1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
This theme of “more and more” covers every area of our existence.
This Scripture is written for believers, for the church, for God’s people. The expectation of the lord and the expectation of the vessel that the lord has used for them is that whatsoever they have received or are receiving, the expectation is that they should abound more and more.
The emphasis of this passage is the believer’s walk with the Lord. Paul establishes that the church has already received instructions and teachings on how to live. However, the expectation is not merely to maintain a status, but to abound more and more.
To “abound” or “increase” implies growth, maturity, and a continual advancement in the things of God.
Just as a teacher has an “expected outcome” for their students, God has a set objective for our lives. He desires for us to explore and experience His will to the fullest.
More and more is the will, expectation of God for your life.
Areas where God wants us to abound more and more
Walking in righteousness and holiness
The first area where we are called to increase is in righteousness and holiness. The scripture is explicit: “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification”. We are instructed to abstain from fornication and to know how to possess our vessels in sanctification and honor. This means not living a life driven by the lust of concupiscence (the Greek epithumia, referring to forbidden desire), as those who do not know God.
The first 4verses of 1Thess 4 is centered around our walk with the lord as relate our desire to walk in righteous, sanctification and in pleasing the lord.
In holiness we will grow, in sanctification, it will be a desire and a longing in our heart. We will also have a burden to live right.
In this current dispensation of grace, there is a dangerous trend where the “fear of God” seems to be disappearing as knowledge increases. Some develop a “boldness to do evil” under the covering of grace, becoming reckless and losing their guards. But Paul insists that because we have received the word, we must abound in holiness. Growth in grace should reflect a life that is increasingly aligned with Christ-likeness.
Some capitalize on the love of God as a justification for recklessness, but a true revelation of that love produces the opposite effect.
2 Corinthians 5:14-18 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
The word “constraineth” (from the Greek synechō) means to control, compel, or restrain. The same love that some use as a license to misbehave was the very thing that controlled Paul. If you think grace allows you to live anyhow, it is simply a revelation of your shallowness; it shows you are not yet abounding or maturing in the truth. True growth means your life is being shaped, coordinated, and aligned by the truth you have received.
So “More and more” will be that you are advancing, in knowledge, in grace and in the truth of God’s word that is reflecting in your walk with God. The more of God’s word you receive, the more your life is aligned and the more of Christlikeness and godly living you see.
God wants us to increase more and more in our relationship.
God expects us to increase in how we relate to one another.
The scripture warns “that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter”.
A mature faith community is one where brothers can trust each other, even in matters of business and money. We should abound in mutual respect and brotherly love, increasing more and more in our care for the saints.
God also expects us to increase more and more in love.
God wants us to abound more and more in the work of our hands.
A significant part of pleasing God involves being industrious and disciplined. Paul commands us to “study to be quiet, to “do your own business,” and to “work with your own hands”. God expects us to be productive and to avoid being a rumor-monger.
When a man is not focused on his own affairs and is instead involved in things that do not concern him, he is not pleasing the Lord. We must “face front” and keep focusing on our vision and our work. Many people are unproductive because they spend their energy on social distractions and complaining rather than investing in their own lives.
The desire of the Lord is for you to get better and more mature.Proverbs 4:18
The desire of the lord is that you get better, you grow and become more mature. The desire of the Lord is that in everything good and godly, Christ is glorified.
God wants you to be more so that you can do more. Growth will naturally take away the carelessness in your life. When you reach a certain level of maturity, you no longer have time for gossiping, backbiting, or nursing bitterness. You become “waterproof” to the actions of others because your response is no longer determined by their behavior, but by your focus on Christ.
Lastly, This is the season to be rooted in the Word, to be grounded in the truth, and to stay focused on your assignment. Whether in your career, your job, or your vocation. Go and work with your hands so that your life can be productive for the Lord and for yourself.
In everything good and godly, you shall abound. You will be more, and you will do more.
Amen.
Amen