Our theme for this month is “More and More,” and our primary text is 1 Thessalonians 4:1–10. In this passage, the Apostle Paul urges and exhorts us in the Lord Jesus to abound more and more. This phrase is repeated intentionally to emphasize that we should never stop growing in our walk with God. The call is not to remain at the same level spiritually, but to increase continually in faith, obedience, and devotion to God.
Paul wrote this letter to the church he established in Thessalonica. After leaving for Asia, he sent Timothy to check on them. Timothy returned with a report that the people were doing well and exceeding expectations. Paul encouraged them to continue in their work of faith and labor of love, doing “more and more.” His desire was that they would be established and strengthened so they would not be tempted to turn back to their former idols. This reminds every believer that spiritualPROXIMITY WITHOUT FAMILIARITY
Often growth must be continuous and intentional.
The core of Paul’s message is that believers should walk to please God more and more. Many people strive to please their husbands, wives, bosses, or others around them, but the believer’s primary goal must be to please the Maker. As Ephesians 5:17 teaches, we must not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is. Pleasing God must become the central pursuit of our lives
Ephesians 5:17: Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (KJV).
Enoch stands as a powerful example of someone who pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 tells us that by faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death because he had this testimony: he pleased God. He did not have to die to enter God’s presence; he was translated. This was possible because of his faith. Jude 1:14–15 also reveals that Enoch prophesied about the second coming of Jesus, showing that his faith was firmly anchored in the Lord. He was a light in the darkness of his generation, and his life was counted as pleasing to God.
Jesus Himself also lived to please the Father. In John 8:28–29, He explained that He did nothing of Himself but spoke exactly what the Father taught Him.
John 8:28-29:
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.(KJV).
His desire was to hear the Father’s guidance and carry out His purpose. This is the example set before every believer—to live in obedience and carry out whatever the Lord instructs.
There are practical ways believers can apply this truth. First, prayer and intercession are essential. Scripture instructs us to pray and intercede for those in authority so that we may live in peace. This peace creates an environment where the gospel can spread freely.
Holiness and Sanctification
Second, holiness and sanctification are necessary. 1Thessalonians 4:3 declares that the will of God is our sanctification.
1Thessalonians 4:3:
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (KJV).
Believers must abstain from sexual immorality and learn to possess their bodies in sanctification and honor, unlike those who do not know God. God has called His people to holiness, not uncleanness.
Pleasing God
Third, pleasing God brings divine peace even in difficult relationships.
Proverbs 16:7 teaches that when a person’s ways please the Lord, He makes even their enemies to be at peace with them.
Proverbs 16:7: When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (KJV).
The focus should not be on fighting enemies, but on pleasing God, trusting that He will protect and defend His people.
Continuous Growth
Fourth, continuous growth is necessary. A person cannot please God beyond what they know. Therefore, believers must be diligent in Bible study and faithful in fellowship, learning how to walk in God’s will and grow spiritually.
God has made His grace available to all people so they can please Him. No one has an excuse, because even the busiest person can find time to seek and serve God. The goal of every believer is to align with the divine purpose of the Father. Life must become a living sacrifice, which is true worship.
Conclusion
Believers must strive to use everything God has blessed them with—their time, strength, and resources—to please Him. Before taking any action or speaking any word, each person should ask: “Is this pleasing to God?”
Let this be the prayer of every heart: Father, we thank You for Your word. Grant us the grace to please You more and more in all our ways. Help us to walk in Your counsel and do what is acceptable in Your sight. May Your name be glorified in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.