Studies in First Thessalonians, Video preaching

Living in the light of Christ’s return, Pt1

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Sermon notes 

The chapter begins with a furthermore, connecting its contents to the statements Paul has made 3:13 related to the experience of saints in the day of the Lord. The chapter ends by anticipating the resurrection of the saints and the glorious return of Christ to earth, v13-18. The theme continues into Chapter 5.

Our doctrine of the return of Christ has a profound, practical effect upon our spiritual life. The Christian is not simply idly waiting for the return of Christ! Cp Luke 12:36. Waiting for Christ’s return has an identifiable effect.

In this first section Paul deals with the matter of personal holiness and sanctification.

I THE DUTY OF HOLY LIVING REVEALED.

There is a way the Christian ought to walk and to please God, v1. There is an obligation Paul speaks of in this regard.

The revealed will of God. The will of God, v3, determines and defines the duty of the Christian in this regard. Cp v7. This is the single governing factor of Christian living. Cp Matt 12:50, 1 Pet 4:1-2. This is of course revealed in the Scriptures. It is enforced by the pleas, exhortations and commands preached/written by Paul in Jesus’ name, v1-2; as he forewarned and testified, v6.

Negative implications. The positive statements of duty have a negative implication. Cp v5-7.

Holiness is not modelled on the world. Concupiscence is ‘evil desire’. Paul cites a negative example here. The Christian is not to live like the ungodly! —that is the fruit of ignorance of God. Cp Rom 12:1-2.

Holiness will not sin against a brother. Holy living is not just about our relationship to the world. It affects the internal relationships with God’s people. Note the words: …in any matter!

God’s call is not to uncleanness. While it may seem an obvious statement it nevertheless needed made. Some made a virtue out of uncleanness, Rom 3:8, 6:1, 15, Jude 1:4.

Holiness is the personal duty of all believers, v4.

The Christian is described here as a vessel. There is a special reference to our body as an instrument for Divine service. Cp 2 Cor 4:7, 2 Tim 2:20-21, Rom 6:19, Act 9:15. A clean vessel is one which God can use. It is striking to consider that a vessel is only useful as it is clean and then filled by God to be poured out in His service. This is the sequence of connected ideas associated with the use of the term vessel.

 

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