Study to be Quiet

““And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” I Thesssalonians 4:11

In this society and time, saints seem to have the tendency to stay in a state of busyness. This is a focus on the issues of this life, which can easily overwhelm us with Satan’s business and his ungodly affairs. Long ago, he usurped this world by enticing Adam into rebellion and self-exaltation, denying God and His perfect way. From that time forward, sin naturally evolved and affects every believer today. Adam began to serve and exalt himself to be his own god: “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:4-5) For a time, Satan is the god of this world: “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (II Cor. 4:4) We are to stand apart from Satan’s ways to be quiet physically, but also quiet in our minds so we can focus on spiritual things. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) To help clarify, let us use a study tool: Defining words and phrases:

What does it mean to “study:” We are to examine, search, and seek clarity in verses, with application, remembering to rightly divide. (II Tim. 2:15) As we turn things over in our mind, exalting God and considering spiritual Truths, we are able to distill increased depth in the passage to practically live approved of God (Rom. 12:1) in life situations and problems.

How are we to “be quiet:” This can refer to eliminating physical or spiritual noise. I believe it refers to both; whatever is needed to quiet oneself to “dwell” on the Word and hyper-focus above. (Col. 3:1-4) Meditation helps us to think on verses, learn how to concentrate, and practically live Christ using Scripture: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” (Titus 2:1) We are to disengage from exalting worldly issues to fully live in the moment to glorify Christ.

Clarify how to “do your own business:” Our business is to study and learn God’s will for us in this dispensation, but also to minister and serve others. We’re not to be fleshly, nor insensitive, but walk by faith in love and to apply what we‘ve been taught, especially through difficult times: “Not slothful in (God’s) business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” (Rom. 12:11)

Describe the phrase “work with your own hands:” Our focus is to labor with what is in front of us, being engaged both physically and spiritually in God’s matters, while also living the responsibilities we have in this world, keeping our eyes focused above. As we negotiate difficulties, we are to use the members of our mortal bodies to serve Him, working out the doctrine stored in our inner man to do our own spiritual work: “…work out your own salvation in fear and trembling.” (Phil. 2:12) Why? “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Eph.4:12)

Reflect: The purpose of reading and studying is for you “to do” what God desires: work it out. “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”  (I Thess. 4:12) We also see that I Thess. 4:13 says to keep in mind our grand hope, which is laid up in heaven (Col. 1:5) and the ‘catching away’ of the saints at the Rapture, “to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Reviewing this is to be our comfort as we minister and is how we can console others in this challenging world. (vs. 13-18)

Question: Are you currently studying to be quiet? This will enable you to become self-aware, focused above on God’s business, and live unto God.