1 Thessalonians 4 reminds me of recording football games. I usually watch NFL games well after they begin, skipping commercials and delays. Many times, I hear the final score before I am able to see the game. I notice that there is much less anxiety over every mistake or penalty because I already know the ultimate outcome. Today’s lesson is about going home in victory. Paul continues his letter by instructing the church in “other matters” surrounding how “to live in order to please God”. Champions are seldom satisfied with “Good enough”. Complacency stops looking for ways to improve. Paul urges believers to continuously strive to honor God, and to “do this more and more”. Every team sport includes elements of individual effort that must be coordinated with a larger overall game plan. Paul is clear that we are part of a larger team; that means we must have a unified understanding with a shared goal. He reminds them to follow the “instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus”. It is essential for each believer to submit to the preeminent authority of Christ. There is no earthly equal. Jesus is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. Every human authority is imperfect and subject to bias. That is why we hold the written Word of God as the standard.
Next Paul approaches the concept of being “sanctified”. This is a misunderstood term. It does not mean perfect. It literally means to set apart for a specific use. Everyone that wears the team jersey willingly submits to the team rules. They will sacrifice some individuality to become part of the unit. That often requires self-discipline. He continues, “avoid sexual immorality”. Not only does an individual’s behavior reflect on the entire group, but sexual sin has a deeper spiritual component. “Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Sexual intimacy creates a unique bond. Tearing apart that bond causes lasting pain. He says, “learn to control your own body”: that means take responsibility for your actions. Be “honorable” in your behavior; do not act “in passionate lust”. He says firmly, do not “take advantage of a brother or sister”. Sadly, today, that makes you uncommon. Paul adds, anyone who rejects instruction “does not reject a human being but God… who gives you His Holy Spirit”. We are easily defeated on our own, so God gives His Spirit to teach and encourage us. What are we to do with this advantage? Paul says, “love each other… more and more”. Love should be visible in the way we speak and the way we act toward those on the team and those that oppose us. Whenever possible, endeavor “to lead a quiet life”; and, “mind your own business”. Our individual rights and our responsibilities are always linked together. We are to be set apart for a higher purpose. In this way we will “win the respect of outsiders”. Many will only see Christ through observing the behavior of believers.
Paul closes with what seems to be an unrelated subject. He teaches about “those who sleep in death”. Paul explains that victory is assured. He writes, “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope”. Certainly, we are to grieve the loss of loved ones, but we have a promise that we will be reunited. “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again”. The resurrection was more than a symbol; it set a new pattern. It means there will be a grand reunion in eternity. Paul reveals another spoiler about the end times. Jesus will return for His church. First, “the Lord Himself will come down from heaven”, and “the dead in Christ will rise”. Those still alive at the second coming “will be caught up together with them… to meet the Lord in the air”. Paul declares, “we will be with the Lord forever”. Friend, whatever you are dealing with today, please know, we have hope because Jesus is faithful! Paul tells us to “encourage one another with these words”. Are you living like you know the final score?