Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
1 Thessalonians 4

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
A Life Pleasing to God Plea to Unity Exhortations to the Purity A Life that Praises God Live in Holiness and Charity 1Th_4:1-8 1Th_4:1-8 1Th_4:1-8 1Th_4:1-8 1Th_4:1-2 1Th_4:3-8 A Brotherly and Orderly Life 1Th_4:9-12 1Th_4:9-12 1Th_4:9-12 1Th_4:9-12 1Th_4:9-12 The Lord's Coming The Comfort of Christ's Coming Questions Concerning the Coming of the Lord The Lord's Coming The Dead and the Living at the Time of the Lord's Coming 1 THESSALONIANS (4:13-5:11) 1 THESSALONIANS (4:13-5:11) 1Th_4:13-14 1Th_4:13-18 1Th_4:13-18 1Th_4:13-14 1Th_4:13-18 1Th_4:15-18 1Th_4:15-18 READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



EXPANDED OUTLINE OF 1Th_4:1-12

A. Introductory remarks, 1Th_4:1-2



B. Warnings about sexual immorality, 1Th_4:3-8

1. be holy, 1Th_4:3 a

2. practice abstinence from sexual immorality, 1Th_4:3 b

3. be sexually self disciplined, 1Th_4:4-5

4. practice appropriate sexuality by not defrauding your covenant brother's sexual rights



C. Exhortations to other Christians, 1Th_4:9-12

1. Christians are to love one another, 1Th_4:9-10

2. live better and better, 1Th_4:10 b

3. live quiet lives, 1Th_4:11 a

4. tend to your own affairs, 1Th_4:11 b

5. do your own labor, 1Th_4:11 c

6. so that you may be a witness to the lost, 1Th_4:12



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Where in the Bible is the most detailed discussion of the Second Coming?

2. What was the reason for Paul writing this passage?

3. What is the Rapture? Who is involved? When will it occur?