A Study in 1 Thessalonians:  Three Simple Commands (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12)

This lesson will focus on verse 11 and the three simple commands that Paul gave to the Thessalonians in this verse. Many times saved people get caught up in the big task of life and the ministry when in reality the big task would be much simpler if they would just do the simple things first.

In this passage Paul is telling the Thessalonians that in regards to brotherly love they are doing well. But as the lesson will show it seems that they might have been having some trouble with the commands from verse 11. The 3 simple commands from verse 11 are as follows;

1)  Study to be quiet

2)  Do your own business

3)  Work with your own hands

Now if one could accomplish these 3 commands that would be a huge accomplishment. Looking at these in detail will reveal the value of why they are so important.

3 Simple Commands :

1)  Study to be quiet

Have you ever considered what that means exactly? First it has to do not just with the words that we speak but our actions also. In 1 Peter 3:1-4 we see the effects of a meek and quiet spirit. You have heard the saying that actions speak louder than words and that is true. The way in which we conduct ourselves says a lot about who we really are, therefore we should study to be quiet.

In regards to studying to be quiet in a verbal sense look to the book of Proverbs and it is easy to see why the less we speak the better off we will be.

Proverbs 10:19 (In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin)

Proverbs 17:27-28 (The less we speak the wiser we look)

Proverbs 29:20 (Don’t be hasty with words)

2)  Do your own business

In Proverbs 22:29 we see that a man who is diligent in his business will stand before kings not the average man. If a person spends his time concerned with the business of others then he will not be very diligent in his own business. Romans 12:11 tells us not to be slothful in business.

The Thessalonians seem to have a problem with this. In 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Paul used the term busybodies. This is also used in 1 Timothy 5:13.

3)  Work with your own hands

We have a generation of people today who expects everything to be given to them. Here is a verse that says we should work with our own hands. The Thessalonians must have also had a little trouble with this one because note the wording of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

The purpose for following these three commands is found in verse 12. Note that it is so our walk and testimony to those who are without is a good one and that we would have lack of nothing. It is interesting to note that at the beginning of chapter 4 there are things to help our walk please God and in the verses for this lesson there are things that help us have a good testimony toward lost people.

A Study in 1 Thessalonians

Three Simple Commands (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12) : Handout

1)  What did Paul say about the Thessalonians in regards to brotherly love?

2)  What are the 3 simple commands give in verse 11?

3)  Give an outline for why these simple commands are so important?

4)  What are the results of following these simple commands?