Faithful Until He Returns

Sunday, March 15^th 2026

1 Thessalonians 4:1–12

Introduction

While We Wait for Jesus Return, We Pursue Holiness, Love and Work Hard

1. Walk in a Way That Pleases God (4:1–2)

“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.”

The Christian life is a walk, and our aim is to please God. Paul uses the word walk - daily conduct, steady progress, directional movement.

The goal of every Christian should be to please God, not impress people, not manage appearances, not merely avoid scandal, but to please God.

The Christian pursuit is continual growth: “You are doing so… but do so more and more.” Spiritual complacency is spiritual danger.

1. The Will of God: Your Sanctification (4:3–8)

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality..”

Many Christians ask, “What is God’s will for my life?” Paul answers plainly: Your holiness. The word refers to every form of sexual activity outside God’s design for marriage.

“…that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”

Christian sexuality is not repression; it is redeemed desire under Christ’s lordship.

The body is not disposable. It is sacred. Control your body in holiness and honor.

God calls us to holiness, not impurity. This is not an optional lifestyle for elite Christians. Holiness is the calling of every believer.

“Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” To reject this is to reject God. This is sobering. Sexual ethics are not merely cultural debates — they are theological declarations. To disregard God’s design is to disregard God Himself.

“He gives His Holy Spirit to you.” God does not command purity and then abandon us. He empowers what He requires.

III. Excel Still More in Brotherly Love (4:9–10)

“You yourselves have been taught by God to love one another…but we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more…”

Paul moves from purity to love. They didn’t merely learn love from sermons — they were “God-taught.” The gospel produces affection and love increases.

Paul encourages them to continue to GROW in their love. Love is not static.

1. Live Quietly, Work Faithfully, Walk Respectably (4:11–12)

“Aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”

This is a striking command. In a fame-driven world, Christians are called to quiet faithfulness. In anticipation of the Lord’s return, believers are to lead peaceful lives, free of conflict and hostility toward others, which is a witness to the transforming power of the gospel. 

Sexual purity testifies to God’s design. Brotherly love testifies to Christ’s grace. Honest work testifies to integrity. Holiness makes the gospel visible.

Where we have failed in holiness, Christ has succeeded. Where we have sinned sexually, loved poorly, or worked lazily, Christ stands as our righteousness.

Sanctification is not self-improvement. It is Christ reproduced in His people.

Conclusion: Living Between the Now and the Not Yet

We live between conversion and Christ’s return. While we wait: Walk to please God. Pursue holiness. Love deeply. Work faithfully. Grieve with hope. The world is watching. The Spirit is working. Christ is coming. So let us do this!