18 January 1 Thessalonians 4

Live to please God

1 Thessalonians 4:1(NLT) Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.

In 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul speaks about the characteristics of living a life that pleases God.

• Live holy1 Thessalonians 4:3a(NLT) God’s will is for you to be holy

1 Peter 1:15-16(NIV) But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy because I am holy.”

To be holy means to be set apart or separate from sin and evil. God is holy - completely separate from everything that is evil. We are not trying to live a holy life in order to earn salvation; living a holy life is a natural outgrowth of being saved by God’s grace and filled with His Spirit.

• Love each other1 Thessalonians 4:9(NLT) But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love one another.

John 13:34-35(NIV) "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

How to love one another? Love others by encouraging them. Pray for one another. Act humbly towards others. Be hospitable to everyone. Serve others in love. Live at peace with one another. Show love with forgiveness. Don’t badmouth others. Speak truth to others in love. Bear other’s burdens.

• Live a quiet life

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12(NLT) Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

This verse encourages us to prioritise living a peaceful and quiet life, focusing on our own affairs and responsibilities rather than interfering in the affairs of others. By doing so, we can cultivate a lifestyle that reflects godly principles and earn the respect of those around us.

1 Timothy 2:2-4(ESV) for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Psalm 131:1-2(ESV) O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

I conclude with Matthew 11:28-30(ESV) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”