Jesus Is Coming- Part 5

First Thessalonians 4:1-12

Scripture Reference

First Thessalonians 4:1-12

Introduction

In this message from First Thessalonians chapter four, Paul continues to instruct the young church about how to live in view of Christ’s coming. The preacher emphasizes that preparing for Jesus’ return is not only about personal holiness but also about investing in one another as members of the body of Christ. The instruction covers living a godly life, maintaining purity, showing love, and committing to faithful labor. These are practical mandates for every believer, regardless of age or office, and they form the foundation of a healthy, growing church.

We’re going to continue on our study First Thessalonians chapter number four. And we’re going to wrap up our first main point that we’re dealing with.

Quote from Preacher

Dr. Terry LeQuieu

Outline

1. Endeavor to Walk with God (Verses 1–2)
   1. Foundational walk — Paul exhorts believers to continue the walk they learned by example: to live so as to please God and to abound more and more.
   2. Personal devotion — Regular Bible reading and prayer are non-negotiable. Spiritual life must be nourished so we have something fresh to give others, not merely reheated leftovers.
   3. Leadership by example — Leaders must model the Christian life; parents and mentors shape young lives much more by daily example than by occasional preaching.
2. Excel in the Will of God (Verses 3–8)
   1. Sanctification declared — “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification.” Sanctification is God’s will: purity of life and purity of mind.
   2. Abstain from fornication — Sexual purity is commanded. Fornication (sex outside of marriage) and indulgent thought-life are warned against; thought precedes action.
   3. Activate a sanctified integrity — Know how to possess your vessel (your body) in sanctification and honor; your body is God’s temple and must honor Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
   4. Act with spiritual insight — Don’t be naive; exercise foresight and prudence. Learn to recognize red flags, heed warning, and prepare for spiritual testing.
   5. Honor God’s discipline — To despise a brother who upholds holiness is to despise God, for God is the one who indwells and empowers His people by the Holy Spirit.
3. Enact the Word of God (Verses 7–8)
   1. Called to holiness — Christians are called away from uncleanness and called unto holiness; God is thrice holy and calls us to reflect His character.
   2. Respect for God’s work — Rebuking holiness is ultimately rejecting God, not merely rejecting a person’s standards.
4. Invest Love into One Another (Verses 9–10)
   1. God-taught love — Brotherly love should be natural to believers because the Spirit teaches us to love; love is the first fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5).
   2. Increase continually — Love and the investment of our lives should grow “more and more.” Christian maturity is marked by increasing devotion to others, not by stagnation.
5. Invest Labor into One Another (Verses 11–12)
   1. Study to be quiet — Work on self-control, especially controlling the tongue. Much trouble begins with what we say; learn restraint.
   2. Do your own business — Avoid becoming a busybody. Mind your responsibilities rather than meddling in others’ affairs.
   3. Work with your own hands — Honest labor prevents idle gossip and provides for family needs; it honors God and sets a good testimony before the lost.
   4. Walk honestly before outsiders — Our conduct toward those outside the church should be respectable so the lost see a difference and have no excuse to scorn the gospel.
6. Practical Summary of the Five Investments
   1. Personal devotion — Be daily at the well (Bible and prayer) so you can pour out to others.
   2. Purity of thought and life — Guard the mind; resist concupiscence and sexual immorality.
   3. Integrity under pressure — Character shows in hard times; be solid on the inside, not merely propped by guide wires.
   4. Growing love — Continue to increase love; it is not an optional fruit but an expected fruit of the Spirit.
   5. Diligent work and wise speech — Keep busy doing good, mind your own business, and speak with grace and restraint so you can walk honestly before all men.

Summary

First Thessalonians 4 calls every believer to practical, daily holiness. Preparation for Christ’s return is shown by a committed walk with God, active sanctification, love for fellow believers, and faithful, honest labor. These are not remote theological ideals but simple, actionable habits: read the Bible, pray, keep your mind pure, invest your life into others, love continually, work diligently, and keep a godly witness before the lost. The church thrives when everyone invests—pastors, teachers, parents, and laypeople alike. God calls us to be people whose inner character matches our outward profession so that Christ is honored and others are drawn to Him.

Every one of us are a culmination of the investment of somebody else into our lives. We are where we are today because somebody took the time to invest into us. Somebody took the time to pour into us.

Quote to Ponder

Dr. Terry LeQuieu

Application for the Week

Choose at least three of the following practical steps to put this passage into action over the next seven days. Pray about which two or three the Lord wants you to commit to and be intentional.

1. Daily Fresh Manna — Set a daily Bible-and-prayer appointment. Start small if necessary (10–15 minutes) and increase. Journal one fresh insight each day and be ready to share it with someone by week’s end.
2. Guard Your Thought Life — Identify one recurring sinful thought pattern (tempting media, late-night conversations, lustful imagination) and implement a concrete replacement: Bible reading, accountability call to a mature believer, or a restriction (no private late-night calls or social media after a set hour).
3. Pour Into One Person — Intentionally invest time this week in one younger believer or a peer: invite them for coffee, offer to meet for a Bible study, send an encouraging note, or pray with them. Be specific and scheduled—not vague.
4. Practice Sanctified Integrity — Choose one area where your conduct could better honor Christ (speech, honesty, work ethic). Make a measurable plan: e.g., finish a task before complaining, confess a known failing to a trusted brother/sister, or stop a specific habit for accountability.
5. Work and Witness — If you are idle or complain about lack of work, take a step: update a resume, seek a job opportunity, volunteer in a church ministry, or commit to a regular, honest work schedule. Use your labor as a testimony to the lost.
6. Mind Your Own Business & Control Your Tongue — Before speaking about someone else this week, pause and ask: “Is it helpful? Is it true? Is it necessary?” Practice two days of deliberate restraint from gossip and report back to an accountability partner.
7. Be Honest Before Outsiders — Pray for one unbelieving friend or neighbor and look for an opportunity to let your consistent, godly life give a testimony. A kind action, an invitation to church, or a simple loving conversation can open a door.

Commit these to prayer, ask God to empower you by His Holy Spirit, and choose accountability: tell a trusted Christian friend which items you will pursue and ask them to check on your progress next week. Remember, Jesus is coming—live and invest in others with that blessed hope in view.