1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

1. Continued growth 4:1-2

In this last major section of the epistle, introduced by "Finally," Paul urged his readers to continue walking (behaving day by day) as the missionaries had instructed them (cf. Galatians 5:25). They needed to "excel still more." The highest motive is to "please God" by a life of obedience to His "commandments." These express His will and chart a safe course for the Christian by leading him or her safely to the goal of spiritual maturity. "To walk and please God," means "to walk so as to please God" (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:15).

"When a man is saved by the work of Christ for him it does not lie open before him as a matter for his completely free decision whether he will serve God or not. He has been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). He has become the slave of Christ. Christian service is not an optional extra for those who like that kind of thing. It is a compelling obligation which lies upon each one of the redeemed." [Note: Morris, The First . . ., pp. 118-19.]

This does not mean, however, that every Christian should serve God in the same particular vocation.