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Lesson Summary:

Paul encourages the Thessalonians to live holy lives, full of love and godly discipline.

Focus Passage: I Thessalonians 4:1-12

Outline and Lesson Goal

Principles and Applications

I. Excel in Love (4:1-8)

Principle: To Please God, Christians Resolve Daily to Excel in Holiness.
Application: How is your life showing that you are exceling in holiness? How is your life showing that you are living to please God?
Scripture Reference

¹⁵ but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
¹⁶ because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
I Peter 1:15-16 (NASB)

II. Excel in Love (4:9-10)

Principle: To Please God, Christians Resolve Daily to Excel in Love for One Another.
Application: How are you excelling in love for other believers? What practical loving act could you do today for another brother or sister?
Scripture Reference

Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Colossians 3:14 (NASB)

III. Excel in Life (4:11-12)

Principle: To Please God, Christians Resolve Daily to Excel in their Witness to Unbelievers.
Application: How is your daily life a godly witness to non-believers?
Scripture Reference

¹⁵ but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
¹⁶ and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
I Peter 3:15-16 (NASB)