Growing in Faith: Paul's Exhortation to Thessalonians

In this exploration of 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, we delve into the apostle Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonian believers. Paul transitions from the theological foundations laid in the earlier parts of his letter to practical applications, urging the believers to walk in a manner that pleases God. He emphasizes that this is not merely a human request but one rooted in his union with Christ. Paul’s instructions are not his own; they are divinely inspired, coming through a revelation of Jesus Christ. This underscores the significance of adhering to these teachings as they are not just apostolic advice but directives from the risen Lord.

Paul's approach is both gentle and urgent. He asks and encourages the Thessalonians, highlighting the necessity of their actions being rooted in faith. This dual approach of comfort and challenge is crucial. Paul commends the believers for their current walk with God but also urges them to do so "more and more." This reflects a balance between recognizing their progress and encouraging further growth. The instructions given are not just a list of do's and don'ts but are meant to be carried out through faith, which is the foundation of pleasing God.

Paul's exhortation is a reminder that the Christian journey is ongoing. There is no point of arrival where one can claim to have done enough. Instead, believers are called to continually grow in love and holiness, striving to please God more and more. This relentless pursuit is modeled by Paul himself, who, even at the end of his life, spoke of having finished the race and kept the faith. His life exemplifies the call to persistently seek to align one's life with the teachings of Christ, recognizing that these instructions are not merely human words but divine guidance.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Union with Christ as the Source of Instruction: Paul's exhortations are deeply rooted in his union with Christ, emphasizing that his teachings are not autonomous but divinely inspired. This highlights the importance of viewing apostolic instructions as coming from the risen Lord, not merely human advice. [03:18]
• 2. The Necessity of Faith in Obedience: The instructions to walk and please God are not just about following rules but are deeply connected to faith. Without faith, actions do not please God, underscoring the need for a faith-driven obedience. [07:40]
• 3. Balance of Comfort and Challenge: Paul exemplifies a balance between comforting and challenging the believers. He commends their progress but also urges them to strive for more, illustrating the need for both encouragement and exhortation in spiritual growth. [10:29]
• 4. Continuous Growth in the Christian Life: The call to do "more and more" signifies that the Christian journey is one of continuous growth. There is no point of arrival; believers are encouraged to keep striving for greater love and holiness. [11:56]
• 5. Divine Origin of Apostolic Teachings: The instructions given by Paul are not merely human words but are through a revelation of Jesus Christ. This divine origin calls for a serious commitment to align one's life with these teachings. [09:47]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:14] - Introduction to 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
• [00:42] - Transition to Practical Applications
• [01:09] - Prayer for Love and Holiness
• [01:36] - The Role of Exhortation in Prayer
• [02:04] - Gentle and Urgent Encouragement
• [03:02] - Union with Christ in Instruction
• [04:08] - The Necessity of Walking to Please God
• [05:00] - Content and Method of Instruction
• [06:15] - Examples of Walking Worthy
• [07:26] - Faith as the Foundation of Obedience
• [08:08] - Instructions Through the Lord Jesus
• [09:04] - Divine Revelation of the Gospel
• [10:16] - Balance of Comfort and Challenge
• [11:56] - Continuous Growth in the Christian Life

1. What does Paul mean when he says he asks and encourages the Thessalonians "in the Lord Jesus"? How does this reflect his union with Christ? [03:02]
2. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Paul urges the believers to walk and please God "more and more." What does this suggest about the nature of the Christian journey? [11:56]
3. How does Paul balance comfort and challenge in his exhortation to the Thessalonians? What specific language does he use to commend and encourage them? [10:29]
4. What is the significance of Paul stating that the instructions he gave were "through the Lord Jesus"? How does this affect the authority of his teachings? [09:47]

1. How does Paul's union with Christ influence the way he delivers his instructions to the Thessalonians? What does this imply about the source of his authority? [03:18]
2. Paul emphasizes the necessity of faith in obedience. Why is faith crucial for actions to please God, according to the sermon? [07:40]
3. In what ways does Paul encourage continuous growth in love and holiness among the Thessalonians? How does this reflect his own life and ministry? [12:09]
4. How does the dual approach of comfort and challenge in Paul's exhortation serve to motivate the Thessalonians in their spiritual growth? [11:23]

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you have "arrived," or are you continually striving to grow in love and holiness? How can you pursue growth "more and more"? [11:56]
2. Consider the role of faith in your daily actions. How can you ensure that your obedience to God's instructions is driven by faith rather than mere rule-following? [07:40]
3. Think about a time when you received both comfort and challenge in your spiritual life. How did this dual approach impact your growth? How can you apply this balance in encouraging others? [10:29]
4. How do you perceive the authority of apostolic teachings in your life? Do you view them as divine guidance or merely human advice? How does this perception influence your commitment to following them? [09:47]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you can walk in a manner worthy of God. What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions with this calling? [06:15]
6. Reflect on your union with Christ. How does this relationship empower you to live out the teachings of the apostles? What changes can you make to deepen this union? [03:18]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to grow in their faith while also challenging them to strive for more? What specific actions can you take to be both a comforter and a challenger? [11:23]