We’re working through 1 Thessalonians (1,2,3) and chapter 4 gives you a lot to think about. Here are just a few.

A good life

• There is a way of living that pleases God (v.1) and wins the respect of outsiders (v.12)
• It’s not a check box way of living but something Paul urges the Christians to do ‘more & more’ (v.1-2)
• This way of life involves avoiding sexual immorality (v.3), impurity (v.7), and being driven by passionate lust (v.5) but controlling our desires (v.4).
• Rejecting this is rejecting God (v.8) and will receive punishment (v.6)
• But God desires that we be sanctified (v.3), have self-control (v.4), live honourable (v.4) & holy lives (v.7) and to help us He has given us His Holy Spirit (v.8)
• The ‘more & more’ (v.1 & 10) also includes growing in loving each other (v.9-10)
• This lifestyle also calls for minding your own business  & working hard to provide for yourself (v.11).

A good death

• Christians handle death differently because we have hope (v.13) and it is to us as falling asleep (v.14)
• Our hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus (v.14)
• Jesus will raise up all those who died ‘in Him’ (v.14-16)
• Jesus is coming back & His people get to be with him for eternity (v.16-17). This is encouraging (v.18).