1Thessalonians 4:1 (NAS)
Finally
then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you
received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God
(just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more.
1Thessalonians 4:1 (NIVUS)
Finally,
brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you
are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and
more.
Perhaps you have come to a place
of satisfaction in your Christian life. You may think that you have
reached a summit and you cannot see anything higher. However, the Apostle
Paul, who had more comprehension of the revelation of Jesus Christ than anyone
else, admitted that he was still pressing on.
When writing to the Thessalonian
church, Paul stated that there was something still remaining for them. In
fact, he went so far as to beseech and entreat these believers to make a
special note of his words. He emphasized that they needed to seek,
investigate, and search out what he was telling them.
Like the Thessalonians, it is
right and proper for you to search for more ways to be pleasing to the
Lord. It is always good for you to accommodate yourself to God’s opinions,
desires, and interests; for you have acknowledged and professed yourself to be
His associate and companion. Therefore, you should not reject His word
nor withhold your obedience. You should also give the Lord access to yourself
and also receive everything that He offers you.
So far you have done your best to regulate your life in line with God's will. You have matched your steps to His and have walked in His way. You have taken advantage of the opportunities that the Lord your God has provided and you have made progress. However, you should strive always to excel even more in your advance. As you make your way, keeping your eyes on God, you will thwart Satan in his persecutions and you will circumvent every peril that you encounter. The Lord will abundantly furnish everything for your success and you will become superior and preeminent. Your life will go from being "good" to being "remarkable."
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