Sunday Morning Bible Study: -- First Thessalonians 3–4 — Established in Holiness, Ready for His Coming
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
This Sunday morning at 10:30, we move ahead to 1 Thessalonians 3 and 4.
Last week we saw how the Gospel came to Thessalonica with power and how a young church was formed.This week,
Paul turns from how they began to how they are to continue.
These chapters press one clear question upon us:
How shall we live as we wait for Christ to return?
Chapter 3 — Strengthened and Established
Paul had been forced to leave Thessalonica quickly. He was concerned for them — not about their comfort, but about their faith under pressure.
So he sent Timothy to check on them.
When Timothy returned with good news, Paul’s heart lifted:
“Now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.” (1 Thess. 3:8)
That is a striking statement.
Paul’s sense of life and joy is tied to their perseverance.
He then prays one of the most beautiful prayers in the New Testament:
“The Lord make you to increase and abound in love…To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God…” (1 Thess. 3:12–13)
Notice where Paul is aiming:
Not success.Not comfort.But holiness.
A steady heart. A clean life. Ready to stand before God.
Chapter 4 — How Then Shall We Live?
Now Paul becomes very direct.
“This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” (1 Thess. 4:3)
He speaks plainly about daily life — especially about purity, self-control, and honoring one another.
This is not complicated teaching. It is clear obedience.
He then adds:
“Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands.” (1 Thess. 4:11)
There is something refreshing here.
The Christian life is not loud or showy. It is steady, faithful, and responsible.
The Great Hope — The Coming of the Lord
The chapter then lifts our eyes.
Some in Thessalonica were troubled about believers who had died. Had they missed Christ’s return?
Paul answers with one of the clearest and most comforting passages in Scripture:
“The dead in Christ shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them…and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4:16–17)
This is not speculation. It is promise.
And Paul tells us what to do with it:
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thess. 4:18)
Christian hope is not vague. It is rooted in the certainty that Christ will come — and we will be with Him.
What to Watch For on Sunday
As we read together, notice:
1. Faith must be strengthened. Even strong believers need encouragement to stand firm.
2. Holiness is God’s will. Not optional. Not secondary.
3. The Christian life is steady and practical. Quiet faithfulness matters.
4. Our hope is personal and certain. We will be with the Lord.
A Word for Us
These chapters bring things very close to home.
Are we standing fast — or drifting?
Are we growing in holiness — or settling?
Are we living quietly and faithfully — or distracted and restless?
Are we truly looking for Christ’s return?
Paul is not writing to experts. He is writing to ordinary believers — like us.
And his message is simple:
Stand firm. Live clean. Love deeply.Wait expectantly.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, establish our hearts in holiness. Teach us to live quietly, faithfully, and ready. Keep us watching for Your coming. Amen.
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Called Unto HOLINESS
“Called unto HOLINESS,” church of our God,
Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by Hisby His blood;
Called from the world and its idols to flee,
Called from the bondage of sin to be free.
Refrain:
“HOLINESS unto the Lord” is our watchword and song,
“HOLINESS unto the Lord” as we’re marching along;
Sing it, shout it, loud and long,
“HOLINESS unto the Lord,” now and forever.
“Called unto HOLINESS,” children of light,
Walking with Jesus in garments of white;
Raiment unsullied, nor tarnished with sin;
God’s Holy Spirit abiding within.
“Called unto HOLINESS,” praise His dear Name!
This blessed secret to faith now made plain:
Not our own righteousness, but Christ within,
Living, and reigning, and saving from sin.
“Called unto HOLINESS,” glorious thought!
Up from the wilderness wanderings brought,
Out from the shadows and darkness of night,
Into the Canaan of perfect delight.
“Called unto HOLINESS,” bride of the Lamb,
Waiting the Bridegroom’s returning again!
Lift up your heads, for the day draweth near
When in His beauty the King shall appear.
Leila N. Morris, 1900
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto HOLINESS. 1 Thes. 4:7
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