1 + 2 Thessalonians | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsNäide

1 THESSALONIANS 4

GOD’S WILL TO SANCTIFY BELIEVERS

Paul urges the believers to live in a way that honors God and follows the life of Jesus. He tells the Thessalonians that it is God’s will for them to be sanctified or refined into a more Christ-like version of themselves.

Consistent with the teachings of Jesus, Paul challenges the believers to live a life free from sexual immorality and lust. As followers of God, the believers have been called to holiness. Paul motivates the Thessalonians to continue loving one another and living quiet, diligent lives.

Answering a common question of the Thessalonians, Paul comforts the believers who are concerned about the eternal fate of those who have died before the life of Jesus. Because Jesus conquered death, death cannot separate those who had hope in the arrival of Jesus. Paul offers hope for those who were followers of God before the arrival of Jesus on Earth.

Encouraging believers that they do not have to grieve in the same ways as those without faith, Paul advocates that in their mourning, believers should point to the greater hope found in eternity with Jesus.

STUDY QUESTIONS

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. What are some effects of walking in the faith?

Based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13, how is grief surrounding death different for believers in Jesus? What does it mean to grieve without hope?