praying effectively: Excel Still More (1Thess. 4:1-12)

(1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)  Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, 12 so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we strive to excel still more in our walk with God (4:1, 10)

- that we abstain from sexual immorality (4:3)

- that we do not lust or let passion control us (4:5)

- that we do not tempt or lure fellow believers into sinful behavior (4:6)

- that we have control over our own bodies, to behave with sanctification and honor (4:4)

- that we love one another (4:9)

- that we lead a quiet life of peace (4:11)

- that we are committed to our work in order to support ourselves (4:11-12)

- that we stay humble and are not afraid to do menial, manual tasks (4:11-12)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You do not give up on us.  Thank You for Your gracious love and patience.  Guide us and give us the desire to continue to mature in Your excellence.  

Help us not to become complacent or lazy, but give us renewed strength to not only look after ourselves, but that we may give generously to You and to Your church - of our time, energy and resources.  In everything we do, may it be to build up and encourage other fellow believers, as well as to be a shining light to the unbelievers around us.  All to Your glory, amen.