1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just ask them to live a certain way; he urges them, highlighting that their journey of pleasing God isn't a one-time event but a continuous, growing pursuit. The phrase "more and more" reveals a beautiful picture of discipleship as a dynamic process of deepening their obedience and love for God, not just maintaining a status quo.
Paul has just finished a section encouraging the Thessalonians about their faith and hope in Christ amidst suffering. Now, he transitions to practical instruction, building on what they've already learned from him about living a life that honors God, urging them to continue and grow in these godly practices. This leads into more specific instructions about sexual purity, love for one another, and how to conduct themselves in anticipation of Christ's return.
Paul isn't just offering gentle suggestions; he's calling the Thessalonians to action. What makes his words so important?
Paul uses strong language here: "ask and urge you." This isn't a casual reminder. It highlights the crucial nature of the teachings he's about to share. These aren't his personal opinions, but instructions received "in the Lord Jesus." When apostles taught, it carried divine authority, shaping the very life and direction of the church. They were conveying God's will, not just their own.
This teaching was about "how you ought to walk and to please God." The Christian life is meant to be a visible, intentional way of living – a walk. And the ultimate goal of this walk is to bring pleasure to God. It's a life oriented toward pleasing Him in all things, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament principles.
The Thessalonians were already doing well, so why the emphasis on 'more and more'? What does this growth look like?
Paul commends them: "just as you are doing." This is vital! He's not addressing a church that's completely off track. They've embraced the apostolic teaching and are living it out. However, the Christian life isn't a destination; it's a journey of progressive sanctification.
The command is to "do so more and more." This speaks to spiritual growth and deepening commitment. It’s about moving beyond a basic level of obedience to a more profound and passionate pursuit of pleasing God. This isn't about earning favor, but about a grateful response to God's grace, expressing love through an ever-increasing desire to honor Him in every aspect of life.
Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
A term of endearment used among believers to denote their shared identity as children of God, highlighting the equality and spiritual family bond within the body of Christ.
peripateo · Greek Verb
Metaphorical expression for the conduct of one's life, daily behavior, or the ongoing process of living out one's faith in alignment with divine truth.
aresko theo · Greek Verb
To act in a manner that aligns with God's character and requirements, seeking to bring Him joy and satisfaction through obedience and faith.
This verse, written to a young church facing significant external opposition and internal questions about Christian living and the return of Christ, encourages them to continue living lives that honor God, reflecting the foundational teachings they received from Paul.
c. AD 49-51— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
The Apostle Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, preached the Gospel in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, establishing a vibrant church community.
c. AD 51
Flight from Thessalonica
Due to violent opposition from the Jewish community, Paul and Silas were forced to flee Thessalonica and travel to Berea.
c. AD 51-52
Paul in Corinth
While ministering in Corinth, Paul received news from Timothy about the new church in Thessalonica, prompting him to write his first letter.
c. AD 50-52
Writing of 1 Thessalonians
Paul, Silas, and Timothy penned the First Letter to the Thessalonians from Corinth, addressing various concerns of the young church, including doctrine, conduct, and eschatology.
This passage echoes the desire for believers to live lives pleasing to God and to grow in their knowledge of Him, highlighting the ongoing nature of spiritual progress.
Romans 12:1-2It calls for a transformed life as a form of worship, urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices and to not be conformed to the world, directly relating to how one ought to 'walk and to please God'.
Philippians 1:9-10This prayer for the Philippians emphasizes the importance of discernment and purity, so that believers may approve what is excellent and be blameless, which aligns with the 'walking' that pleases God.
1 John 3:22This verse connects obedience to God's commands with receiving whatever we ask, reinforcing the idea that pleasing God involves actively following His instructions, just as the Thessalonians were taught.
Paul doesn't just ask them to live a certain way; he urges them, highlighting that their journey of pleasing God isn't a one-time event but a continuous, growing pursuit. The phrase "more and more" reveals a beautiful picture of discipleship as a dynamic process of deepening their obedience and love for God, not just maintaining a status quo.
Paul has just finished a section encouraging the Thessalonians about their faith and hope in Christ amidst suffering. Now, he transitions to practical instruction, building on what they've already learned from him about living a life that honors God, urging them to continue and grow in these godly practices. This leads into more specific instructions about sexual purity, love for one another, and how to conduct themselves in anticipation of Christ's return.
Paul has just finished a section encouraging the Thessalonians about their faith and hope in Christ amidst suffering. Now, he transitions to practical instruction, building on what they've already learned from him about living a life that honors God, urging them to continue and grow in these godly practices. This leads into more specific instructions about sexual purity, love for one another, and how to conduct themselves in anticipation of Christ's return.
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c. AD 52-53
Writing of 2 Thessalonians
A second letter was sent to the Thessalonians, likely due to some misunderstandings or continued issues regarding the return of Christ.
"Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more." — Paul doesn't just ask them to live a certain way; he urges them, highlighting that their journey of pleasing God isn't a one-time event but a continuous, growing pursuit. The phrase "more and mor…
