“Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.”
1 Thessalonians 4:1
The church had received instructions from Paul and his fellow ministers how to walk and please God. When we put our faith in Christ to do this, we trust Him alone to increase our ability to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. Paul says to the Colossians, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him” (2:6).
It’s good to remind ourselves of this because we often forget that this is our primary duty and joy. Even when we feel we’re doing well in our Christian walk, it’s good to pay attention and reflect on it. I like how John Calvin does this in A Little Book on the Christian Life (1550):
“Let us fix our eyes on the goal with sincerity and simplicity, aspiring to that end—neither foolishly congratulating ourselves, nor exciting our evil deeds. Let us press on with continual striving toward that goal so that we might surpass ourselves—until we have finally arrived at perfection itself… when we have escaped the weakness of the flesh and have been received into His perfect fellowship.”
It’s good to remind ourselves of this because we often forget that this is our primary duty and joy. Even when we feel we’re doing well in our Christian walk, it’s good to pay attention and reflect on it. I like how John Calvin does this in A Little Book on the Christian Life (1550):
“Let us fix our eyes on the goal with sincerity and simplicity, aspiring to that end—neither foolishly congratulating ourselves, nor exciting our evil deeds. Let us press on with continual striving toward that goal so that we might surpass ourselves—until we have finally arrived at perfection itself… when we have escaped the weakness of the flesh and have been received into His perfect fellowship.”
Scripture Focus
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Insight
“But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Kings 1-2
- Proverbs 11
- James 1
