1 Thessalonians 4:1
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.
I want to explain a couple of words before I discuss this verse.
“Beseech” means “request,” and “exhort” means to earnestly “invite or comfort.”
Paul had a few more requests, and he wanted to provide comforting words for the Thessalonians. Therefore, Paul begins to close with “comforting” words from Jesus. To remind them, how Paul and his friends taught them to walk pleasing to God, and to abound continually in Him.
We all need this reminder, especially when trouble is knocking on our door. It’s not only comforting to understand the Word of God, but to have someone there with you encouraging you in your spiritual walk.
1 Thessalonians 4:2
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
Paul, Silas, and Timothy personally provided this information to the Thessalonians. I can only imagine what such a meeting would have been like. While we don’t have a record of it, we know what the commandments of Jesus are, (Matthew 22:38-40).
Abstain From Fornication
1 Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
What is the will of God?
That we should abstain from “fornication,” which includes “adultery” and “idolatry.” Jesus taught us this in Matthew 5:32. Christians should abstain from worldly principles in order to ‘sanctify,’ which is to “purify” our souls.
We cannot live a sin-filled life and claim to walk with God.
The two simply don’t mix.
That was Paul’s message to the Thessalonians. The fact that Paul made this statement tells us, it was a common problem in Thessalonica. Therefore, Paul wanted to ensure they stayed away from all forms of spiritual uncleanliness.
1 Thessalonians 4:4
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
“Possess his vessel” is a reference to your very soul. Each and every one of us should understand how to conduct ourselves in order to keep ourselves pure and honorable before Almighty God.
Notice, Paul didn’t leave the definition of morality up for the world to define. He defined it for the Thessalonians, and he will refine this message as we continue to read this letter.
The Thessalonians Were No Longer Gentiles
1 Thessalonians 4:5
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
We all know what lust is, but what about “concupiscence?”
It means,
A longing (especially for what is forbidden): – concupiscence, desire, lust (after).
So then, Paul is telling the Thessalonians, and us today, do not allow forbidden lusts to overcome you as the Gentiles. They don’t know God, they don’t know any better, but you do. Therefore, continue to “walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more”.
There’s something else very important in this verse that I want you to take note of. The Thessalonians were not considered Gentiles anymore. They once were, but with the acceptance of Jesus Christ they…
“…are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”
Ephesians 2:19
You want to remember that.
Since the Advent of Jesus, anyone who does not accept Christ is a Gentile. Genealogy has zero to do with it.
That’s why it’s written, “all Israel shall be saved,” (Romans 11:26). That statement doesn’t concern flesh, but spirit. It concerns those who accept Jesus Christ, they become a child of Abraham. They become a spiritual Israelite, (Romans 2:28-29, Galatians 3:29).
All right, let’s pick back up with Paul explaining the will of God as given by Jesus.
Don’t Defraud Others
1 Thessalonians 4:6
That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
Don’t cheat people.
The word “defraud” even means to defraud someone in order to “make a gain.”
Hey, the world does those things, the Gentiles do those things, but not Christians!
Now, this verse does not necessarily refer to your biological brother, but your Christian brother.
It’s obvious, in Thessalonica fraud was rampant. Not that the church was involved in it, but Paul wanted to ensure the church did not become involved by making this statement, even for us 2,000 years later.
Paul’s making it clear, ‘We already explained this to you.’ This tells us, he is relaying the message once again, as it’s a very serious offense to God to cheat people out of what is theirs. Therefore, God will render all things equal, he will restore all, and take from those who gained dishonestly, (Romans 12:19).
God Called Us To Be Holy
1 Thessalonians 4:7
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
“Holiness” means “purification” or “purity.”
Therefore, we are to “abstain from all appearance of evil” in order to remain pure, (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Let me add to that with another Scripture.
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
1 Peter 2:1
My friends, perverseness has no place in a Christian heart.
Let’s pick back up in Thessalonians.
1 Thessalonians 4:8
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
“Despiseth” means to “set aside” or “violate.”
Therefore we can read:
If a man disregards the commands given to live a holy life that is pleasing to God, then that man is rejecting God.
That’s a very big offense, one you do not want to commit.
Paul closed his sentence by indicating this message was inspired by the Holy Spirit. This tells us it was not Paul’s words, it was not Paul’s commands, but those of our Heavenly Father.
Never forget this verse.
Love One Another
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
This is a core tenant of Jesus Christ. In fact, the Great Commandment is to love God above everything and love your neighbor as yourself.
Beautiful!
Hey, Paul was proud of the Thessalonians for their faith and works. He was proud they already loved one another, even other Christians in every part of Macedonia. Nevertheless, he still emphasized to continue and increase your love for others more and more.
The reason is very simple, if we increase our love, then we are continuing to place others before ourselves. It means we will adhere to what Paul explained in the prior verses. If we love someone, we will not defraud them, we will not fornicate with someone else’s spouse, and so on.
Let me share a few more verses on love with you:
- Jesus said, “…love one another; as I have loved you,” John 13:34.
- Peter stated, “…love one another with a pure heart fervently,” 1 Peter 1:22.
- John explained, “…we should love one another,” 1 John 3:11.
Love is a very big part of being a Christian. Always keep it at the forefront of your mind.
Let’s have the next verse.
Study And Mind Your Own Affairs
1 Thessalonians 4:11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
The word “study” means “eager.”
The point is, we should be eager and ambitious to live a quiet life by attending to our own affairs. To work with our own hands, and focus on efforts that will improve our lives.
These days, it seems like we’re always sidetracked by something in the world. In many cases, Christians have become more concerned with politics than our own faith. This is a travesty that removes us from God, divides us, and prevents us from minding our own affairs as we’ve been instructed.
Today, few recognize this, but Scripture clearly detailed this blueprint for us.
Walk Honestly
1 Thessalonians 4:12
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
The word “honestly” doesn’t mean what you might think.
It means, “decorously” which is to be “polite and restrained.”
Christians are to be polite in their dealings with those who are “without,” being those “outside” of the church. This simply means, Christians are to be polite and honest in their dealings with Gentiles. This sets a good example of our faith, it shows others what it means to be a Christian.
Jesus provided us with a similar example in the past.
Let me share that with you.
Matthew 5:46-48
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Accomplishing this will make us “perfect,” better translated, “complete” in our faith.
Hey, if we’re only kind to other Christians, we’re no different than non-believers. However, if we love and greet everyone, then we are doing the will of God. We are setting a fine example of what it means to be a Christian.
Remember, God wants everyone to be saved, not just the righteous, (Ezekiel 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9).
Them Which Are Asleep
At this point in our study, Paul changes gears.
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He’s going to discuss the dead and the return of Jesus. It becomes clear, the Thessalonians were not certain what happens to the dead, so Paul is going to reassure them. It’s quite possible, Paul learned of this once Timothy returned from his visit with them, (1 Thessalonians 3:6).
Let’s read closely.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
Notice, the focus of this verse concerns those who are “asleep.” To a Christian, being “asleep” refers to those who have died, (John 11:11).
Therefore, it becomes quite obvious, the Thessalonians were confused concerning the dead and the resurrection. So Paul didn’t want them to sorrow as “others which have no hope.”
“Others” is a reference to those without the truth of the Gospel, the Gentiles, the non-believers that surrounded them.
1 Thessalonians 4:14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
That’s basically the same thing Paul told the Corinthians as well, (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Since Jesus died and rose again, that means we also rise once we perish, (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
It gets even better!
Those who “sleep in Jesus” refers to Christian believers, being the Saints who have already passed on before us. Paul is telling us, once Jesus returns, God will also bring the Saints who are “asleep” in Jesus with Him, being Christ.
So not only will everything begin to be set in its proper order, but we’re going to have one big Christian family reunion. This entire message was to reassure the Thessalonians, their loved ones are not only alive in Heaven, but their Christian loved ones will even return with Jesus.
It’s a fantastic message of hope concerning our lost family members.
The Coming Of The Lord
1 Thessalonians 4:15
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
Paul now provides further details for the Thessalonians.
We who are alive at the coming of Jesus cannot “prevent” which means “precede” those who have passed on before us. We cannot join Jesus Christ before them, as they are already with Him. Remember, once they passed on, their spirit rose and they joined Jesus in Heaven.
Unfortunately, the words of Paul here confused the Thessalonians. When they read this letter, they assumed Paul was implying the return of Jesus was near. That’s why he penned the second letter, to correct their misunderstanding, as outlined in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-10.
Let’s continue.
The Trump Of God
1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
We’re given further details of this great family reunion with Jesus.
The “dead in Christ” are those “asleep in Jesus.” We are talking about Christians who passed on before us. Again, they rise before us, as they are already with Jesus in Heaven.
That’s why Paul told the Corinthians,
“…to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord”
2 Corinthians 5:8
Simply stated, when we pass away, our spirit returns to God. That’s why the Christians who are “dead in Christ,” the same individuals who are “asleep in Jesus” will rise first.
Now, when does this transpire?
- When “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven.”
How does that occur?
- “With a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.”
What is the “trump of God?”
- It’s the Seventh Trumpet.
Jesus returns at the Seventh Trumpet. In fact, what Paul told the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, is basically the same thing he told the Corinthians.
Let me show you.
1 Corinthians 15:52
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
There we have it.
- In 1 Thessalonians 4:16, we are told this occurs at “the trump of God.”
- In 1 Corinthians 15:52, we are told specifically that is “the last trump.”
This proves, the “trump of God” is the “last trump.”
There are only Seven Trumpets in God’s Word, (Revelation 8:2).
Therefore, Paul is telling us Jesus will return at the Seventh Trumpet, and that’s when we’ll rejoin our Christian loved ones, those who passed on before us. Yet, I want to make this even more clear, so there’s no confusion as to when Jesus Christ will appear.
We have more details concerning the events of the Seventh Trumpet.
Revelation 11:15
Also: Revelation 10:7
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Once the Seventh Trumpet sounds, this world order comes to an end. Jesus Christ sends His Angels to overthrow Mystery Babylon, and Jesus along with His Saints inherit the earth. That’s the same point in time that we gather back together with Jesus.
Let’s look at one more example.
Turn your Bible with me to,
Matthew 24:31
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
“He” is Jesus who will send His Angels with the sound of a Trumpet. Not just any Trumpet, but the Seventh Trumpet. Once the Seventh Trumpet sounds, Christ inherits all things, and He returns to set things in their proper order. Moreover, He even gathers together His Saints.
Where will that take place?
Scripture provides us with the answer.
Revelation 14:1
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.
Therefore, the Seventh Trumpet is the “trump of God,” the same “last trump.”
Once the Seventh Trumpet sounds, Jesus Christ returns with His Angels and destroys Satan’s world order. At that time, the Angels of Jesus will gather together the 144,000 who will join Jesus on Mount Sion.
Now, let’s turn back to the Book of Thessalonians.
Caught Up Together In The Clouds
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
This is exactly what we just learned from reading Corinthians, Matthew, and Revelation. All of these verses perfectly complement one another. When Jesus returns, those of us who are still alive on earth will join Him, along with our Christian family that passed on before us.
Now, are we really going to gather back together with them “in the clouds?”
It’s possible, but a bit doubtful.
In fact, the article, being “the” is not present in the manuscripts.
So the sentence should read,
“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in clouds…”
This correction helps us understand the true meaning.
When we gather together with those who passed on before us, there will be a cloud of people.
That makes sense, especially when we consider that Paul used the phrase “a cloud of witnesses” to refer to numerous Christians, (Hebrews 12:1). That is the same context we have in Thessalonians. So the cloud simply represents a multitude of Christians gathered together.
Interestingly enough, the word “air” means,
“To breathe unconsciously, that is, respire; by analogy to blow); “air” (as naturally circumambient.”
This could be a reference to 1 Corinthians 15:52.
If you recall, there we were told once we gather back with Jesus, we are changed into our spiritual body that never gets sick, old, or dies. Therefore, “air” may very well be a reference to the “breath of life,” our transformation from flesh to spirit as we gather back together with Jesus and those from long ago.
This only makes sense when we put Scripture together. As Matthew indicates, the Elect are gathered together from every direction on earth, while Revelation says the 144,000 are specifically gathered together on Mount Sion.
It’s quite doubtful there are two separate gatherings: one on Mount Sion, and one in the “clouds” of the “air.” It would not make sense for Jesus to appear in both locations at the same time, if that is even possible.
Nevertheless, we are told numerous times in Scripture that Jesus returns in the “clouds,” (Dan 7:13, Mat 24:30, 26:64, Mar 14:62, Rev 1:7). Whether that is literal or symbolic is only conjecture.
With that said, we know one thing for certain. Once the Seventh Trumpet sounds, Jesus Christ is on earth, and He is gathered together with Christians. Moreover, He will have destroyed Satan’s world order, and Jesus will begin to reign!
This new era begins the Millennium.
1 Thessalonians 4:18
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Paul concludes by reminding the Thessalonians to be comforted in knowing their Christian family members are with Jesus. Even better, we will rejoin them when He returns.