Good morning,
We complete our study of 1 Thessalonians this week. Chapter 5 helps us understand how we are to live in light of the Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord refers to the Judgments of the Seven Year Tribulation which will follow the Rapture.
God has given us His word, the Bible, to guide and direct our lives. Verses 12-28 gives us practical principles on how we should conduct our lives.
We are to be living in light of His return. (12-28)
We are to honor our Pastors (12-13a,b,c)
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.
a. We are to seek unity with our brethren (13d)
And be at peace among yourselves.
b. We are to minister according to individual needs. (14)
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
c. We are to forgive rather than retaliate. (15)
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
d. We are to “Rejoice evermore.” (16)
16 Rejoice evermore.
e. We are to “Pray without ceasing.” (17)
17 Pray without ceasing.
f. We are to give thanks, “In every thing…for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (18)
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
g. We are to respond to the Holy Spirit – “Quench not the Spirit.” (19)
19 Quench not the Spirit.
h. We are to be receptive to preaching (20)
20 Despise not prophesyings.
i. We are to examine and test all teachers and teachings (21a)
21 Prove all things;
j. We are to “Hold fast that which is good.” (21b)
hold fast that which is good.
k. We are to “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (22)
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
l. We are to allow God to work in us. (23-24)
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
m. We are to pray for spiritual leaders. (25)
25 Brethren, pray for us.
n. We are to show our love to Christian brothers. (26)
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
o. We are to read and share the word of God. (27)
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
p. We are to embrace the grace of God. (28)
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Be ready for the Lord’s return
Be living in light of the Lord’s return
If we are willing to apply these principles to our daily lives, we will be a blessing to others, deal with conflict successfully, and our conduct will be above reproach.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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