February 1, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Thessalonians Chapter 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.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
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.
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
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;
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;
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
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.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
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.
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:
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.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The fourth chapter of the First Epistle to the Thessalonians contains two central themes: the exhortation to sanctification and the hope of the resurrection of the dead. Paul encourages the believers to live in such a way as to please God, to keep themselves away from impurity, and to grow in love and diligence. At the same time, he offers comfort in the face of death by reminding them that believers have a secure hope in the return of Christ and the resurrection of the deceased. This section speaks directly to the lives of Christians both ethically and eschatologically.
Commentary
Paul emphasizes the importance of a holy way of life as a sign of following Jesus. Sanctification is not a one-time action but a continuous process in which the believer increasingly aligns his life with God’s will. He particularly highlights the need for purity in one’s personal life and respectful interactions with others, especially in business dealings and interpersonal relationships.
In the second half of the chapter, Paul directs the focus to the hope of the believers: the resurrection of the dead at the return of Christ. This is a fundamental comfort for Christians who have lost loved ones. The belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the assurance that even those who have fallen asleep in Christ are not lost. The idea of being caught up together with them to be with Christ forever is a powerful encouragement for every believer.
This section reminds us that our lives are sustained by God’s plan both in the present and in the future. Sanctification and the hope in the return of Christ are inextricably linked.
Summary
1.Call to Sanctification – Paul urges the believers to live in purity and honor, to avoid immorality, and to practice brotherly love.
2.Practical Lifestyle – A quiet, diligent life is recommended in order to serve as an example to outsiders and to avoid dependency.
3.Comfort and Hope – Believers are encouraged not to be sorrowful over the dead but to live in the hope of the resurrection.
4.Return of Christ – Jesus will return, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ will be the first to rise. Afterwards, the living will be united with them and will be with the Lord forever.
Paul concludes with an encouragement: These words are meant to comfort the believers and give them strength until the Lord returns.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.
Commentary
This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.
A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.
Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.
Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.
Summary
Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.
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