The Pattern of Christian Living

THE PATTERN OF CHRISTIAN LIVING

1 THESSALONIANS 4:1-2

1A. CHRISTIAN LIVING BUILDS ON EXTERNAL INPUT.

1B. EXTERNAL INPUT COMES THROUGH PERSONAL MEANS. 1 – “we ask and urge you”

2B. EXTERNAL INPUT HAS SPECIFIC CONTENT.

3B. EXTERNAL INPUT HAS GREAT AUTHORITY.

2A. CHRISTIAN LIVING PURSUES EXCELLENCE.

1B. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE HAS A NEW STANDARD. “to walk and to please God”

John Stott –

1. Pleasing God is a radical concept – it rules out all disobedience.
2. Pleasing God is a flexible concept – it frees us from legalism – please the lawgiver not keep the Law!
3. Pleasing God is a progressive concept – you never fully arrive!

2B. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE HAS A NEW PASSION. “do so more and more”

3A. CHRISTIAN LIVING REFLECTS CHRIST.