we look back two verses, we see that Paul prayed that God would cause them to increase and abound in love for others. Now Paul is telling the Thessalonian Christians that they need to abound (in love) even more. On the surface, this may sound contradictory. Is it God who causes us to abound in love, or is it our responsibility to actively pursue being more loving of others? The answer is both. We can’t understand the Trinity (how God can be one and still be three persons.) We also can’t understand how we have the responsibility for being more loving toward others and yet God is the one who enables such love.

Application

God is all powerful, but Christians can’t just sit back and let Him make us more loving of others. We have to put effort into demonstrating the love of God to everyone around us.

In God's service, for His glory,