I Thessalonians 4   Paul prays that this church will increase and abound in love and be established in holiness ( 3:12-13)  In this chapter he exhorts them to "excel still more"..  Excel in walking with the Lord.. excel in holiness.  " For this is the will of God, your sanctification... " 

In particular, Paul talks about abstaining from immoral behavior, from transgressions against each other, and from defrauding others.  Again, Paul talks about loving one another.. "excel still more" he says.   Paul also instructs them to make it their ambition "to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need." (v11)

Paul also comforts his readers about those who died.. so that they would not grieve.. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."  He teaches about the coming of Jesus.. " For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." ( v16-17)

Holy Spirit.. come and fill us.. give us understanding..  of these truths! Help us to excel in love and holiness. Sanctify us through and through. Father, we want to live in a way that pleases You.. we want to excel.. in living for You. We want to live quiet lives.. and also lives that shine forth Your glory and grace.  We are thankful that we have been given Your Spirit.. that Christ is being formed in us.. that Your love and holiness have been poured into our lives.  Let Your will be done.. as we hallow Your Name and proclaim Your Kingdom. We are waiting.. anticipating that great Day.. when we will be caught up in the air to be with You forever!  Come Lord Jesus! Come! amen.