Lessons for October 7
EXPLORE THE BIBLE:
The goal is to be more like Christ each day
___ 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
___By Pete Freeman
___First Baptist Church, The Woodlands
___Following directions is a hard thing for most of us. This is especially true of men. We have a reputation for not asking for or reading directions. For whatever reason, we possess a sense of "directional autonomy." Now, that's not what my wife calls it, but in reality that's
what it is. We think we can get where we're headed without anyone's help or put together any thing without instructions.
___I'm afraid the same kind of "directional autonomy" exists in the lives of too many believers. We think we can please God without asking for directions.
___Paul shifts gears in his letter to the Thessalonians in chapter 4. He was looking at doctrinal matters and questions. Now, he addresses the practical implications of living out theological beliefs.
___The word "finally" introduces a transition from the primarily doctrinal thought to the more practical thought. It is not a word that suggests he is finished with what he has to say. It is evident from what follows that Paul is concerned that his friends "live a life that pleases God."
___He has some directions to share with these early Christians; directions that are applicable to today. Although he is pleased with the spiritual progress of the Thessalonians, he is urging them to do the same but to "do it more." The admonition to live out the Christian life "more and more" is connected to the term "walk or live." Here the writer is referring to the whole of Christian life. This is a reflection of Paul's attitude that everything in which a Christian is involved is important. The essence of our life is to please God, not satisfy our own ambitions.
___High ethical standards are imperitives for every believer. Paul answers the question, "Why should I live a life that is a cut above unbelievers in ethical quality?" He offers two guidelines for motivating us to be people of integrity. The first is found in verse 1 and is the most powerful of all. "Pleasing God" should be motivation enough to live a life of integrity. The second is found in verses 11 and 12. "Winning the respect of others" also should guide us in our lifestyle.
___The combination of "ambition" and "quiet" is no accident. One refers to purpose and drive as it relates to interaction with others. The latter refers to "tranquility in life." Paul wants believers to live a balanced life. In so doing, he concludes, believers can "win the respect of outsiders." And when we win the respect of others, we might be able to win the privilege of sharing our faith.
___Paul has some interesting advice related to everyday living that can help us. This includes minding our own business and working for a living. Both of these seem to be Baptist problems--especially that of minding our own business. The world's perception is Baptists think we have an answer for everything.
___In between Paul's expression of these two guidelines, we find his articulation on two matters related to living a life above the ordinary. He begins with a subject the church had to deal with continually.
___Sexual immorality was connected to the very fabric of the first century culture, even as it is today. Some of the more commonly practiced religions of that day included sexual activity in their rituals. Paul's solution is to help these believers understand that sexual discipline is not only expected, but the lack of it demonstrates disobedience toward God and his teachings. By the phrase, "holy and honorable, not in passionate lust," Paul is stating that a Christian's philosophy about sex should not be determined by what one feels but what is willed. And it is the "will of God" that our sexual life should be characterized by "abstinence."
___All pastors have had church members come to us about problems in their marriages. I once had a person come in and tell me how they had gotten involved with another person. That person spent a half-hour describing the great qualities of the other person and how wonderful a Christian that person was. I was also told they were already involved in sexual relationships with that person. Observing the emotional and ethical confusion, I asked, "Has it ever occurred to you that wonderful Christian people do not sleep with someone else's mate?"
___Living a life above the ordinary is also expressed in "brotherly love." The word used is "philadelphia." It refers to the kind of relationship that ought to exist between believers. Paul had already talked about the transforming power of the divine agape love. Leon Morris says, "When this miracle occurs in a man, he finds himself in company with others of like mind, and he will naturally be drawn to them."
___Brotherly love expressed through unity within the body of Christ is one of the primary ways the world judges the reality of Christianity (John 17:20-22 & 1 John 3:11-15). If the entire world community can be brought together through a terrible tragedy, surely the body of Christ can be united through the love of Christ.
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