1 Thessalonians 4:1 kjv
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 nkjv
Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;
1 Thessalonians 4:1 niv
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 esv
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.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 nlt
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.
1 Thessalonians 4 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thessalonians 4:1 | "Finally, brothers, we requested and urged you by the Lord Jesus to live in a way that... | God's desire for believers' conduct |
| Romans 12:1 | "...present your bodies as a living sacrifice..." | Offering oneself to God |
| Romans 6:12 | "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body..." | Resisting sin's dominion |
| Ephesians 4:1 | "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling..." | Walk worthy of the calling |
| Philippians 1:27 | "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." | Conduct worthy of the gospel |
| Colossians 1:10 | "...so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way..." | Pleasing God in all aspects |
| 1 Peter 1:14-16 | "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in..." | Holy living and obedience |
| 1 John 2:15-17 | "Do not love the world or anything in the world." | Avoiding worldly desires |
| John 15:4-5 | "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." | Abiding in Christ for fruitfulness |
| 2 Thessalonians 3:4 | "We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the very..." | Trust in their continued obedience |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:12 | "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you..." | Respect for spiritual leaders |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:23 | "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through..." | God's sanctification of believers |
| Acts 20:31 | "Therefore be alert! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of..." | Constant instruction and exhortation |
| Romans 15:30 | "I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit..." | Unity and striving in faith |
| Galatians 5:22-23 | "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,..." | Manifestation of the Spirit's work |
| 1 Corinthians 1:10 | "I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all..." | Unity in Christ |
| 2 Timothy 3:16-17 | "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and..." | The value of Scripture for spiritual growth |
| Hebrews 10:24-25 | "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds..." | Mutual encouragement for good works |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you..." | Sanctification of the body |
| Colossians 2:6 | "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him..." | Continuing in Christ |
1 Thessalonians 4 verses
1 Thessalonians 4 1 Meaning
This verse encourages believers to continue growing in their walk with God, seeking His will through instruction and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes progress in spiritual maturity and pleasing God in all aspects of life.
1 Thessalonians 4 1 Context
This verse appears at the beginning of chapter 4 of 1 Thessalonians. The preceding chapter concluded with a commendation of the Thessalonians' faith and love. Paul then shifts to practical exhortations for Christian living. Specifically, chapter 3 detailed his concerns for their spiritual state and the news he received from Timothy. This verse serves as a transition, moving from Paul's desire for their well-being and his previous teaching to specific instructions on how they should live pleasingly to God, particularly in their personal conduct and relationships. The historical context is that Paul is writing to a young church, providing foundational guidance on how to live as Christians in a world influenced by pagan practices.
1 Thessalonians 4 1 Word Analysis
- Finallement (loipon): This adverb means "henceforth," "furthermore," "as for the rest," or "finally." It signals a transition in the letter, introducing new exhortations or conclusions.
- brothers (adelphoi): A term of endearment and solidarity among believers, emphasizing their spiritual kinship in Christ.
- we asked (ērotema): This refers to a request or petition.
- urged/exhorted (parēklymen): This is a strong word, meaning to encourage, exhort, implore, or beseech. It implies Paul’s earnest desire and passionate appeal.
- in the Lord Jesus (en kyrio Iēsou): This phrase places the exhortation firmly within the context of their relationship with Jesus Christ, highlighting that their actions should be motivated and empowered by Him.
- you (hymās): Refers directly to the recipients of the letter, the church at Thessalonica.
- abound more and more (perisseyein mallon kai mallon): This indicates a desire for continuous growth and increase in their Christian walk, not mere static existence but dynamic progression.
- how you ought to walk (pōs dei hymas peripatesai): This points to the manner and method of their life's conduct. "Walk" is a common metaphor in Scripture for one's daily life and behavior. "Ought" (dei) conveys a sense of moral obligation and divine expectation.
- to please God (arestai tō theō): This is the ultimate goal of Christian living – to be well-pleasing to God.
1 Thessalonians 4 1 Bonus Section
The Greek verb peripateō (walk) is used frequently in the New Testament epistles to describe the conduct or lifestyle of a Christian. It implies a daily, active way of living. Paul's exhortation to "abound more and more" is crucial; it signifies that Christian living is not a destination but a lifelong journey of ever-increasing obedience and likeness to Christ. This progressive sanctification is fueled by a deepening relationship with God and the Holy Spirit, as further elaborated in subsequent verses and throughout Scripture. The emphasis on pleasing God highlights the ultimate motivation behind all Christian action—to honor Him and bring Him glory.
1 Thessalonians 4 1 Commentary
Paul's opening word, "Finally," indicates he is moving toward the practical application of the gospel for the Thessalonian believers. It’s not an end to his concern, but a transition to important directives. The term "brothers" underscores their shared identity and spiritual connection in Christ, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and shared purpose for his admonishments. His use of "asked and urged" (parēklymen) conveys the intensity of his desire for their spiritual progress. He's not issuing a casual suggestion but a heartfelt appeal rooted in his pastoral care and the authority of the Lord Jesus. The core message is a call to continuous and abundant spiritual growth, not merely maintaining a status quo but actively increasing in godliness. The focus is on the "ought," the necessary way they are called to live. This life is to be characterized by actively seeking to please God in all their ways – a life directed by divine expectation and lived out in reliance on Christ. This implies conscious effort, diligent pursuit, and dependence on God's power for obedience.