1 Thessalonians 4 (7)

Pray Psalm 125.1, 2.
Those who trust in the LORD
Are like Mount Zion,
Which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
So the LORD surrounds His people
From this time forth and forever.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4.1-18.

Reflect.
1. What course were the Thessalonians on? What is sanctification?

2. What words does Paul use in this chapter to encourage them to “pick up the pace”?

Meditate.
The Christian life is a constant struggle to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we do, we increase in love for God and in being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ; and as this occurs, we love our neighbors more consistently and effectively.

So, in spite of whatever obstacles we may encounter in life, we need to press on. That’s Paul’s message to the Thessalonians, and to us as well. Our goal is increasing in holiness, and this for every area of our lives. We need to work hard as Christians, both at all the work of our daily lives as well as the work of becoming more like Jesus.

Jesus is coming again, and our duty and calling is to prepare for that by increasing in Christlikeness (cf. 2 Pet. 3.10-18). The psalms of ascent – like Psalm 125 – were used by the people of God to encourage one another as they journeyed together toward the temple in Jerusalem. We must find ways to encourage one another in our journey of faith toward the coming of our Lord Jesus. Looking forward to that day with hope and joyous anticipation can help to keep us on course and pick up the pace for each step in our journey.

Prepare.
1. How can you know if you have begun to stray from the course of sanctification? What should you do then (Ps. 119.59, 60)?

2. What are some areas in your life where you need to “pick up the pace” a bit in following Jesus?

3. How clear is your vision of Jesus, exalted in glory and returning for His own? How often do you meditate on that vision? Or talk about it with other Christians?

Now the life that is really and truly life is God the Father, the fount of life, who pours out his heavenly gifts upon all his creatures through the Son and in the Holy Spirit, and the blessings of eternal life are faithfully promised even to us men, through his love for us. There must be no incredulity about the possibility of that. For we ought to believe, because our minds should be set on his power, not on our feebleness. For anything is possible with God, and that our eternal life is both possible and to be looked forward to by us is shown when Daniel says, “the understanding … from among the many righteous shall shine as the stars for ever and ever.” Cyril of Alexandria (315-386 AD) Catechetical Lectures 18.29

Father, help me to set Jesus before my vision always (Ps. 16.8), so that I…

Pray Psalm 125.
Pray for the people in your Personal Mission Field, and ask the Lord especially to bless, guard, and encourage those who know Him. How can you fulfill that prayer with the Christians you will see today? Commit your day to the Lord.

Sing to the Lord.
Psalm 125 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!
Like the hills surrounding safe Jerusalem, 
Christ surrounds His Church and holds her in His mighty Hand!
Refrain, v. 1
All who trust in Jesus, strong as Zion stand!
Naught shall ever move them from their promised land!

Wickedness shall rest not on this holy land; 
Sinfulness shall never come forth from their hand.  
Trusting in the Savior, firm in His caress, 
Ever shall His favor on this holy city rest. 
Refrain

Lord, do good and care for those upright in heart. 
All who turn to evil shall from You depart. 
Sinful men may increase, on their way to hell!
Save Your people, let your peace abound in Israel!
Refrain

T. M. Moore

Where do 1 and 2 Thessalonians fit in the unfolding of God’s covenant? Our course, Introduction to Biblical Theology, can help you understand the setting of all the books of the Bible, and how they fit into God’s unfolding plan of redemption. Watch the brief video introducing this course at The Ailbe Seminary (click here), then plan to register after January 1 in our Certificate in Kingdom Studies program, featuring Introduction to Biblical Theology.

Forward today’s study to some friends, and challenge them to study with you through this series on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Each week’s lessons will be available as a free PDF download at the end of the week. Get a copy for yourself and send the link to the download to your friends. Plan to meet weekly to study Paul’s ministry and prepare for your own.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).