THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – “THE SUM-UP”

The primary purpose of Paul in writing these words in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, to the young Christians of Thessalonica, is to help them see the importance of living our Christian lives as a witness to the transforming power of the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ, so that, the world around us would know that this is how Christians live.
– “The early church in Thessalonica was under scrutiny from the surrounding pagan society. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to live in a way that reflects the teachings of Christ, thereby serving as a witness to those outside the faith. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:16, where believers are called to let their light shine before others. The concept of behaving properly is rooted in the idea of living a life that is above reproach, as seen in 1 Peter 2:12, where Christians are urged to maintain good conduct among the Gentiles. This behavior serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

As we conclude this series, here is my sum-up of “THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE…” as found in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12…
1- “ASPIRE TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE” 
2- “TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS” 
3- “TO WORK WITH YOUR OWN HANDS
These three principles of Christian life were taught by the apostles – “…as we have commanded you.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11b – based upon all what the LORD had taught them; and that the new Christians in turn, were to teach all who wished to follow the LORD Jesus Christ the same.
– “2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” – 2 Timothy 2:2

– All three principles are intentional in nature and purpose.
– All three of them are clearly visible, for the whole world to see in us.
– All three of them have to be desired and implemented by our active participation as the disciples of the LORD Jesus Christ – they do not happen automatically.
– Lastly, each of these three have to be passionately pursued and practiced, all the days of our lives.
’11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Verses eleven and twelve of 1 Thessalonians 4 are like two sides of the same coin. After writing down the three principles of Christian walk in verse eleven, the apostle Paul expands it with the words – “THAT YOU MAY…” and goes on to give an explanation in verse twelve, as to WHY WE SHOULD FOLLOW THESE PRINCIPLES, and WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE FOLLOW THEM, with two distinct points. They are as follows.
1- “12 THAT YOU MAY WALK PROPERLY TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE…”
2- “… AND THAT YOU MAY LACK NOTHING.”

Dear brothers and sisters, our walk with the LORD makes it mandatory for us to display in a clear and visible manner a life that reflects our faith, to the whole world. This is essential for someone who claims to be a Christian. Do our lives demonstrate a life that backs our faith? It is absolutely essential.
– “14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?…17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead…19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” – James 2:14,17,19-26

Even so, the LORD help us.