1-2 Thessalonians Christian Identity Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #4

We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God's word, which is also at work in you believers. (1 Thessalonians 2:13, NRSV)

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13, KJV)

Another part of Christian identity: being able to identify God's messengers. The Thessalonians are good to go because they knew that Paul and company were coming with the word of God.

Quote #5

Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5, NRSV)

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5, KJV)

Okay, so Paul is pretty interested in people's sex lives. But seriously, he sees this as an important part of their identity as Christians. It's yet another thing that sets them apart from those idol-worshipping Gentiles.

Quote #6

Aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NRSV)

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, KJV)

While Paul is mainly focused on group identity, he's also worried about the way Christians are presenting themselves to the outside world. Basically, he thinks they should just be keeping their head down and not causing a fuss. Paul's not the best at following this advice actually.