On Godly Behavior
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
1 THESSALONIANS 4:1
+
On Godly Behavior
In this Epistle lesson, you see that the apostle writes nothing about faith, but rather about godly behavior in good works toward our own person and toward our neighbor. . .. As a proper apostle and preacher, [Paul] exhorts the [Thessalonians] concerning their calling, that they should consider that they have been baptized and acknowledge that they have received great grace and mercy from the Lord, who has redeemed them, not that they might live wantonly, but rather that they should be dead to sin and live honorably. For this reason he speaks in such a pleasant manner, beseeching and exhorting, not merely [on his own authority] but in the name of the Lord. "Know then," [he says], "what [Christ], who has liberated you from death, should mean to you: He is called the Savior, who has liberated His people from sin to righteousness. Therefore, Christians should not remain in sin but be intent on living in chastity and holiness, with kindness toward their neighbor."
From Sermon for Lent 2 on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 (Luther's Works 58:20)
1 THESSALONIANS 4:1
+
On Godly Behavior
In this Epistle lesson, you see that the apostle writes nothing about faith, but rather about godly behavior in good works toward our own person and toward our neighbor. . .. As a proper apostle and preacher, [Paul] exhorts the [Thessalonians] concerning their calling, that they should consider that they have been baptized and acknowledge that they have received great grace and mercy from the Lord, who has redeemed them, not that they might live wantonly, but rather that they should be dead to sin and live honorably. For this reason he speaks in such a pleasant manner, beseeching and exhorting, not merely [on his own authority] but in the name of the Lord. "Know then," [he says], "what [Christ], who has liberated you from death, should mean to you: He is called the Savior, who has liberated His people from sin to righteousness. Therefore, Christians should not remain in sin but be intent on living in chastity and holiness, with kindness toward their neighbor."
From Sermon for Lent 2 on 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 (Luther's Works 58:20)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Faith Comes By HearingAll Day LongThe Lord Keeps for HimselfSalvation Has ComeGrafted InStand Fast By FaithKindness and SeverityThe MysteryMercy on AllUnsearchableLiving SacrificesGiftsGenuine LoveThe Meaning of LifeGod EstablishedThe Summary of the Law is LoveThe Armor of LightMade to StandLiving to the LordEvery Knee Shall BowStumbling BlockTrue FreedomServant of the ChurchOur ExampleFellow WorkersAbound in HopeA Good TeacherGod’s WorkTravel PlansThe Fullness of His BlessingStrive TogetherWelcomeGreet One AnotherWatch Out
February
GreetingsAble to StrengthenAuthorityBlessed BeRedemption in His BloodSpiritual BlessingsGive ThanksDead Men WalkingBy GraceImmeasurable RichesBy GraceGod's WorkmanshipSeparatedBrought NearNo More HostilityTotal AccessFellow CitizensFor This ReasonMystery RevealedLeast of AllEternal PurposeFaith in HimSpiritual StrengthAbundant GiftWalk in LoveChrist's MeasureGifts to MenUnity of the FaithTo and Fro
March
Truth in LoveWalking a New PathA New SelfPut Away FalsehoodNew LifeImitators of GodSons of DisobedienceChildren of LightThe Will of the LordOne FleshFilled with the SpiritThe Church SubmitsChrist LovesProfound MysteryChildren of PromiseBring Them UpBondservants of ChristYour MasterStrong in the Lord