Page 62 - Biblical Ethics Course

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14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your
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hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within
you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
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giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Paul affirmed that the Colossians have been raised to new life in Christ (Colossians 2:12–13). Now he presents
the implications of that life. This teaching section of the letter has its own short introduction (Colossians 3:1–4),
a contrast between the old and new ways of living (Colossians 3:5–11), guidelines for the Christian community
and instructions for family relationships. The marker of true Christian spirituality is love. Believers are
empowered by Christ to walk away from evil (Colossians.3:5–17).

1–2 Thessalonians

In these letters, Paul writes to the Thessalonians to encourage them in the face of hardship, to encourage them
to be excited about the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians), and to clarify any misunderstandings or
misrepresentations about the Lord’s return (2 Thessalonians). Since Christ will surely come again, we must live
faithfully in light of this reality. Like the Thessalonians, we still grieve for those who have died. But we do not
grieve like those who have no hope. Because Jesus has been raised, our resurrection is certain—and we can face
any hardship with the confidence that God is with us.

Paul’s Practical Instructions
A. A call to Moral Purity (4:1–8)
B. A call to Disciplined Living (4:9–12)

1 Thessalonians 4:1–12 (NASB95)
1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to
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how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know
what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your
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sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own
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vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man
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transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we
also told you before and solemnly warned you.

7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting
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man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you. Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for
anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it
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toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it
your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we
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commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.

The Basics of Christian Living

Paul offers the Thessalonians numerous pieces of practical advice
focusing on issues related to the Christian community. Two of the key
subjects are leadership in the church (1 Thess 5:12–13) and the
importance of prophecy (vv. 19–21).

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