Walk and Please God

Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, you would abound more and more; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

In keeping with his own style of writing, Paul ends his doctrinal section (the first three chapters) and begins to discuss more practical matters. Doctrine, then duty. Precept, then praxis. In the fourth chapter, he begins to discuss the behavior that should accompany an understanding of the doctrine presented. He begins to exhort the Thessalonian believers to live in light of the doctrine they have received.

He begins with exhortation to walk and to please God.

This is a good description of the Christian life: walk and please God.

When Paul uses the word walk he is referring to one’s lifestyle. Manner of living.

We should live in order to please God.

In Ephesians 4:1, the beginning of the practical section of this letter, Paul urges believers to walk (live) in a manner that is worthy of their calling in Jesus Christ. In a sense, he says: I have described to you who you are in Christ (in the first three chapters of Ephesians), now live like it!

Because of who God is and what He has done in us and for us, because of who we are in Jesus Christ, we should live in such a way that our life is pleasing to God. Because we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), we belong to Him, and should live our lives in obedience to His commands.

This is a life that pleases God.