*1 Thessalonians 4:1-18
Paul encourages the Thessalonians to live holy lives, consoles them about those who have died in Christ, and assures them of their future reunion with the Lord.
- Exhortations to Live a Holy Life:
- Paul urges the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God, as they have been taught by him and his associates.
- He emphasizes the importance of continuing to grow in this lifestyle, focusing particularly on sanctification.
- Call to Avoid Sexual Immorality:
- Specifically, Paul instructs them to abstain from sexual immorality, controlling their own bodies in holiness and honor, not in passionate lust.
- He warns against wronging or taking advantage of a brother in this matter, reminding them that God has called them to holiness and will punish such sins.
- Encouragement to Love and Work:
- Paul commends the Thessalonians for their brotherly love but encourages them to love each other more fervently and to do so more and more.
- He advises them to lead a quiet life, to mind their own business, and to work with their hands, as he had instructed them, so that they may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
- Teaching on the Return of Christ:
- Addressing concerns about those who have died before Christ’s return, Paul reassures them that the dead in Christ will not be at a disadvantage.
- He describes the Lord’s return: Jesus will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s voice, and with the sound of God’s trumpet.
- Resurrection and Rapture:
- At Jesus’ return, the dead in Christ will rise first.
- Those who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so they will always be with the Lord.
- Comforting Each Other:
- Paul concludes by encouraging the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these words regarding the future resurrection and reunion with departed believers.