How does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 connect with Jesus' teachings on obedience? Setting the Scene in Thessalonica 1 Thessalonians 4:1: “Finally, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus to continue to live in a way that pleases God, just as you are doing. We urge you to do this more and more.” Paul is reminding believers who are already living faithfully that obedience is a lifelong, ever-deepening journey. Key Phrases Worth Noticing • “in the Lord Jesus” — the authority for obedience is Christ Himself. • “live in a way that pleases God” — obedience is relational, aimed at God’s pleasure, not mere rule-keeping. • “more and more” — growth is expected; complacency is not an option. Echoes of Jesus’ Teaching on Obedience • John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – Jesus ties obedience to love; Paul ties obedience to pleasing God. Same heart motive. • Matthew 28:20: “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” – Paul is fulfilling the Great Commission mandate: instruct believers to obey. • John 15:10: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” – “Walk” (Paul) equals “remain” (Jesus); both picture an ongoing lifestyle. • Luke 6:46-48: Wise builder hears and does Christ’s words. – Paul’s “more and more” parallels Jesus’ call to build on continual obedience. Shared Motive: Love That Seeks God’s Pleasure • Jesus: Obedience flows from love (John 14:21). • Paul: Obedience aims at pleasing God (1 Thessalonians 4:1). • Conclusion: The disciple obeys not to earn favor but to express affection. Shared Method: Learning, Walking, Abiding 1. Receive instruction – “you have learned from us” (1 Thessalonians 4:1) – “learn from Me” (Matthew 11:29) 2. Put it into practice – “continue to live” (Paul) – “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37) 3. Keep progressing – “more and more” (Paul) – “bear much fruit” (John 15:5) Shared Goal: Ever-Increasing Christlikeness • Jesus prunes fruitful branches “so that they will be even more fruitful” (John 15:2). • Paul urges believers already pleasing God to excel still further. • Both see obedience as dynamic growth until “we all reach unity in the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). Practical Takeaways Today • Measure obedience by relationship: ask, “Is my life bringing a smile to God’s face?” • Keep learning the words of Christ; Scripture saturates and guides the daily walk. • Reject spiritual plateaus; aim to grow “more and more” in every season. • Link love and obedience: deepen affection for Christ, and actions will follow. |
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