Good morning,
This week we will be looking at Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica. Chapter 5 and verses 11-28 was to counsel and comfort the church. Paul’s purpose in writing these verses was to encourage the Thessalonians to live holy lives. Paul now counsels the Thessalonians to do seven things that will strengthen their walk with God, the church, and their relationship with others. Now, having implemented these seven things, Paul gives us results. Verses 23-25 tell us that our God is faithful.
Result (V 23-28)
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. 25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Remember that Believers were under persecution from various entities. So when Paul prays for God to sanctify (set apart) and preserve them, it was very important and meaningful. The encouragement he gave next was extraordinary. He told them that the God who called them was faithful. God was able to do what He said He would.
Do we believe this? Or will it take the persecution of the first century for us to believe that we serve a faithful God who keeps ALL His promises?
I hope this study has made us think about how precious God is to us. How He has never failed us. That He has held us up many times when we failed Him. He is faithful to care for all His children.
Think about these things.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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