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1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
In 1 Thessalonians 4, the Apostle Paul gives instructions for the conduct and attitude of a Christian. First, that as a Christian, one should “abound more and more” as we learn and grow in following the commandments given by the Lord Jesus our Savior in our walk with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, NKJV).
As we grow in our walk with Jesus, which is the act of being sanctified, our attitudes and desires should become more and more like that of Jesus and less and less like that of the sinful nature from which we have been saved (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8).
In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 the instructions for the advancement of our sanctification are our attitudes and actions toward others. This is not just for those who are like us, being our families and loved ones, but for those who are in need of the saving grace in which we have been shown by Jesus; that they too would be drawn to Jesus by observing our example as a Christian – that they too would gain a desire to have Christ Jesus in their lives and open their hearts to Him and be saved, beginning the sanctification process in their lives. Paul instructs, “for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;” (1 Thessalonians 4:9) and is directly influenced by the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35.
This is a command to pursue a life of growing in the ways of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus; step by step; day by day.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to “increase more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:10), and in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 he instructs us to lead a “quiet life, to mind our own business.” In striving for our sanctification in Christ Jesus, we should be an encouragement to others, and especially those who do not know Jesus. This means that gossip and disrespectful words and actions toward others are not a part of our growth – In Christ. We should always be a reflection of Jesus. We all have work to do in this area as true sanctification in its completeness takes place only in heaven after we have completed our lives in this earthly world. I encourage you to put your trust and faith in Jesus today – profess Him your Savior and begin the sanctification process in your life – In Christ.
Dear LORD,
Our lives as Your children – as Christians – begins in our hearts, souls, and minds, as Jesus teaches and commands us in Matthew 22:37-40, and that we should love our neighbor as ourselves which He also declares in John 13:34-35 as is Your desire for our lives as we continually grow and grow in our relationship with You. Please help us all to exemplify this in our lives through Your Holy Spirit dwelling within us (John 14:15-18). In Jesus name I pray, amen.