A Walk Through 1 Thessalonians 5
Chapter 5
'Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don’t really need to write you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.'
1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
Be on your guard, be awake. Jesus is going to return - could be today! We don't know the day, but we are absolutely certain He will fulfill His promise. He will return. So live in the light, be clearheaded. We are protected by our faith and love, certain of our salvation. You can have this same assurance too! If you are in Jesus, it's yours. If you are not yet in Jesus, message me - we can help you meet Him!
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'For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.'
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
We've been rescued, not condemned. God our Father sent Jesus, paid our ransom, welcomed us, filled us with His Spirit, and eagerly walks with us each day. Rather, we walk with Him each day, both here, and in heaven. Encourage each other, and be encouraged. Living in Him means He has the timing, He knows the pressures, and He leads a path for us with Him. Keep holding on to His hand, and trust!
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'Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.’
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Look at who God has placed as your leaders, and then respect them. Honor them, they are working hard to give spiritual guidance. One of God's great gifts is gifted men and women to lead His church. So lift them up and honor them!
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'Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.'
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
Paul is guiding on how to live. Warn the lazy to instead work hard. Encourage the timid who carry the news from God of the universe. Don't hold back! Take very good care of the weak. Shore them up and encourage them. And be patient with every person. Go slow, don't judge. Instead, be helpful. Don't allow vengeance or repaying evil for evil. God handles vengeance, and fills us with a treasure we never deserved. So no retribution! Strive to do good things for others, in fact, for all people. This is how we must live!
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'Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.'
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
No matter the circumstance we are in, God's love continues in us, and His hands are still at work. Be joyful! Focus on Him first, then we can deal with what's around us. So we never stop praying. There's a lot around us, and all of it deserves a conversation with our Father. He keeps us. He changes things. He works in other people. Keep praying! And be thankful in all circumstances. Every situation is a place where God is and does work. We belong to Christ Jesus, and this reminds us, be joyful!
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'Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.’
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Holy Spirit is at work. He does provoke, lead, guide and also rebukes. He gives words of declaration to others, and they speak His words. Listen and discern. Is the word from Him? Even if it's hard, obey Him. Hold fast to what is good. He is building His church, and He is drawing in the world through repentance. And also, skip the evil!
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'Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.'
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Paul pours a blessing over all the believers in Thessaloniki. Our God is the God of Peace. He calms the storm. His rod and His staff comforts and guides, even in the valley of the shadow of death. He makes us holy in every way. He makes our spirit pure and clean, and so we worship Him. He makes our soul right, so our lives are rich and full, and also holy and clean. He makes our body pure and clean, and we are free to live for Him. He keeps us blameless and will continue so until Jesus comes again. He does and will make this happen, for He is faithful. Remember, He calls you, and He is faithful.
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'Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss. I command you in the name of the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.'
1 Thessalonians 5:25-28
Wrapping up, Paul gives three commands, and a blessing. Pray! Pray for Paul and all who deliver the good news of Jesus! Greet all the brothers and sisters. Make sure each one knows of the personal care from Paul and team. And share this whole letter with each one. The Lord sent it so make sure every believer hears it. May the grace of Jesus be with you. Because of Jesus, everything is forgiven. We got a gift undeserved, and we want every one of you to be fully enveloped in that grace. So we proclaim it over you. And we cover you in the spoken blessing. Grace!
About the author: Brett and Debbie Mason joined All Nations in 2016, and serve on coaching and pastoral care teams. They have worked in the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Honduras, and now encourage and mentor workers in the US, and many regions abroad.
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