Part 784 (1/2)

3:4. For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations: as also it is come to pa.s.s, and you know.

3:5. For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you: and our labour should be made vain.

3:6. But now when Timothy came to us from you and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also to see you:

3:7. Therefore we were comforted, brethren, in you, in all our necessity and tribulation, by your faith.

3:8. Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord.

3:9. For what thanks can we return to G.o.d for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our G.o.d,

3:10. Night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?

3:11. Now G.o.d himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

3:12. And may the Lord multiply you and make you abound in charity towards one another and towards all men: as we do also towards you,

3:13. To confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before G.o.d and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints.

Amen.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

He exhorts them to purity and mutual charity. He treats of the resurrection of the dead.

4:1. For the rest therefore, brethren, pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus that, as you have received from us, how you ought to walk and to please G.o.d, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more.

4:2. For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus.

4:3. For this is the will of G.o.d, your sanctification: That you should abstain from fornication:

4:4. That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour,

4:5. Not in the pa.s.sion of l.u.s.t, like the Gentiles that know not G.o.d:

4:6. And that no man overreach nor circ.u.mvent his brother in business: because the Lord is the avenger of all these things, as we have told you before and have testified.

4:7. For G.o.d hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto sanctification.

4:8. Therefore, he that despiseth these things, despiseth not man, but G.o.d, who also hath given his holy Spirit in us.

4:9. But as touching the charity of brotherhood, we have no need to write to you: for yourselves have learned of G.o.d to love one another.

4:10. For indeed you do it towards all the brethren in all Macedonia.

But we entreat you, brethren, that you abound more:

4:11. And that you use your endeavour to be quiet: and that you do your own business and work with your own hands, as we commanded you: and that you walk honestly towards them that are without: and that you want nothing of any man's.

4:12. And we will not have you ignorant brethren, concerning them that are asleep, that you be not sorrowful, even as others who have no hope.