Chapter Four
Lead a Life Pleasing to God
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.
This chapter opens with the Greek word loipon, which means “in the time remaining,” or henceforth, not necessarily pointing to a conclusion of the epistle, but as believers, “Now what?” How do we live as followers of Jesus? Paul noted that they had already conveyed that information to them, but wanted to encourage them to continue and do so more and more.
Some ask if Jesus did everything necessary for salvation, then why should a believer need to lead a life pleasing to God? First, it is important to note that questions like that typically are from unbelievers. Secondly, we need to remember that Jesus bought us out of slavery to sin and death with His blood (see 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19). He paid for our sins in full, our salvation is guaranteed (see John 6:27; 14:1-3; Romans 4:16; 8:35-39; 2 Corinthians 1:20-22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14). Which means our conduct is not about salvation but a relationship with our God. We love Him because He first loved us (see 1 John 4:19, read John’s first epistle) and we live for Him. While it is true that we are now servants (some might say ’slaves’) to God, our relationship with God is not being a servant or slave in the sense of mandatory obedience, but in love and a desire to please Him, and in doing so we will be persecuted. Our relationship with God is as a child of God, not as a slave (see Romans 8:14-17). But how do we know what pleases God?
In what has become known as the “Great Commission,” Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18b-20, ESV, emphasis added) This “command within a command” calls every believer to be active in making disciples. There is no “cookie cutter” approach as everyone has a different set of Spiritual Gifts (click here to read about the Spiritual Gifts) and roles in life, but we all are His ambassadors (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). The command within that command is that we need to teach others to observe (obey) all that Jesus commanded in His teaching. It begins with us learning the Word of God by studying the Bible and applying what we learn in our lives, then we will be ready to go for Him (but don’t wait for some point of graduation or when you feel you’re ready, go as soon as the Holy Spirit moves you to go, He will be with you through everything). A life that puts Jesus first, being willing to know, grow, and go for Him is pleasing to Him.
Since sin and the presence of God are incompatible, we are instructed to avoid sin as this is also pleasing to God. Paul understood that some sins had become accepted as being normal and accepted by society, but nonetheless are contrary to a relationship with God, so he addresses some of them here.
4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
Paul again mentions that they had taught them about these things, for this is the will of God. He then connects these things to their sanctification. Before looking at the Greek word being translated as sanctification, let’s first review how theologians, commentators, pastors, and various readers have used or interpreted the English word ’sanctification’. Please understand that there are full books written on this subject, so consider this only a cursory review of the subject (although be aware that many theologians and churches may have extended the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ beyond God’s intentions). Sanctification is the process or act that sets apart something or someone for use by God, made holy. Things begin to get more ‘gray’ as to how sanctification works, particularly when it comes to the discussion of whether the process involves God, man, or both. To make the discussion even more intriguing is when terms like regeneration, justification, and glorification get mixed in without the agreement of how those terms are to be defined. So to cut to the chase (and hopefully before headaches begin) for this discussion, we will use the term sanctification to refer to being made holy by God, and God alone. Our involvement in this process is strictly voluntary as nothing we can do can add to our salvation. Which brings us back to the Greek word Paul used here, hagiasmos, which means to dedicate to the service of and loyalty to God. When Paul refers to “your sanctification” he is not talking about the end result (which is glorification, click here for more information), but instead our daily walk with Jesus. As some things bring us close to Jesus, sin, on the other hand, pushes us away. If we sin we are no longer serving God, which in turn affects our hagiasmos (our holiness, here translated as sanctification).
Paul begins by pointing out the need to abstain from sexual immorality (Greek porneias, fornication or any sexual sin, such as adultery, prostitution, incest, homosexuality, etc., see also Matthew 5:32; 15:19; 19:9; Mark 7:21; John 8:41; Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25; Romans 1:22-28; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13, 18; 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; Revelation 2:21; 9:21; 14:8; 17:2, 4; 18:3; 19:2). Paul tells them that they know how to control their bodies, saying no to lusts and temptations and live in holiness and honor, a behavior contrary to the world. Those who pursue lustful passions don’t know God.
4:6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
Paul warns that no one is to take advantage of, sin against, or in any way to encourage or influence other believers to sin, as Jesus is the avenger in all such sins, just as they were told before. Paul reminds them that God has not called believers to impurity (Greek akatharsia, uncleanness, moral impurity, see 1 Thessalonians 2:3), but instead holiness (Greek hagiasmōs, being holy and dedicated to God, see verse three above). If someone disregards Paul’s warning, he says they are not disregarding some ‘rule’ from man, but from God, the One who gave His Holy Spirit to reside in each believer.
4:9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more,
Regarding living a life pleasing to God, Paul moves from what not to do, to what should be done. He begins by noting that he really doesn’t need to write about this as they had already been taught and have already begun doing, and that is to love one another. Paul observed that they loved their fellow believers in Macedonia, but now he is encouraging them to love them even more.
4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.
In addition, Paul desires for them to live without causing commotion or disturbances, to mind their own business. To earn their own living and work with their hands, just as they were instructed to do. So that those who do not know Jesus will respect the way you live and not be dependent on anyone.
Believers are to live a life pleasing to God, as we grow older we should be improving each day in that endeavor.
Considerations
Commandments
The word ‘commandment’ is often “tossed around” within Christianity. Everyone is familiar with the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:4-21, but many don’t know that is not what the Bible calls them. They are simply referred to as “the ten words.” The name first appeared in the 1560 Geneva Bible. But they, and all the other commands in God’s law (known as the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible), are indeed commandments (click here for more information regarding the law). They were given to the Israelites as a component of the Mosaic Covenant, conditions they needed to comply with in order to stay in the Promised Land (called Mosaic as God interacted with Moses, and should not be confused with the Abrahamic Covenant which did not have any conditions, click here to read more about the Abrahamic Covenant). That law still stands (as it was never revoked) we also know that Jesus fulfilled the that law (see Matthew 5:17-18; Romans 10:14; Galatians 3:22-25) and as a result He offers to believers salvation, which means that for believers the law (including the Ten Commandments) are no longer applicable. Since Jesus did all the work necessary for our salvation there is nothing we can do to provide for, or add to, our salvation. But the law is still important to a believer, why? Because the law also defines what is a sin and as believers we want to avoid sinning against God. Again, keeping the law will not save anyone, but through it we know what pleases God, a standard for Christian conduct (click here for more information regarding the role of the law today).
So what is Jesus and Paul talking about regarding commandments? At this time we should probably go back to the first verse in the Great Commission, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18, ESV, see also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 11:27; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-10; Colossians 2:10; 1 Peter 3:22). Which means we should pay attention to what Jesus commanded, Paul on occasion even referred to His teachings as “Christ’s Law” (click here to read more about Christ’s Law). Still confused? Both Jesus and the epistle writers (including Paul) offer commandments and imperatives to follow in life, but compliance (or lack of compliance) does not change or affect our salvation. But the disobedience or rejection of God’s law will always bring about separation between us and God because He is holy, without sin. As believers we have a love relationship with Jesus and as such we should (notice the choice) obey them. Yes, it requires discipline, but what we gain in fellowship in Jesus is worth the effort! Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)
Encouragement from Knowing Jesus Will be Coming to Collect His Own
4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
Paul toggles from encouragement for the believers in Thessalonica to live a life that is pleasing to God, to that of instruction regarding the future. He opens with an often used phrase, “do not want you to be uninformed…” (see Romans 1:13; 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:18; Philippians 1:12; Colossians 2:1). Ignorance of God’s Word and especially spiritual realities, such as what comes next for us (either death or rapture), is not healthy for our relationship with God. Bible study should never be tedious!
Paul introduces the subject about what happens to believers after they die. In the New Testament the death of believers is often compared to sleep (see Matthew 27:52; John 11:11-13; Acts 7:60; 13:36; 1 Corinthians 7:39; 15:6, 18, 20; 2 Peter 3:4). This synonym is only used of believers, as the Bible views the death of believers only as a temporary suspension of physical activity. Many believe that this verse teaches some form of “soul sleeping,” which, in their view, would be the suspension of both the body (the physical) and the spirit/soul, until they are awakened at the time of our resurrection, but that is not what Paul is teaching here (click here for more information regarding the dichotomy of our spirit and body). Our spirit/soul remains active (not sleeping) after death and we will immediately be in the presence of Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, see also Philippians 1:21-24).
Even though Paul had limited time with the believers in Thessalonica, they apparently were taught about some things regarding the future and end times, as hinted in 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 2:19; 3:13; 5:1-3. But he apparently did not explain to them what happens to a believer after they die. Here he first lets them know that they should not grieve like those who are not saved.
The following verses to the end of the chapter describe a very important event. It has become known as “the Rapture.” The word rapture comes from the Latin rapiemur (found in the Latin Vulgate Bible) which is translated from the Greek harpazō meaning to seize, to snatch away, to take away, or as it is translated in verse seventeen, “caught up.” The subject of the rapture is highly debated among Christians. Besides the event itself, the timing as to when it will occur is also the source of much debate (click here to review the various points of view). As we proceed to review Paul’s presentation here, we will see that due to Paul’s sincerity and the serious nature of his account, that this event is critical for believers to understand, please keep an open mind as you read on.
4:14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
Paul starts with the proclamation that some would describe as one of the ‘pillars’ of the Christian faith, that Jesus died. We know from Paul that the wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23), but Jesus lived a sinless life, why would He willingly die if He didn’t have to? That is because He came into this world to save those who would believe in Him. But His death would be meaningless unless He conquered death and rose to life again. His resurrection, another ‘pillar’ of our faith, proves that He paid the full price for our redemption, and as Paul connects His resurrection through the words, “even so,” we see that the same resurrection is available through Jesus to those who believe in Him (see John 14:19; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). When believers die their spirit/soul goes immediately into a conscious (very much alive) fellowship with Jesus, while their bodies temporary ’sleep’, awaiting the resurrection which will occur at the same time as the rapture.
At the time of the resurrection Jesus will come (we will see where in verse seventeen) with everyone who has died in Him (the souls/spirits of all believers who have died). This is the first in a series of events on this day.
4:15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
Paul further validates this information by saying that it comes directly from Jesus. That at the time of the resurrection the believers who are still alive, those who remain on earth to experience the glorious arrival of Jesus, will not receive their glorified bodies first.
4:16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
Jesus Himself will descend from heaven (along with those who had died in Him, see verse fourteen) “with a cry of command” (Greek keleusmati, a shout, used for the shout of soldiers charging their enemies) with the voice of an archangel (the highest ranking angel, see Daniel 10:13; 12:1; Jude 1:9) which undoubtedly is loud and distinctive, along with the sound of the trumpet of God (see below). At that moment the dead in Christ will rise. Believers in Jesus that had died will receive their glorified bodies first.
4:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Then for the third event on this day, those who are physically alive on earth will be “caught up” (Greek harpagēsometha, a future passive verb that refers to being snatched away, to seize upon with force, the root harpazō, see above, can be found in the New Testament 14 times) together all at once to meet Jesus in the air among the clouds of the sky. At that time they will also receive their glorified bodies and will be in the presence of Jesus from that moment on! Having believers meet Jesus in the air differentiates this event from His second coming on earth.
4:18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Paul gave he believers in Thessalonica this insight to encourage and comfort them. For the people in Thessalonica those who died in Christ prior to the rapture did not miss the resurrection. And that also applies to all who have died or will die before the rapture as it is yet future.
Considerations
Trumpet of God
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth regarding this same future event, "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, ESV) Which offers us some additional information. First, that the rapture will occur quickly, in the "twinkling of an eye;" second, he calls the sounding of the trumpet "the last trumpet;" third, the dead "will be raised imperishable," receiving their glorified bodies (see below); and fourth, the living will "be changed," also made imperishable. The identification of the trumpet blast in 1 Corinthians 15:52 as being the 'last' trumpet has been the source of a variety of speculations regarding eschatological timing (click here to read more regarding the last trumpet).
Why a Rapture? What is the Purpose of the Rapture?
In the next chapter we will see that Paul wrote “For God has not destined us for wrath” (1 Thessalonians 5:9a, ESV). The Greek word here translated as ‘wrath’ is orgēn which refers to punishment, in context it means divine punishment based on God’s judgment. We will examine the verse more thoroughly in the next chapter, but for this explanation we need to see that Paul is saying that Christians will not face God’s punishment during the final days. We are told elsewhere that there will be a seven-year period that which several devastating events will befall upon those who have not accepted Jesus, including the Jews who have rejected Jesus. It is known as the Tribulation or the Great Tribulation. At the end of the period Jesus and all believers will return for the final battle and usher in the Millennial Kingdom (click here to review the end time events). Since believers are not destined for God’s punishment, He will take believers out of the world before the wrath begins (see Isaiah 26:20-21).
Timing of the Rapture
There are four major views as to when the rapture will occur. These are based in the events within the Tribulation (click here to read about these views). In addition, there are many who do not believe there will be a rapture.
Second Coming or What?
Those who believe that there will not be a rapture also believe that the verses that have been interpreted as referring to the rapture in the Bible are actually references to Jesus’ second coming. In addition to the six verses above here are a few selected verses that align with the concept of a rapture:
Isaiah 26:20-21 “Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by. For behold, the LORD is coming out from his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, and the earth will disclose the blood shed on it, and will no more cover its slain.” (ESV)
Daniel 12:1-2 “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (ESV)
Mathew 24:40-44 “Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (ESV)
Luke 17:34-36 “I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” (ESV, not all manuscripts include the last sentence, verse 36)
1 Corinthians 15:50-53 “I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.” (ESV)
Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.” (ESV)
Glorified Bodies
In 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 Paul discusses our future resurrection, in that brief discourse he wrote, “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.” (1 Corinthians 15:42, ESV) During the resurrection that Paul is referring to in 1 Thessalonians, those that had died get new imperishable bodies and those alive have their bodies instantly “up graded” to imperishable bodies. The term ‘glorified’ (see Philippians 3:20-21) speaks to the fact that what we receive will be beyond our current comprehension as they will last for eternity (see 2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 John 3:2).
Timing Revisited
In regard to when these events will take place, Jesus said, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” (Matthew 24:36, ESV) To repeat, He said, no one knows! There have been a significant number of people (believers and nonbelievers) that believe they have figured out when. It is true that we are called to watch for signs (see 1 Corinthians 16:13-14; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8; 1 Peter 5:8), but that is for us to be ready and able to answer those around us that don’t know Jesus about what’s going on, not to predict when Jesus returns.