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"For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 4:2).

This week we are considering a portion of Scripture that instructs us as to how we ought to walk and to please God. Yesterday's text began, "Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more".  This was something that Paul both asked and urged indicating it's importance. He was confident that this is what they were already doing but urged them to do so more and more.

We have the general instruction to walk and please God. The NIV renders this phrase, "how to live in order to please God". This is a general command, but Paul continues the passage by being specific. He reminds them "For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 4:2). The KJV and others use the word "commandments" for "instructions". In my view Paul was confident that they already knew them but nevertheless reminds them and reinforces these specific commandments in the verses that follow. We all need to be reminded of truths and have them reinforced!

In my lifetime I've noticed a troubling reaction to being confronted with the specific commands and prohibitions presented in Scripture among some (more than a few!). They may react to a teaching regarding a specific command or prohibition by saying, "That's being legalistic".

Legalism is theologically defined: "by doing good works or by obeying the law, a person earns and merits salvation". This sense of legalism must be vigorously rejected. The significant teaching passage on this is Ephesians 2:8,9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast". In theological terms this is "Sola Gratia" (grace alone).

But “legalism” also has a connotation that is often used to describe rules that have been developed, much like the traditions of the Jews in NT times, that are not explicitly taught in Scripture. Most of us have encountered this sense of legalism which has dangers but must be distinguished from the first theological sense.*

An assertion that obeying a command or prohibition explicitly taught in the Bible is being legalistic is wrong and very dangerous. A call to living a holy life and obedience to Bible commands are not legalistic teachings!!! If it was, Paul and the other Biblical writers were “legalistic”!

Peter wrote, “You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:11). The Bible is both general and specific regarding how we ought to live holy and godly lives. Over the next several days we will consider two very specific commands that Paul instructed the Thessalonians (and through the inspired Scriptures each of us).

B e encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13