Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 
Day 
Day 38

"You know what commandments we gave you..."

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:2

THE WORD “COMMANDMENT”

The word “commandments” almost automatically makes us think of the Mosaic laws. In some circles, the word “commandment” is not even employed for fear that it would do injustice to the word “grace”. Paul and Silas used the word “commandments” without fear that they would compromise the gospel of grace they proclaimed.

DID JESUS USE THE WORD COMMANDMENT?

He certainly did. When He taught His disciples how to love each other, it was stated as a commandment (John 13:34). The commandments of the Lord Jesus are no less important than the Old Covenant laws.

THE COMMANDMENTS THE APOSTLES PROCLAIMED

Paul clearly mentioned that he and Silas gave commandments to the Thessalonians when they ministered in the city of Thessalonica.

“For you know what commandments we gave you
through the Lord Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 4:2

1. “For you know what commandments we gave you”

a) What were some of the commandments Paul and Silas could have taught the Thessalonians?
b) We do not have specific references but we may make an educated guess.
c) These commandments are not difficult to discern for we see them well-exemplified in Paul’s life.
i) To walk blamelessly 1 Thessalonians 2:10
ii) To walk worthy of God 1 Thessalonians 2:12
iii) To abound more and more 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:1
iv) To please God 1 Thessalonians 4:1

2. “We gave you through the Lord Jesus”

a) Once again Paul and Silas invoked the name of the Lord Jesus.
b) This is an appeal to consider these commandments as from the Lord Jesus Himself.

WE SHOULD NOT FEAR USING THE WORD “COMMANDMENT”

We should not fear to use the word “commandment”. It can be used in a very positive way.

1. It can challenge us to take spiritual advice more correctly.

a) Apostolic encouragement is to be taken seriously.
b) We should treat each word of encouragement as from the Lord Himself.
2 . It can motivate us to seek an abundant Christian life.
3. It can make us to desire to be more accountable to the Lord.