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