I Thessalonians 4

“We instructed you how to live in order to please God ...” (1). Paul addressed practical issues in Thessalonica, teaching how faith in Jesus transformed day- to-day life. First, Paul urged believers to avoid sexual immorality, to practice self-control, and to live in a holy and honorable way (3-8). Second, believers were to live “quiet” lives and to work hard, winning the respect of outsiders (9- 12). Third, believers who had lost loved ones were to live with hope, not despair, because the dead “in Christ” would rise again (13-17).

“Therefore encourage one another with these words” (18). We can be encouraged that Jesus cares about everything facing us. Relationships, work, suffering – He is our hope and our guide in every circumstance.