1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
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. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul doesn't just want us to start living a life pleasing to God; he's highlighting that this is a journey of growth. The nudge "more and more" points to a continuous, active pursuit of pleasing God, not a one-time decision or a static achievement. It's a call to deepen our existing walk, to keep leaning into what we've already learned.
Paul has just spent a good chunk of 1 Thessalonians reassuring them about their faith and addressing their worries about loved ones who have died. Now, he shifts to practical instruction, picking up where he left off from his previous teaching. He’s reminding them of the foundational truths they learned about living a life that honors God, urging them to continue growing in that godly way of life.
Paul uses strong words here – 'ask and urge.' It sounds urgent, but he couches it in the tender relationship of 'brothers' and 'in the Lord Jesus.' What does this blend of urgency and affection tell us about how we should encourage each other in faith?
Paul's approach to spiritual growth is both passionate and personal.
A Father's Heart
He doesn't just command; he urges. This word carries a sense of pleading, a deep desire for the well-being of his spiritual children. Think of a parent gently but firmly guiding a child towards a path that's good for them.
Rooted in Christ
This isn't just Paul's personal opinion. He grounds his appeal 'in the Lord Jesus.' Our desire to please God and grow in faith is always best pursued within our relationship with Christ, drawing strength and wisdom from Him.
What does it mean to 'please God'? It's more than just following rules; it's about the heart's orientation and our daily actions. Paul says they 'received from us how you ought to walk and to please God.'
Our spiritual journey finds its ultimate purpose in aligning our lives with God's will.
A Life of Walking
The phrase 'how you ought to walk' refers to conduct, behavior, and the overall direction of one's life. It’s about the daily steps taken, the choices made, and the way we carry ourselves.
The Highest Aim
To 'please God' means to live in a way that is acceptable and well-pleasing to Him. This isn't about earning His favor, but about responding with love and obedience to the grace He has already shown us in Jesus. It’s about honoring Him with our lives.
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.
parangelia · Greek Noun
Authoritative directions or charges given to believers for the purpose of guiding their behavior and doctrine, rooted in the command of Christ.
The church in Thessalonica was relatively new and facing significant external pressure and internal questions, making Paul's encouragement to 'walk and please God' a practical call to steadfastness in challenging circumstances.
c. AD 48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul, along with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This journey lays the groundwork for much of Paul's later ministry.
c. AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal meeting where early church leaders, including Peter and James, decide that Gentile believers do not need to adhere to Jewish circumcision laws. This broadens the mission of the church to the wider world.
c. AD 50-51— this verse
Paul Founds Church in Thessalonica
On his second missionary journey, Paul preaches in the prosperous Roman city of Thessalonica, a major port on the Via Egnatia. He establishes a vibrant Christian community here.
c. AD 51
Paul Forced to Flee Thessalonica
Due to intense opposition and accusations of sedition from local Jewish leaders, Paul and Silas are forced to leave Thessalonica and travel to Beroea.
Just as Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with knowledge and wisdom, he urges the Thessalonians to grow in their understanding and practice of pleasing God.
Romans 12:1-2This passage mirrors the call to live a life pleasing to God, emphasizing a transformation of the mind as the basis for holy living, which is the underlying desire in 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20Paul reminds the Corinthians that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and they are not their own, reinforcing the idea that pleasing God involves honoring Him with our whole selves, as urged in Thessalonians.
Philippians 1:9-11This prayer for the Philippians to abound in love and discernment echoes the Thessalonians' encouragement to advance in pleasing God, showing a consistent apostolic concern for spiritual growth and maturity.
Paul doesn't just want us to start living a life pleasing to God; he's highlighting that this is a journey of growth. The nudge "more and more" points to a continuous, active pursuit of pleasing God, not a one-time decision or a static achievement. It's a call to deepen our existing walk, to keep leaning into what we've already learned.
Paul has just spent a good chunk of 1 Thessalonians reassuring them about their faith and addressing their worries about loved ones who have died. Now, he shifts to practical instruction, picking up where he left off from his previous teaching. He’s reminding them of the foundational truths they learned about living a life that honors God, urging them to continue growing in that godly way of life.
Paul has just spent a good chunk of 1 Thessalonians reassuring them about their faith and addressing their worries about loved ones who have died. Now, he shifts to practical instruction, picking up where he left off from his previous teaching. He’s reminding them of the foundational truths they learned about living a life that honors God, urging them to continue growing in that godly way of life.
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Paul doesn't just want the Thessalonians to start walking pleasingly; he wants them to do it 'more and more.' This isn't a one-time achievement but a lifelong pursuit.
Spiritual maturity is a dynamic process, not a static destination.
Momentum Matters
'More and more' speaks to progress and increasing dedication. It’s about building momentum in our faith, consistently seeking to deepen our understanding and application of God's Word.
Embracing the Process
This phrase acknowledges that we won't be perfect overnight. It invites us to embrace the journey of growth, learning from our stumbles and celebrating the incremental steps forward. God desires our continuous transformation.
c. AD 51-52
Paul Writes 1 Thessalonians
While in Corinth, Paul receives word from Timothy about the state of the church in Thessalonica. He writes this letter to encourage them, address their questions, and urge them to continue growing in their faith.
"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. For you know what instructions we gave you through t…" — Paul doesn't just want us to start living a life pleasing to God; he's highlighting that this is a journey of growth. The nudge "more and more" points to a continuous, active pursuit of pleasing…
