Chapter
1 2 3 4 5
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

1 Thessalonians 4:1

ESV 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.
NIV As for other matters, brothers and sisters, 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.
NASB Finally then, brothers and sisters, we request and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel even more.
CSB Additionally then, brothers and sisters, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received instruction from us on how you should live and please God—as you are doing —do this even more.
NLT Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You live this way already, and we encourage you to do so even more.
KJV 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.
NKJV Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God;

What does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 mean?

The term "finally" in this verse introduces the final section of 1 Thessalonians. Here, Paul presents his final instructions and information. This section runs through chapters 4 and 5. Prior passages were mostly a description of the Thessalonian believers' spiritual growth and their excellent reputation.

Here, Paul gives his readers an urgent reminder about what he had once told them in person. He stresses the importance of this teaching by citing Jesus as the authority for his words. Paul taught the Thessalonians how to walk and lead a life that pleases God. They were heeding his instructions, but needed to continue doing so. Paul's message is meant to both encourage and motivate.

The Christian life is not a single step which instantly brings a believer to spiritual maturity. Rather, it is a lifelong walk. The Bible describes how Christians are supposed to follow this path. Romans 13:13 commands us to "walk properly as in the daytime." Galatians 5:16 and 25 exhort us to "walk by the Spirit." Ephesians 5:2 commands us to "walk in love." Ephesians 5:8 tells us to "walk as children of light." We are to walk in Christ (Colossians 2:6). And Colossians 4:5 instructs us to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders." These kinds of walks last until we see Jesus face to face.
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