Good day to all, let us delve into 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4. Having dispensed with the pleasantries in the preceding chapters, we now arrive at the substance of the matter.

"Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more." (1 Thessalonians 4:1)

The central theme of chapter 4 is "how you ought to walk and to please God." Barely two weeks into their newfound faith, and brimming with enthusiasm, they embarked on their journey after Paul's departure, somewhat disoriented. Despite their faith, they remained uncertain about many aspects, leading to various complications.

Timothy's return from Thessalonica brought with him the questions they had posed to Paul. Through this passage, we can infer some of the issues the Thessalonians were grappling with. What were these questions? For instance, "We have already believed; we are already saved." Does this not resonate with contemporary Christians? It is strikingly similar, as if the task is complete. "I have already believed." And then? Peculiar occurrences begin to manifest within the church.

Indeed, Paul's theological framework never posited that one is saved and destined for heaven upon death. He consistently emphasized striving. Hence, the opening question: "Do you know how you ought to walk? How can you please God?" You should strive even more in the direction you are currently heading, for you are far from the mark.

Fearing discouragement, he lays the groundwork before delivering the substance. You are still far off, which is indeed what I am conveying. A new believer is undoubtedly distant from resembling God, is he not?

Paul Exhorts the Thessalonian Church to Greater Endeavor

It is not to say that belief equates to salvation. I tell you, once one believes, complications ensue. Why is this so? Does God not protect us? I tell you, the demons arrive upon belief. Were there no demons before? There were, but they held little interest in the unsaved, who were already corrupted.

However, upon belief, the demons are invigorated. Why? Because there exists a peculiar phenomenon in the spiritual realm. If a demon can corrupt a Christian, it receives a substantial reward. Thus, upon witnessing your belief and impending salvation, they seek to corrupt you.

You must understand that belief makes one highly susceptible to demonic influence. This explains why Christians may become dull or foolish, and easily corrupted. Does God not protect? He does, but He does not make decisions for you.

The first lie propagated by demons is that you have already believed, you are already saved, and you may now rest. How wonderful to rest, and we even perceive ourselves as having assurance of salvation. I have observed many Christians who bear no semblance of salvation.

A Christian's pursuit must never cease. Cessation leads to trouble. A Christian must strive. "How tiring," you say. Is it less tiring to fall into the hands of the devil? If a tiger were in pursuit, you would run swiftly, lest you be devoured. Thus, we should exhort one another, for we are far from the mark. Let no one mistake this for undermining your enthusiasm; it is not so.

Brothers and sisters, do not presume that resting after belief is a noble choice, nor that you are assured of salvation. You must strive. Is it tiring? Yes, but less so than falling into the devil's grasp. Therefore, to believe in a flawed gospel is a tragedy.

Sanctification and Abstinence from Sexual Immorality

"For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:2-7)

It is not to say that the flesh is of no benefit, allowing one to indulge as one pleases. While a Christian is not justified by works, one must transcend a works-based mentality. For one with faith believes in one's ability to live out the image of God.

At this juncture, I must clarify that Chinese Mingding Doctrine is not a theology of ascending to heaven upon death, but of living out the image of God while alive, living with dignity and filled with God's glory, certainly not resembling a slovenly figure.

Thus, upon believing, one remains distant from holiness. It is merely that the blood of Jesus Christ covers our transgressions. It is not that we have already become the image of God, but that the long march has just begun. Do you desire to live out the image of God? Of course, to live out the image of God, in dignity, is desirable.

But what image do we currently embody? Reflect on it. Our minds are filled with much that is base, much that is rubbish. Why? Because many believe that upon salvation, the flesh is of no benefit, and they begin to engage in sexual immorality. In fact, even moral standards cannot accept it. Do you think the image of God can accept it?

I earnestly hope that brothers and sisters can understand this. We are far from the image of God and must strive. Learning is crucial. The innate, natural thoughts within us are nothing but rubbish.

One undergoes cosmetic surgery, resulting in fractures; another undergoes surgery, leading to illness. Where do these come from? The reason is simple: the rubbish in the mind has not been cleansed. How discouraging, you say. When will it end? When we meet the Lord. Therefore, while living on this earth, do not presume that we can casually live out the image of God.

We must continually learn, being filled with the knowledge of God in our understanding, knowing God's holiness, knowing what we ought to do, and cleansing ourselves by the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby avoiding much sin. Do not act rashly. Many lack the knowledge of living well.

Those who lack the knowledge of living well cannot live well. They follow the lies propagated by the devil and find numerous excuses for themselves. Know that the theology of the Apostle Paul is one of mortifying the deeds of the flesh, and his gospel is one of mortifying the deeds of the flesh. The root of all problems in life is indulging the flesh, which is natural and innate. Therefore, we must learn the knowledge of God. Each time we know God in knowledge and understanding, we receive some cleansing in the spirit.
I came across a video of a pastor commenting on a jailed pastor. His comments were insightful and incisive. The entire interview lacked repentance. He even said, "I have already forgiven them."

Whom are you forgiving? As if someone has offended you. "I forgive him; I will not stoop to his level. I will not discern good and evil with him." These words make it seem as though you are virtuous, as though you are superior. But it is not so. We cleanse ourselves, but this matter has not been handled correctly. Cease saying, "I forgive him," as if you are great and noble. Never utter such words again.

What should we say? Begin by acknowledging our shortcomings, our need for improvement. Brothers and sisters, be cautious. We have only one qualification: to recognize that we have much room for improvement.

The Thessalonians were no exception. They saw the faults of others clearly but were blind to their own. Therefore, God's will is our sanctification, abstaining from sexual immorality. There is much to change. Brothers and sisters, do not offer advice to others, nor be displeased with others, but focus on your own problems and offer advice only to yourself.

To offer advice to myself is the path to holiness, or to invite others to point out my faults. They will tell you. Our words often betray our tendency to find fault with others, as if we are superior. "I forgive him." Does it not sound strange? "I will not discern good and evil with him." The Thessalonians said the same. Among us, I constantly demand, yet we persist. The Thessalonians had only believed for two weeks. What do you expect? Natural self-righteousness.

Do Not Defraud Your Brother

"That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." (1 Thessalonians 4:6)

Do you discern a certain flavor? Like someone who is a boss in the workplace, but upon entering the church, the bossy demeanor remains. "Move this here, move that there." The bossy demeanor is heavy. Or a commoner believes, and his employee also believes, but the boss withholds the brother's salary. The brother then complains to the church, "He is withholding my salary." What happens? In the church, I yield to you, but back in the company, you will be disciplined.

The Thessalonians were in a similar situation. The church leaders did not know how to manage it and sought Paul's counsel. "Paul, we have this situation." Paul wrote, "That no man go beyond," exceeding your position, "and defraud his brother." Or two brothers in the church quarrel over the division of family property.

Do you think that upon belief, one becomes holy and ceases to defraud others? It is not so. When I believed, I was struck by these strange phenomena in the church. I did not perceive these individuals as saved. Therefore, I never believed in being saved, but rather in being far from the mark.
In the church, when a leader rebukes him, he reacts strongly, "You cannot do this! In the name of Jesus, I reject your curse! I break the curse that your words bring upon me!" It sounds sinister. What is being rejected is not the person, but the God who gives you the Holy Spirit.

Churches naturally experience murky affairs. I must boast: when I saw these murky affairs in the church, I thought, "I will build a church, but not like this." The church must be holy and confront these evil deeds. Thank God, I boast, that our church has confronted many. Gossip, nonsense, selling products, doing business, defrauding, deceiving—these are rampant. But remember, the Lord will avenge.

How wonderful to come to church, where there is a large group of people. How wonderful to conduct pyramid schemes here, is it not? How wonderful to do business. I tell you, the Lord will avenge. To this day, we reject these disputes over differing political stances within the church, nor do we allow buying and selling. The church is a holy place, but pursuing holiness is difficult. We have done so for many years, confronting many problems, to arrive at where we are today.

A few years ago, I contracted COVID-19. While sick, I could still use my phone. In a group, someone said that a pastor had also contracted COVID-19, but recovered, thanks to God. However, a few days later, he posted a lengthy reflection on his experience with COVID-19.

He said that building a church is filled with power struggles. I thought, "If his church is filled with power struggles, did he not build it? Why is he dissatisfied with what he built?" He went on to say much more, from which I gleaned many faults.

It was not the gospel of Jesus Christ, nor was it building God's church according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Two days later, news came that he had died. He died suddenly. During the time of COVID-19, people often died suddenly. I felt a sense of sorrow. Know that believing in the wrong gospel and preaching the wrong gospel are both cursed.

Love One Another

Now about brotherly love, no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. And in fact, you are doing this to all of the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more. (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)

Paul wrote in a rather refined manner, but what he meant was that you are not doing well enough. In fact, the church must raise its standards and not lower God's requirements. We should say what God requires. If God requires you to forsake this and that for the sake of Jesus Christ, then we should say so too. Later, I discovered that all who forsake, gain.

Loving one another sounds like an empty phrase, but it seems difficult to put into practice. However, it is not difficult. Therefore, the requirements that the Lord Jesus gives us are simple. Someone once asked me, what about the laws of the Old Testament? The laws of the Old Testament can be summarized into two. First, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Second, love your neighbor as yourself.

When you bully others, the Lord will surely repay. Never play games with God; you cannot outsmart Him. God will certainly deal with people, and He will certainly teach. God will never be soft on those who need to be taught. But when you love one another, God will bless people without reservation.

There was another sister who was not blessed. When I dug into her heart, I dared not say too much. I could only say, get on the path to blessing as soon as possible. Why? The reason is simple. Is there a heart that loves the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength? It seems like there is, but it also seems like there isn't. But there is definitely no love for others as oneself. She finds faults in others like no one else, but she cannot find her own faults.

She sees only problems in others. Her entire speaking style and manner reveal that others owe her money and have wronged her. But is that the case? Actually, it is not. We must know that the love God speaks of is: love is patient, love is not self-seeking.

If I tell you that doing things that way in the past was a loss, would you stop doing it that way? You do not know how rich the grace of loving one another is, and the blessings you receive are far beyond what we can imagine. Therefore, everyone must know that if we can act according to God's commands, even if we clearly understand that we cannot do it, we must deal with the evil deeds of our flesh. It will be difficult for you not to be blessed. Start putting an end to the days when you were at a disadvantage.

People do not believe, but I tell you, the Lord will surely repay. Those who truly love one another, God will repay them with blessings. I lament that people often act foolishly. If people were smart, they would know that doing this is advantageous and doing that is a loss. If you play games with God, how much will you lose? Isn't that right? Never play games with God again. Remember that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.

Working with Our Hands

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

The Apostle Paul's theology was definitely not about sitting around waiting for death. The Apostle Paul's theological system was about working with one's own hands, and the Apostle Paul himself worked with his own hands. The church is full of two-cent teapots, all mouth. It seems like they know everything about what flies in the sky, runs on the ground, and swims in the sea. They are experts in everything.

But when you ask them to do something, it is over. They look at this and that, and they tell you to do this and that. But when people ask them how to do it, they say, "Do it however you want." Why do they never work with their own hands? Because they only know how to talk. People who talk a lot are powerful in the church.

If they do not work with their own hands in the church, they will not work with their own hands outside the church. Do you think they will not be poor? What will happen when they are poor? "Oh, I am so poor that I only have spiritual grace left." It sounds very strange. Never think that being poor is a good thing. Never think that after we believe in the Lord, we only need to talk. We must also work with our own hands.

Therefore, make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, mind your own business, and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. Until now, I have seen many such situations.

Once, I went to a place, and a friend introduced me to the local church pastor. So I drove a long way to see him. After the communication, some children, fifteen or sixteen years old, came out. I asked, "What are these children doing?" He said, "They are studying at the seminary here." What can they do when they enter society in the future? They cannot do anything.

After seeing this, I felt sorry for the parents of these children. They trained a group of social cripples who cannot do anything. And they feel great about being poor. Paul never asked people to do this. I tell you, many churches and many pastors have ruined many people because their theological system is not Paul's theological system.

Among us, their former pastors advised them not to work, not to work. If they do not work, what will they eat? You support them, right? Do not work, come and serve God. If you work, how can you serve? I tell you, the Apostle Paul was very powerful. He used his own hands to work. Wherever he went, he could find suitable work, work a job, support himself, and support his co-workers.

This is so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders. Do not live like an angel, as if you are about to grow two wings on your back. Wherever you go, you are all "Holy, Holy." You are simply a religious person who cannot do anything. Therefore, brothers and sisters, our church must train brothers and sisters to be people who work with their own hands.
Do not think that pastoring is about doing nothing, that is the end. I will give you a nickname, "Dede." You will definitely become Dede. Why Dede? Peter. He lived by praying and preaching, and in the end, he ruined the church. What is the point? He wanders around like a beggar, which is meaningless.

Therefore, work with your own hands. In the process of working with your own hands, you can accomplish things. In the process of working with your own hands, you can practice your faith. This is why if you follow us, it is difficult to become a cult. Working with your own hands and living out the image of God well cannot be skewed. It is a legitimate way to solve problems.

Comfort Each Other with the Hope of Eternity

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

The greatest reward of believing in the Lord is having hope. We have hope in eternity, and we comfort each other. The Thessalonian believers asked Paul: "Paul, a brother in our church has died, and we are all crying and grieving. Why did he die? Why didn't our prayers work?"

I want to tell everyone that prayers always work, but when the time of death arrives, they will definitely not work. They cannot work, because the time of death has arrived. Everyone must establish a new concept, which is that it is incomparably good for a person's spirit to leave the body. There are also people whose spirits have left the body and then returned. After returning to their physical body, they are very tired. They describe that their spirit is in a very comfortable and relaxed state after leaving the body.

Then I ask you, is it a good thing or a bad thing for our spirit to leave the body? For those of us who are alive, it seems like a bad thing, because he died. But for the person involved, it is a good thing. Because they are relaxed and at ease, and they rest from the labors of the world. A person is in the physical body, not because we want it, but because it is so ordained. God has predestined how many years we will live. Therefore, do not have carnal hope, but have eternal hope in this world. To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord is far better.

Some people say that they do not have to sin anymore. It is not that they do not have to sin anymore, but that they do not have to suffer anymore. They do not have to suffer in the physical body. Because we have such hope, our physical bodies will definitely be resurrected in the future. You say, "How can they be resurrected if they have turned to ashes?" The atoms on your body are still there, and the soul can still be resurrected from the earth.

Resurrection from the dead is a key component of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is also a key component of the gospel of the Apostle Paul. One day, our Lord will come, and the dead will rise from the dead, which is the redemption of our bodies. Then we who are alive and those who have been resurrected will be caught up together into the air.

In fact, if we have hope in eternity, we will not walk a vain path in this world. There was once a man named Alexander, who was from Macedonia. It happened around 330 BC. He started fighting at the age of twenty and destroyed many countries. He destroyed Egypt, the Persian Empire, and the Greek city-states. His territory reached India. But he died at the age of 32. What is the point? What is the point? There is no point. This is the tragedy of the Tower of Babel.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, do not put your hope in this world. Wherever you put your hope, that will become your pressure. But if you put your hope in heaven, it will not become your pressure. Therefore, Paul said in the fourth chapter of 1 Thessalonians that these are what please God.

When we live on this earth with the hope of eternity, we will not have pressure, because the earth is not our hope. The hope of the earth is just a passing scene. It is a small test for us to see how we react. Never take earthly things too seriously. One day, these earthly things will not have much to do with us.

But when we are alive on earth, the fruit of our service will go with us into eternity. Because we have the hope of eternity, we anchor our future in this eternal hope. Anchored in such hope, whatever you do in this world, God will be with you, and it will not become your pressure. Life becomes a very simple thing.

Suddenly, a project comes to you, and you become nervous, like Alexander. Alexander means too much pressure, and he died at the age of 32. Let us put our hope in eternity. These little things in life are vanity of vanities. Therefore, in this world, we must strive to please God.

How could God treat you unfairly? There are only two kinds of people in this world. One is those who please God, and the other is those who provoke God's anger. If you are a person who provokes God's anger, then God will send a few little devils to mess with you. What is the point of that?

Therefore, brothers and sisters, those who are sick should reflect on themselves, and those who live in poverty should reflect on themselves. Remove those things in your mind that do not please God. Do not take these vain things, like King Alexander, as real. When a person dies, nothing has anything to do with you, even if you once conquered Egypt and India, and destroyed one country after another. Even if the whole world is yours, but you lose your life, what is the point?

Choose to be a person who pleases God. This is what we should know how to do. How to act to please God, and how to act to provoke God's anger. We must remember this in our minds. Amen!

May God bless everyone!

null