Luke 1:6
Colossians 1:10
Verse 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord. That you may live as becomes the followers of the Lord. How this was to be done he states in this and the following verses. Unto all pleasing. So as to please him in all things. Comp. Heb 11:5. Being fruitful in every good work. This is one way in which we are to walk worthy of the Lord, and so as to please him. Jn 15:8. And increasing in the knowledge of God. This is another way in which we may walk worthy of the Lord, and so as to please him. It is by endeavouring to become better acquainted with his true character. God is pleased with those who desire to understand what he is; what he does; what he purposes; what he commands. Hence he not only commands us to study his works, (comp. Ps 111:2,) but he has made a world so beautiful as to invite us to contemplate his perfections as reflected in that world. All good beings desire that others should understand their character, and God delights in those who are sincerely desirous of knowing what he is, and who inquire with humility and reverence into his counsels and his will. Men are often displeased when others attempt to look into their plans, for they are sensible they will not bear the light of investigation. God has no plans which would not be seen to be, in the highest degree, glorious to him. (e) "worthy of the Lord" Php 1:27 (f) "pleasing" 1Thes 4:1 (g) "fruitful" Jn 15:8,16 (h) "increasing in the knowledge" 2Pet 3:181 Thessalonians 4:1
1st Thessalonians Chapter 4 ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER. THIS chapter, properly, comprises two parts:--first, various practical exhortations, 1Thes 4:1-12; and, secondly, suggestions designed to console those who had been bereaved, 1Thes 4:13-18. The first part embraces the following topics:-- (1.) an exhortation to increase and abound in the Christian virtues which they had already manifested, 1Thes 4:1,2. (2.) A particular exhortation on the subject of sanctification, 1Thes 4:3-8, in which two points are specified, probably as illustrations of the general subject, and embracing those in regard to which they were exposed to special danger. The first was fornication; the other was fraud. (3.) An exhortation to brotherly love, 1Thes 4:9,10. (4.) An exhortation to quiet industry, and to honesty in their dealings, particularly with those who were Christians, 1Thes 4:11,12. The second part is designed to comfort the Thessalonians who had been bereaved, 1Thes 4:13-18. Some of their number had died. They appear to have been beloved members of the church, and dear blends of those to whom the apostle wrote. To console them he brings into view the doctrine of the second coming of the Saviour, and the truth that they would be raised up to live with him for ever. He reminds them that those who had died were "asleep" --reposing in a gentle slumber, as if they were to be awakened again, 1Thes 4:13; that they should not sorrow as they did who have no hope, 1Thes 4:13; that if they believed that Jesus died and rose again, they ought to believe that God would raise up all those who sleep in Jesus, 1Thes 4:14; that in the last day they would rise before the ]lying should be changed, and that the living would not be taken up to heaven and leave their departed friends in their graves, 1Thes 4:15,16; and that both the living and the dead would be raised up to heaven, and would be for ever with the Lord, 1Thes 4:17. With this prospect, they had every ground of comfort which they could desire, and they should sustain each other in their trials by bright hope, 1Thes 4:18. Verse 1. Furthermore then. τολοιπον. "As to what remains." That is, all that remains is to offer these exhortations. 2Cor 12:11; Gall 6:17; Eph 6:10; Php 4:8. The phrase is a formula appropriate to the end of an argument or discourse. We beseech you. Marg., request. The Greek is, "we ask you"-- ερωτωμεν. It is not as strong a word as that which follows. And exhort you. Marg., beseech. This is the word which is commonly used to denote earnest exhortation. The use of these words here implies that Paul regarded the subject as of great importance. He might have commanded them--but kind exhortation usually accomplishes more than a command. By the Lord Jesus. In his name, and by his authority. That as ye have received of us. You were taught by us. Paul doubtless had given them repeated instructions as to their duty as Christians. How ye ought to walk. How ye ought to live. Life is often represented as a journey, Rom 6:4, 8:1, 2Cor 5:7, Gall 6:16, Eph 4:1. So ye would abound more and more. "That is, follow the directions they had received more and more fully." Abbott. (*) "Furthermore" "Finally" (1) "beseech" "request" (2) "exhort" "beseech" (a) "walk" Col 1:10 (b) "abound" 1Cor 6:15,18
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