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Grace Bible Church

4000 E. Collins Rd.   P.O. Box #3762   Gillette, WY  82717   (307) 686-1516

 

- Preaching the Living WORD through the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4;:2 -

 

 

 

PRACTICAL SANCTIFICATION:

TO BEHAVE PROPERLY AS A CHRISTIAN

1Th 4:9-12 (6/19/11)

Grace Bible Church, Gillette, Wyoming

Pastor Daryl Hilbert

 

I.     BEHAVE PROPERLY IN THE COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS (9-10)

 

 [Intro]

 

Paul begins with the phrase, “now concerning” (peri de), which is his typical form for starting a new section in his letters (1Co 7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1; 1Th 5:1). It could be his answer to their questions, his answer to something Timothy reported, or just a general admonition. In either case, Paul would still be within the context of sanctification. God’s will for the believer is to “made holy” and “set apart for His use” (i.e. sanctification, hagiasmos, 1Th 4:3a). Here sanctification is particularly to “abstain from sexual immorality” (1Th 4:3-8), but it also would include living with proper behavior toward believers and unbelievers (1Th 4:9-12).

 

A.    Love for the Brethren (9)

 

1.     [1Th 4:9] - Much is said in the Scriptures concerning “brotherly love” (Rom 12:10; Heb 13:1; 1Pe 1:22; 2Pe 1:7). “Brotherly love” (Grk. philadelphia, Eng. Philadelphia [city]) is literally “love (philos) of the “brothers” (adelphos). It is an expression that reflects the love between the memebrs of the family of God.

2.     However, the Thessalonians were so exemplary in their Christian walk that they did not “need anyone to write to them” about love for the family of God.

3.     Paul states that they were “taught of God” (theodidaktoi - similar to a title, predicate nominative) to love one another. They were to “love” (present infinitive - agapáō - self sacrificial love) sacrificially and continuously. They were taught through:

a)    God’s attributes (Exo 34:6-7; Num 14:18; Psa 86:5; 103:8; 145:8; 1Jo 4:11).

b)    Indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5; 15:30; Gal 5:22; Phi 2:2; 2Ti 1:7)

c)     Jesus’ teaching (Joh 13:34; 15:12, 17)

d)    Word of God (Rom 13:8; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:11; 3:23; 2Jo 1:5).

 

B.    Love that Increases (10)

 

1.     [1Th 4:10] - The Thessalonians did express brotherly love and they did it throughout the whole Macedonian area.

2.     But in keeping with the principles of sanctification that a believer is never completely perfected in this life, they were exhorted to keep on “excelling” (perisseúō - increase, over and above) in their brotherly love.

3.     This was same message to the Thessalonians in 1Th 3:12 where they were to overflow in their love (cp. 1Th 4:1; Phi 1:9).

4.     This is the proper Christian behavior exercised in the community of believers.

 

II.    BEHAVE PROPERLY IN THE COMMUNITY OF UNBELIEVERS (11-12)

 

A.    Lead a Quiet and Productive Life (11)

 

1.     [1Th 4:11] - Paul continues with his instruction on practical sanctification. Not only were they to behave properly among believers, but they were also to behave properly among unbelievers out in the world.

2.     They were to seek to aspire (“make it their ambition” philotimeomai, “lit. love of honor”) and endeavor to live quiet lives. “Quiet” is the Greek word hêsucházō and means quiet in the sense of tranquil, steady, and stable as a member of society. It does not mean that believers are to be wall flowers or unsociable, rather it means believers are not to be trouble-makers (cp. 2Th 3:6-7) in their neighborhood or community. It is an attribute that is to be prayed for (1Ti 2:2), which should characterize both Christian men and women (1Th 4:11; 1Pe 3:4).

3.     They were to commit to their own business, or stated another way; they were to mind their own business, and not be busy bodies (1Th 5:13).

4.     They were also to exalt hard work, which includes manual labor, by which they were to make themselves self-sufficient. Greek culture did not exalt manual labor, but God does. In the second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul rebukes some who were not working because they claimed to be waiting for the Lord (2Th 3:10-12).

5.     Paul instructed (paraggellō - bring an important message alongside, authoritative instruction or command) the Thessalonian believers about these things (and much more) in the short time he was with them.

 

B.    Lead a Life that is a Testimony (12)

 

1.     [1Th 4:12] - By leading a quiet and honorable Christian life, they would have a good testimony to unbelievers in hope that they might come to Christ.

2.     Therefore, they were to keep walking properly (euschemonos - becoming or fitting) before unbelievers.

3.     Unbelievers are described as “outsiders” (exō -adv - out of doors, without, or outside) because they are outside the believing community. It is not because believers don’t invite them, but because spiritual things are foolishness to the world (1Co 2:14).

4.     Furthermore, Paul wants them to be a good testimony by not mooching off others but to be self-sufficient. The believer is to owe nothing to anyone except love (Ro 13:8).