1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

Additionally then, brothers and sisters, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received instruction from us on how you should live and please God—as you are doing—do this even more. For you know the commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is God’s will, your sanctification: that you keep away from sexual immorality, that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passions, like the Gentiles, who don’t know God. This means one must not transgress against and take advantage of a brother or sister in this manner; because the Lord is an avenger of all these offenses, as we also previously told and warned you. For God has not called us to impurity but to live in holiness. Consequently, anyone who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who gives you His Holy Spirit. About brotherly love: You don’t need me to write you because you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. In fact, you are doing this toward all the brothers and sisters in the entire region of Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers and sisters, to do this even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

– 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Devotion

As Paul prepares to close out his letter, he gets very practical. He encourages the Thessalonians to continue to strive for holiness and to continue to love one another as instructed by the Lord. Paul actually commends them for doing both very well. They were living out these principles so well, that they earned a great reputation in the region of Macedonia. But he encourages them, “do this even more.” Then he gives them some practical instructions on how to live out these truths.

The Big Question

What is your reputation like in your work place, your community, your home and in your church? Are you known by godly living and your ability to love others well? If not, what must happen in your life in order for this to become a reality? How can Oak Pointe Church come alongside of you in your spiritual journey?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.