There are few things more discouraging than giving your best and hearing nothing. No encouragement. No thanks. No direction. Just silence. That’s not how Paul writes. In 1 Thessalonians 4, he looks at a church that was doing well and says something beautiful: “You’re on the right track…now keep going. Excel still more.”
This is a powerful reminder that spiritual growth is never “one and done.” Whether you’re thriving or barely holding on, the gospel invites all of us to grow deeper, walk straighter, and love better. There is no such thing as spiritual stagnation that’s acceptable to God.
Paul’s words speak into our walk today with three strong exhortations: (1) Abound more and more, (2) stay pure in a world that pulls you away, and (3) live with integrity so outsiders see something different in you.
Let’s take a look!
1. Abound More and More
Paul opens the chapter like a coach leaning in at halftime…not with scolding, but with encouragement:
“Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God” (v. 1, NKJV).
They were already walking in a way that pleased God. But Paul doesn’t let that be the finish line. He knows they are capable of more, so he tells them: Keep going. Keep growing. Excel Still More.
That encouragement is so needed today. It’s easy to become complacent when things are going well…when our church is faithful, when our prayers are regular, when our Bible knowledge feels strong. But growth in Christ doesn’t plateau. It’s a journey of becoming, not just arriving.
God is pleased when we live by faith, pursue His will, and strive to obey Him. That’s why Paul says, “This is the will of God, your sanctification” (v. 3). The Christian life is not about coasting… it’s about pressing on, so that more of our life is pleasing in the sight of God.
2. Stay Pure in a World That Pulls You Away
If there’s an area where Christians are tempted to compromise today, it’s in matters of purity. Paul doesn’t shy away from it: “abstain from sexual immorality” (v. 3), and “each of you should know how to control his own body in holiness and honor” (v. 4, ESV).
This was countercultural then…and it still is. In a world that says to “follow your heart,” the Bible tells us to train your heart. To live with self-control. To guard your body, not abuse or exploit it. To treat others not as objects for pleasure, but as precious souls made in God’s image.
This isn’t just a matter of personal values…it’s a matter of honoring God. Paul says plainly, “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness” (v. 7). And when we ignore this, we’re not just rejecting good advice. “He who rejects this is not rejecting man, but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you” (v. 8, NASB).
Purity is not about shaming yourself or others…it’s about recognizing our value. It’s about treating our bodies, our hearts, and our relationships as sacred, because they are. To excel still more means continuing to pursue the good of holiness even when the world mocks it.
3. Love Others—Without Becoming a Busybody
Next, Paul shifts into a practical kind of love. The Thessalonians were doing well here too: “concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you” (v. 9). But once again…excel still more.
How? By living with quiet responsibility. Though it may sound strange to a culture like ours…obsessed with fame, controversy, and self promotion… Paul says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and work with your hands, just as we commanded you” (v. 11).
He’s not saying we should never speak or never be involved, rather he is saying we should focus on our own business rather than meddling in the business of others. Christians should be known for helpfulness, not for spreading drama.
When we mind our own responsibilities with quiet diligence, we gain the respect of those inside and outside the church alike. (v. 12). Of course the primary goal isn’t to impress the world…it’s to behave honorably so we reflect the goodness of Christ. In doing so we avoid becoming a burden to others when we work with our hands to meet our own needs. This isn’t about rugged self-reliance…it’s about integrity, dignity, and not taking advantage of the generosity of others.
That doesn’t mean we can’t accept help when we need it, but it does mean we shouldn’t make a habit of expecting others to carry loads we’re not even trying to lift ourselves. Even Paul worked with his hands to support himself (see Acts 20:33–34; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9). He practiced what he preached.
Are You Willing to Grow?
Here’s the beauty of this passage: it speaks to all of us.
If you’re doing well…excel still more. Don’t coast. Keep growing. Let today’s progress become tomorrow’s foundation.
If you’re struggling…excel still more. Not because you’re failing, but because God’s not finished. His will is your sanctification. His word is your path.
Wherever you are, God is calling you to something deeper, purer, and richer than this world can offer. So walk in a way that pleases Him. Abound more and more.
Excel still more.
