Thursday, June 18, 2009

1 Thessalonians 5:14-28

If we open our hearts to accept the Divine Call and place our faith in God, we will be protected, safe and secure. In Christ Jesus we will be blessed.

Christians are saved by grace and live by grace, enjoying undeserved blessing from their loving God.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak,
be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is
good both for yourselves and for all.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

The
NKJV Study Bible
says this: The Thessalonians had to face the fact that some of them were not living as Christians should, but were unruly. They needed to be warned about their behavior. Some were fainthearted and needed comfort. The congregation should also uphold the weak and be patient toward all, recognizing that all Christians have faults. To be most effective in promoting positive change in people's lives, believers should respond to individuals according to each one's particular needs. For a Christian to try to get revenge is a denial of basic Christian love, and it goes against Jesus' teaching. Christian joy is not based on circumstances but on a growing awareness of God and the certain future of eternal life with Christ. Thankfulness should characterize the Christian life in every circumstance, not thanks for everything but thanks in everything. Paul emphatically states this is the will of God. Nothing speaks more powerfully of a walk with God than continuous thankfulness. One of the fundamental rules of walking with God is that we should not say no to the Spirit of God. Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians is that they may be sanctified in all aspects of their life, spirit, soul, and body. This is the only place in the NT where the tripartite being of a person is implied. Yet in this passage, all three constitute a person in his or her entirety. The spirit enables a person to contact the divine Spirit and is that part of a person that the Spirit quickens at the time of regeneration. Finally the NT writers identify the body, a person's physical being, as separate from one's soul or spirit. As this verse indicates, God works from the inside out, sanctifying our entire being so that we can live with Him forever. Christians are saved by grace and live by grace, enjoying undeserved blessing from their loving God.


 


 


 


 


 


 

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