Sermons From First Thessalonians - An Exhortation To Walk In Diligence (4:11-12)

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               "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

             An Exhortation To Walk In Diligence (4:11-12)

INTRODUCTION

1. In his "apostolic instructions", we have seen Paul exhort the church
   at Thessalonica...
   a. To walk in holiness - 1Th 4:1-8
   b. To walk in love - 1Th 4:9-10

2. His next instruction (1Th 4:11-12) is an exhortation to "diligence",
   to ensure that...
   a. They walk properly toward those who are outside - cf. 1Pe 2:12
   b. They lack nothing - cf. Ro 13:8

3. That this requires diligence is evident from the word "aspire"
   (study, KJV) in verse 11...
   a. A word meaning "to be ambitious"
   b. As translated in the NASB (to make it your ambition)

[In three particular areas does Paul want them to be ambitious, the
first being...]

I. TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE

   A. AN APPARENT PARADOX...
      1. For the phrase "quiet life" suggests a calmness, a serenity
      2. Yet for this we are to be "ambitious", apply diligent effort, 
         which seems to be contrary to the idea of quietness, calm
      -- The "quiet life", like many good things, does not come without
         concerted effort

   B. AN ADMIRABLE GOAL...
      1. As much as possible, to live peaceably with all men - Ro 12:18;
         14:19; He 12:14
         a. Though such is not always the case
         b. As Paul found out even in Thessalonica - cf. Ac 17:1-6
      2. For which we are to diligently pray - 1Ti 2:1-2
         a. That we might live quiet and peaceful lives
         b. That we might live such in all godliness and honesty
      3. A quiet and peaceful life is more likely if we:
         a. Seek first the kingdom of God - Mt 6:25-34
            1) Which requires setting our priorities
            2) Which requires saying no to many distractions
         b. Learn contentment in Christ - Php 4:11-13; 1Ti 6:6-10
         c. Overcome anxiety through prayer - Php 4:6-7   
      -- The search for "simplicity" is a popular trend today; for the
         Christian, it is to be more than just a trend, but a way of
         life conducive to godliness and honesty

[As we "aspire" to lead a quiet life, we cannot do so unless we also
give diligence...]

II. TO MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS

   A. THERE IS A PLACE FOR LOVING CONCERN...
      1. As we watch out for one another's welfare - Php 2:4
      2. As we seek to help each other overcome our weaknesses - Ga 6:
         1-2
      -- Therefore we should not construe the words in our text to mean 
         that we should not seek to reprove, rebuke, or to restore an 
         erring brother - cf. Jm 5:19-20

   B. THERE IS NO PLACE FOR NOSY INTERFERENCE...
      1. Paul is warning against becoming "busybodies", people who have
         nothing to do but interfere in the affairs of others
      2. A problem that often existed in the early church
         a. Even at Thessalonica - 2Th 3:11-12
         b. Which Peter lumped together with murderers, thieves, etc. 
            - 1Pe 4:15
      3. A danger especially when one is not focused on their own 
         business
         a. Which is why Paul refused to let churches support younger 
            widows - 1Ti 5:11-14
         b. Which is why Paul instructed the older women to properly 
            teach the younger women their responsibilities - Tit 2:3-5
      -- The peace and quiet we desire in our lives and in our churches
         cannot exist unless we maintain a proper distinction between
         brotherly concern and becoming "busybodies"

[It certainly helps to maintain that distinction if we "aspire"...]

III. TO WORK WITH OUR OWN HANDS

   A. THE PURPOSE OF THIS COMMAND...
      1. To provide for our families - cf. 1Ti 5:8
      2. To help the less fortunate - Ep 4:28; Ac 20:34-35
      -- Through example and precept, Paul taught the early Christians 
         to support themselves and not be dependent upon others

   B. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THIS COMMAND...
      1. Failing to provide for our families makes us worse than 
         unbelievers - 1Ti 5:8
      2. Refusing to work was grounds for church discipline, just like
         adultery, extortion, etc. - 2Th 3:10-14; 1Co 5:11
      -- While we may occasionally need assistance from our brethren 
         (even our government), we are not to make it a practice to 
         "live off welfare"

CONCLUSION

1. With diligence, therefore, we are to "aspire"...
   a. To lead a quiet life
   b. To mind our own business
   c. To work with our own hands

2. Again, the purpose behind these instructions is two-fold...
   a. That we might walk properly toward those who are outside - 1 Th
      4:12a
   b. That we might lack nothing - 1Th 4:12b

For the sake of our reputation as Christians, as well as for own well-
being while we sojourn here on earth, we must heed this exhortation to
walk in diligence!
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