Walking to Please God

Thanks for joining me for this week’s Bible study. This week we’re taking a look at what it means to walk in a way that is pleasing to God. An appropriate topic for a column called, “Walking Points.” Thanks for joining me and have a great day.

Introduction

In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, Paul shifts from affirming the Thessalonians’ faith to offering practical instructions for holy living. His opening appeal is simple yet profound: “…we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more” (v. 1). Christian life is not static; it’s a journey of continual growth in pleasing God.

The passage focuses on two key areas: holiness in personal conduct and love in communal relationships. Paul reminds us that God’s call on our lives isn’t merely to avoid sin but to grow in Christlikeness, reflecting God’s holy character. John Wesley captured this well when he said, “Holiness is not an endowment for a select few; it is the common goal for all who would walk with God.”

Pursuing Holiness

Paul begins with a strong call to sanctification, stating, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (v. 3). Sanctification is the process by which believers become more like Christ, turning away from sin and growing in love for God and others. Here, Paul highlights one specific area of holiness: sexual purity.

This command resonates in our culture, where immorality is often normalized. Paul’s directive to “control [one’s] own body in holiness and honor” (v. 4) stands in stark contrast to the culture’s indulgence in lust. Sexual purity is not about repression but about honoring God and others. As Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” True fulfillment comes not from fleeting desires but from living in alignment with God’s will.

The Seriousness of Holiness

Paul underscores the gravity of this command by reminding the Thessalonians of divine judgment: “…the Lord is an avenger in all these things” (v. 6). This statement emphasizes that sin isn’t just a personal failure but an offense against God and others. Sexual immorality can exploit and harm others, violating the brotherly love that should characterize Christian relationships.

Yet, Paul doesn’t merely appeal to fear of judgment. He also points to God’s transformative power: “God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness” (v. 7). This calling is enabled by the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to resist temptation and live in obedience (v. 8). Holiness, then, is not a burden but a gift – a participation in God’s own character.

Brotherly Love

Paul transitions from personal holiness to communal love: “Now concerning brotherly love…you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another” (v. 9). This love (philadelphia) is a hallmark of the Christian community, reflecting the love of Christ who laid down his life for us (John 13:34-35).

The Thessalonians were already excelling in this area, but Paul encourages them to “do this more and more” (v. 10). True love is never stagnant; it grows and overflows. Charles Wesley’s hymn captures this beautifully: “Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down.” As believers, we’re called to embody this divine love in practical ways, supporting one another and extending grace to all.

Living Quietly and Respectfully

In the final section, Paul addresses a practical issue: some believers had become idle, relying on others’ generosity rather than working. “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands” (v. 11) is a call to responsible living. Paul isn’t condemning dependence in times of genuine need but warning against laziness that undermines the witness of the church.

This instruction is especially relevant in light of the Thessalonians’ eschatological hope. Some may have thought Christ’s imminent return excused them from earthly responsibilities. Paul corrects this misunderstanding, urging them to live in a way that earns respect from outsiders (v. 12). Work, when done to please God, is an act of worship. As Dorothy Sayers once said, “The only Christian work is good work well done.”

Key Principles

1. Sanctification is not optional; it’s central to God’s plan for our lives (v. 3). Living in purity and honor reflects God’s character and brings him glory.

2. Brotherly love is both a gift and a responsibility. As God’s love overflows to us, we’re called to extend that love more and more to others (vv. 9-10).

3. Living responsibly and working diligently reflects the integrity of our faith and serves as a witness to those outside the church (vv. 11-12).

Bible Study Questions

1. In 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, Paul urges believers to “walk to please God.” What does it mean to live in a way that pleases God? (See Colossians 1:10 and Galatians 5:16-18.)

2. Paul connects God’s will to sanctification (v. 3). How does sanctification differ from justification, and why is it essential to the Christian life? (See Romans 6:19-22 and Philippians 1:6.)

3. Why does Paul single out sexual immorality as a key aspect of sanctification (vv. 3-5)? How does this reflect both the culture of his time and the universal challenges believers face?

4. What does it mean to “control [your] own body in holiness and honor” (v. 4)? How can believers pursue self-control in practical ways? (See 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and Galatians 5:22-23.)

5. In verse 6, Paul warns that the Lord is an avenger of sin. How should the reality of God’s judgment shape our attitudes and actions? Compare with Hebrews 10:26-31.

6. Paul calls Christians to love one another more and more (vv. 9-10). What practical steps can we take to grow in love within our church and community?

7. What does it mean to “live quietly” and “mind your own affairs” (v. 11)? How does this instruction guard against idleness and gossip?

8. How does Paul connect diligent work with the Christian witness (v. 12)? Why is it important for Christians to maintain integrity in their work?

9. How does the Holy Spirit enable believers to live holy lives (v. 8)? See also Galatians 5:16-25.

10. How does this passage challenge you personally in the areas of holiness, love, or work?

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1. What does “walking to please God” look like in your daily life? Are there areas where you sense God calling you to greater obedience?

2. How has the culture around you shaped your understanding of holiness, particularly in the area of sexual purity? How does Scripture challenge those cultural norms?

3. What practical steps can you take to grow in self-control, especially in areas of temptation?

4. How have you experienced God’s love through others in your church? How can you extend that same love to someone in need this week?

5. In what ways does your work – whether paid or unpaid – reflect your faith? How might you honor God more fully in your daily responsibilities?

6. Are there ways in which you’ve relied too heavily on others when you could take more personal responsibility? How can you adjust your approach to reflect the principles of this passage?

7. How do you balance quiet humility with boldness in sharing your faith?

8. What motivates you to live a holy life – fear of judgment, love for God, or something else? How does this passage expand your understanding of God’s call?

9. How does this passage challenge you to see your relationships as opportunities to glorify God?

10. What specific habits or practices can you develop to grow in holiness, love, or diligence?

Action Steps

1. Take time this week to evaluate whether your life is pleasing to God. Identify one area of holiness where you can grow and take a concrete step toward obedience.

2. Reach out to a fellow believer or someone in need with an act of kindness. Let this be a practical expression of brotherly love, reflecting God’s care.

3. If you are employed, seek to perform your tasks with integrity and excellence this week. If you aren’t working, find a meaningful way to serve others in your community.

Thank you for diving into this study with me! If it has blessed you, I encourage you to share it with someone who might benefit. For additional devotionals, Bible studies, and resources, visit Walking Points. Let’s continue growing in holiness and love together!