1 Thessalonians 4:1 – “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.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is part of Paul’s encouragement to the church in Thessalonica. He reminds them that they have already been taught how to live in a way that pleases God, and he acknowledges that they are following those instructions. However, Paul doesn’t stop there. Instead, he urges them to continue growing in their obedience and devotion.
The phrase “do this more and more” emphasizes that the Christian life is a journey of continuous growth. No matter how faithful someone has been, there is always more room to mature spiritually. Paul’s words are not meant as criticism but as an encouragement-he is calling believers to press on and seek even greater faithfulness.
This verse also teaches that pleasing God is not just about following a set of rules but about living in a way that reflects His character. The goal is to live in such a way that our lives bring Him joy.
Historical Context
Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians around AD 50-51, making it one of the earliest New Testament writings. The Thessalonian believers were young in their faith. Paul had previously visited them (Acts 17:1-9), but due to persecution, he had to leave quickly. This letter was written to encourage them in their walk with Christ despite opposition.
At that time, Thessalonica was a major city in Macedonia, heavily influenced by Greek and Roman culture, including idolatry and immorality. Christians there faced pressure from both the Jewish community and pagan society. Paul’s instruction was crucial because these believers needed to understand how to live in a way that set them apart from the sinful culture around them.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the ongoing nature of sanctification-the process of becoming more like Christ. Even though the Thessalonian believers were already living to please God, they were called to grow in their faith. This aligns with other teachings in Scripture that emphasize perseverance in the Christian life (Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:1-2).
It also affirms that living to please God is an essential part of the Christian life. Salvation is a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), but believers are still called to walk in obedience as a response to that salvation (Ephesians 2:10).
Literary Analysis
Paul uses warm and encouraging language in this verse. He addresses the Thessalonians as “brothers and sisters,” reinforcing the close relationship between them. The phrase “we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus” shows both gentleness and seriousness. Paul is not merely making a suggestion-he is emphasizing that this is a calling from God Himself.
The repetition in “do this more and more” is a rhetorical device meant to reinforce the importance of continual spiritual growth. Paul’s writing often uses such techniques to drive home a point (see Philippians 4:4-“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”).
Biblical Cross-References
- Philippians 1:9-10 – “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”
- 2 Peter 3:18 – “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
- Colossians 1:10 – “So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
- Hebrews 12:1 – “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that we should never become complacent in our faith. No matter how long we’ve been following Christ, there is always more to learn, more ways to grow, and more love to show. The Christian life isn’t about just reaching a certain level of faith and stopping there-it’s about continual transformation.
It also challenges us to ask ourselves if we are actively trying to please God in how we live. Are we growing in our love for Him? Are we increasing in obedience? If we are living in a way that pleases Him, are we striving to do so “more and more”?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love for us is not static-it is abundant and overflowing. In the same way, He calls us to grow in our faith, not because He is demanding or harsh, but because He knows that the more we align with Him, the more joy and peace we will experience.
Like a loving parent encouraging their child to grow, God desires for us to become more and more like Christ. His instructions are not burdensome; they are meant to guide us into a life that reflects His goodness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of living to please God. In John 8:29, He says, “I always do what pleases Him.” His life was completely dedicated to honoring the Father. As His followers, we are called to walk in His footsteps (1 John 2:6).
Additionally, this verse reminds us that our ability to grow spiritually is because of Jesus. Without His sacrifice, we would be stuck in sin. But because of His death and resurrection, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17), and we have the Holy Spirit to help us continue growing in faith (John 14:26).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you personally to “live in order to please God”?
- In what areas of your faith have you seen growth over the years? In what areas do you need to grow “more and more”?
- How does your life reflect a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth?
- What distractions or obstacles keep you from growing in faith?
- How can you encourage other believers to continue in their walk with Christ?
This verse is a reminder that the Christian life is not about standing still-it’s about moving forward in faith, seeking to honor God in everything we do.