How does this verse encourage personal growth in holiness and sanctification? Setting the Scene “Finally then, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to continue to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you are doing. Do this even more.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1) What the Verse Demands • Ongoing obedience—“continue to live” assumes holiness is never static. • God–centered aim—“pleasing to God” places His approval above all else. • Increasing measure—“even more” denies complacency and presses for continual progress. How It Spurs Personal Growth • Sets a clear target: pleasing God gives definition to holiness, rescuing it from vagueness. • Affirms present faithfulness: Paul recognizes existing obedience, which motivates further diligence rather than discouragement. • Commands progression: growth is treated as normal Christian life, not an optional add-on. Practical Pathways to “Even More” • Evaluate daily choices by the question, “Does this please God?” (cf. Colossians 1:10). • Cultivate spiritual disciplines—regular Scripture intake, prayer, fellowship, and service sharpen sensitivity to sin and righteousness. • Guard moral purity—Paul’s next verses address sexual holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8), showing growth begins with the body. • Pursue love—verse 9 links sanctification with sincere brotherly love; serving others stretches holiness into relationships. • Submit to the Spirit—Galatians 5:16-25 ties walking by the Spirit to producing His fruit, the lived-out character of holiness. Fuel for Perseverance • Christ’s work guarantees success (Hebrews 10:14). • God’s will is our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3); He Himself is invested in our growth. • Future hope of seeing Jesus spurs purity (1 John 3:2-3). • Divine enablement: “for it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:13). Companion Scriptures • Romans 12:1-2—offering bodies as living sacrifices defines practical holiness. • 2 Corinthians 7:1—“perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” • Philippians 1:9-11—abounding love leads to blameless lives. • 2 Peter 3:18—“grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” • Jude 24—God’s power keeps us from stumbling, ensuring growth reaches its goal. Living It Out Today Step forward in the obedience you already know, lean on the Spirit’s power, and aim consciously at pleasing God. Then repeat—“even more.” Holiness flourishes through steady, Spirit-energized progress that never settles until Christ is fully formed in us. |
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