1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5

The Day of the Lord

Theme: The Coming of Christ is a Rousing Hope

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

Please consider reading the entire fifth Chapter of 1 Thessalonians sometime during each day of the week. This will help you absorb the content of the chapter as well as gain spiritual truths from this marvelous book of the Bible. You will be amazed at the insights that will come from such consistent readings, as well as the growth of your spiritual knowledge. You will also notice how God’s Word will impact your life in the way you relate to your Heavenly Father as well as think, act and treat others around you.

 

In order for this devotional to help you learn and apply what is beneficial to your spiritual growth, I would encourage you to approach this devotional study with a commitment to observe these five steps each day.

 

First, pray before you read the scripture, that you will seek to both understand and apply what you learn.

(Psalms 119)

 

Second, read the scripture passage with a passion and a desire to be convicted by what you read.

(Psalms 37:29-31)

 

Thirdly, seek to meditate and absorb what you read and respond to how the Holy Spirit will convict you to act.

(John 16:13-15)

 

Fourthly, challenge yourself how you might apply the convictions that come from the scripture and the Spirit.

(Psalms 1:1-3)

 

Fifthly, pray once again, that you will consistently act upon what the Holy Spirit is prompting you to do.

(James 1:22-25)

 

Below each portion of scripture I may at times present additional information helpful to understanding the passage. I will always give you questions for your consideration and to stimulate action on your part. You may not wish to explore each question, but I would challenge you to seek to address most if not all of the points I lay before you to gain the most from the devotional.

 

DAY ONE

 

“1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.”

 

Throughout this chapter Paul will be referring to two groups of individuals, first; followers of Christ and secondly; those who have chosen to reject Christ as their Savior. As you read this chapter notice the pronouns referring to Christians such as; “I, you, yourselves, we, and us.” Notice the pronouns referring to those rejecting Christ such as; “they and them.” Those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior will be saved from the harsh judgment of God because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Those who fail to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior will not only go through the Great Tribulation, they will also, unless they come to faith in Christ, experience the final judgment of God before being cast into the Lake of Fire.

 

Paul reminds the Thessalonian Believers that they have already been made aware of the fact that the “Day of the Lord” will come suddenly, without warning and he again stresses with illustrations how surprising this day will be. It is comforting to we who are followers of Christ that the “Day of Christ,” the “Rapture of Christians” from the earth, will have already taken place before the “Day of the Lord.” While the “Day of the Lord” will come suddenly there will be warning signs that will take place before it occurs. Acts 1:7 also confirms that while we may know some details as to the “Day of Christ” and “Day of the Lord” we will not know specifically when either of them will take place. When the “Day of Christ” takes place and Christians are taken away from the earth their godly influence will no longer be on the earth. Those who rejected Christ’s sacrifice on the cross will now claim a new world has been born and that “peace and safety” will finally be achieved. During the seven years of the “Great Tribulation” sin and evil will reign and the anti-Christ will then come on the scene to rule over the entire world. Finally the culmination will be the coming of the “Day of the Lord” for Christ to pour judgment upon the earth, battle for His Kingdom with His saints and eventually to set up the millennium reign on the earth. For further information about the “Day of Christ,” “Day of the Lord,” and the “Great Tribulation” refer to “Charting the End Times” by Tim Lahaye, Harvest House Publishers.

 

* Why is Paul’s analogy of “a thief in the night” so appropriate?

* Should the suddenness of the Lord’s return concern a non-believer? If so, why? Does this convict you to always be ready to share the good news with those who don’t know Christ as Savior and Lord?

* What steps can you take in your own life to always be ready for the “Day of Christ,” (the Rapture)?

* Paul describes people of the world by stating they will be saying “peace and safety” before Jesus returns. How does this illustrate a disbelief that Jesus will ever return to the earth?

* Does this relate to the fact that they have already rejected Him as risen from the grave and the Savior of Mankind? Does it also demonstrate that they also disbelieve in a God who holds us accountable for our actions and therefore doubt any future judgment? What can you do to make people who believe this way more aware of the coming of Jesus in the future?

* Why is Paul’s analogy of Jesus’ return as the “labor pains upon a woman with child” so appropriate for the surprising event of Jesus Christ returning to judge the world?

 

“4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.”

 

* What keeps the follower of Christ being surprised by the second coming of Jesus?

 

Paul compares those who have not accepted Christ as Lord and Savior as “of darkness” and “of night.”

 

* Read Psalm 2:1-15 and note the characteristics of those who walk in wisdom and light and those who walk in darkness. Have there been times, even though you are a believer you have walked in darkness? How did you escape from this darkness? How can a follower of Christ avoid walking in darkness?

* I would encourage you to memorize one or more of the following scriptures; John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8-11, 1 John 1:6-10.

* Do you find yourself “dozing off’ so-to-speak in your Christian witness at times? How can you as follower of Christ be “alert and sober” for the Day of Christ (the Rapture of the Saints), which is when Jesus returns to gather His followers to Himself in Heaven.

 

DAY TWO

 

“7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”

 

Again Paul repeats his analogy of night and day people. All manner of sin and misbehavior takes place at night in the dark where it is thought God cannot see. But such misconceptions are false. Followers of Christ are people of the day. They live in the light of God’s Word, with the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of people getting wantonly drunk at night, but Christians stay sober and live in the light. Paul also mentions here that we are sober and live in the daylight because we put on “breastplate of faith and love” as well as the “helmet, the hope of salvation.”

 

* Why is Paul using descriptions such as “walking in darkness, sleeping and getting drunk” to illustrate how those who reject Christ as Savior and fail to believe in His second coming?

* How would you explain to someone how you as a Christian put on the breastplate of faith and love? A breastplate was used to protect vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, etc. in battle. How does our faith in God and our love for Him protect us spiritually in our daily lives?

* How would you explain to someone how you as a Christian put on the helmet, the hope of salvation? A helmet was also used for protection in battle, to prevent a soldier’s skull and especially their brain from being injured. How does the hope we have that our salvation is secure in God protect our thought life and how we make decisions?

* Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:7-8 with 1 Corinthians 13:13 and Ephesians 6:10-18. How doe faith, hope and love not only protect us from the darkness of the world, but demonstrate that God lives in us?

* The word “sober” in verse 8 is the Greek word “nepho” and means to be watchful and discreet in both thought and action. How does walking in faith and love with a steadfast hope of the salvation we have in Christ help us walk soberly, discreetly and watchfully in how we live as followers of Christ?

 

“9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.”

 

* How does it comfort you that as a follower of Christ you are not destined for God’s wrath, but that you have obtained salvation through Jesus Christ?

* How does verse 10 both establish and test your faith, that whether you are alive or dead that you will live with Jesus for eternity?

* As you consider the likelihood of your death before Jesus returns, does it comfort you that you can trust you will be with Christ forever?

* Read the following verses and note how each one speaks about our eternal existence with Jesus. Does this give you an assurance of your eternal future? Matthew 25:46, John 3:16, 10:28, 14:2, Colossians 3:4, 1 Peter 1:4, Revelation 21:4.

 

“11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

 

Here in verse 11 Paul begins to list 22 traits of a follower of Christ. I would call them, “22 Jewels in the Chain of Holy Living.”

The first two jewels are the actions of “encouragement” and “building up” others.

 

* Paul in verse 11 gives a spiritual mandate to the Thessalonian Christians and this instruction is for us as well. As followers of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are to encourage and build one another up. We are to minister to each other whenever possible. How are you encouraging and building up other Believers?

* As Paul often mentions in this book, you can always improve in these spiritual skills. How are you improving in this area?

 

DAY THREE

 

“12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.”

 

In verses 12 and 13 Paul mentions three more of the 22 jewels of holy living; “showing appreciation for leaders” and “expressing esteem towards them” as well as “living in peace with other Christians.”

 

Here Paul requests that the followers of Christ in Thessalonica show appreciation for those who are responsibly laboring among them as Christian leaders and who instruct them in Christian living. He describes the position of these leaders as one of being in “charge” over them in the Lord.” The Greek word for charge here is “proistemi” which does not imply a harsh authoritarian dominion, but instead means someone who stands before, presides over or rules people in a responsible loving manner. Since we know we are all called to love each other in Christ, both the leaders who rule and those that they lead are to love and respect each other in their actions towards one another. While there can be situations of tension at times among leaders and those that are called to follow them, Paul instructs all believers to live in peace with one another.

 

* Do you appreciate the pastors, elders and deacons at your local fellowship who “have charge over you?” Have you demonstrated your respect for them in some fashion, such as a card of encouragement or a word of thanks? If not, make a point of taking this action this next week.

* While you may have some issues with those who serve in leadership roles in the church, Paul calls us to live in peace with one another. How could someone mend a hurt or resolve a conflict if there were disagreements between them and a church leader? If you have such a conflict, pray about this issue and seek how you can live out these verses to improve your respect for your leaders and live at peace with them and others.

* Read Hebrews 13:17. Think about how leaders of the church watch over your soul. Have you thought about the fact that they will have to give account of how they have fulfilled this godly responsibility? How would it be unprofitable for you to cause them grief as they attempt to oversee your spiritual needs? How would it be irresponsible for them to fail to live up to the task God has placed in their hands?

 

“14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

 

In verse 14 Paul mentions 4 more jewels of holy living; “admonishing the unruly,” “encouraging the fainthearted,” “helping the weak,” and “being patient with everyone.”

 

Paul urges followers of Christ to “admonish the unruly.” The Greek word he uses for admonish is “ataktos” and it means “to caution, reprove or gently warn.” You would expect a follower of Christ to behave in an orderly polite fashion, but there are times that the sin nature raises its ugly head, even in Christians. This is when it is necessary for a loving brother or sister to come alongside such an “unruly” person and “admonish” them in a loving manner.

 

* Have you ever encountered an unruly Christian that needed admonishing? After praying about the situation, were you able to approach them in a loving way and admonish them?

* Often in such situations, the task of admonishing must come from someone close to the person or a church leader with authority. Did you speak with another believer (avoiding gossip in the process) who knew them or a church leader and ask them to address the issue? It takes loving discernment to distinguish between a significant issue of unruliness and a simple weak moment in a Christian’s life. Either way, prayer, caution and love should be the foundation for consideration of admonishing someone.

 

Paul also urges the Christians to “encourage the fainthearted.” He uses the Greek word, “paramutheomai” for “encourage” which means to “console or comfort.” His descriptive word for the “fainthearted” is “oligopsuchos” which means “weak.” It can be discouraging to face trials, hardships and storms of life. During such times we need encouragement from others to not only maintain a Christ-like attitude, but also to cope with the trauma that is taking place. Such encouragement or comfort can come in the form of a word, a gift or a hug. We see Jesus often comforting those facing hardship and He is our role model for spiritual ministry.

 

* Have you ever felt fainthearted or weak in spirit? Did someone come alongside of you to encourage you?

* Have you ever encouraged someone when they were dealing with a trial? How did it make you feel to minster to them?

 

Next Paul commands the Christians at Thessalonica to help those who are weak. He uses the Greek word “antechomai” for “help” which means “to support, care for or hold onto.” For “weak” he uses the Greek word “asthenes” which means “without strength.”

 

* Have you ever reached out to someone who was living with diminished strength, be it emotional, physical or spiritual? How did you minister to them? How did they respond? How did this experience grow your faith and your relationship to God?

 

* Have you ever felt weak physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually? Did someone come alongside of you to care for and hold you up through the trial? In what ways did you sense God working through them to minister to you? How did your bond with this person change? How was your relationship with God affected?

 

Finally in this verse Paul calls upon followers of Christ to be “patient with everyone.” The Greek word for “patient” here is “makrothumeo” and means “long-spirited or forbearing.” Paul does not limit this patient attitude to be expressed only to Christians. He purposely stresses that we as followers of Christ are to be patient with everyone!

 

* How can it be hard to be patient with other Christians at times? How can it be hard to be patient with everyone?

* How can the Holy Spirit and God’s Word help you be patient beyond your own natural abilities? How can other Christians encourage you in your patience with people?

 

DAY FOUR

 

“15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”

 

Another jewel of holy living Paul covers in verse 15 is “not repaying evil for evil.” All of us have experienced evil done to us in numerous ways by many different individuals. One option presented to us by our flesh and even Satan is to respond against evil with evil. We want justice done and often justice is getting even by retaliating in an evil manner. This is not holy living. This is not living as Jesus would. This is not keeping in step with the Holy Spirit. The following verse is a concise response to the temptation to seek your own vengeance by doing evil to someone who has done evil to you.

 

Romans12:19-21

“19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 

Paul also mentions another jewel of holy living, to “always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”

 

* Have you been tempted to repay evil for evil at times? How did you deal with this temptation? Did you fail to respond as the Romans 12 verse command? If so, you may wish to confess this to the Lord so that this past sin is resolved with your Heavenly Father. Such repentance will also bring emotional and spiritual healing.

* If you responded in an evil manner towards someone who did evil against you, you may wish to apologize and seek forgiveness from the person you responded to in this evil manner. While this would be a difficult thing to do, it would be a great demonstration of Christian witness and humility. Such an action would have to be discerned with wisdom and wise counsel, as well as with prayer. You do not want to place yourself at risk of further evil being done to you, but you should always consider seeking forgiveness from someone when you have sinned against them. Even if the person does not receive it properly or even if you do not think they deserve it, it will impact your relationship with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and promote spiritual and emotional healing in yourself.

* There is a peace that comes when you let God take over the process of justice of evil done to you. This does not mean you become a doormat for abuse and evil actions from another. It simply means you do not seek to retaliate. You let God deal with the justice that is needed to be done. If you are dealing currently with evil that has been done to you, I would recommend reading the following passages and seek to turn the situation as well as your struggles in this hardship over to the Lord in prayer. Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25-26.

 

“16 Rejoice always;”

 

Here Paul shares the next jewel of holy living which is “rejoicing.” The Greek word Paul uses for “rejoicing” is “chairo” and means “to be cheerful, calmly happy.” This doesn’t seem to be a hard task to accomplish for often we rejoice over life or experiences. The qualifying word Paul uses here brings to us a higher calling. He uses the Greek word “pantote” to instruct the Thessalonian believers and us today as to when this “rejoicing” should take place. “Pantote” means “at all times, always, evermore.” This means we are to be continually and at all times rejoicing in the Lord. This does not mean we are to rejoice that bad things to happen to us or happy that we have a serious problem arise in our life. It means we rejoice in the midst of them. We are to rejoice in the fact that God is with us in the storm of life. We are to rejoice that the Holy Spirit that lives within us will give us to power to overcome the trial. We are to rejoice that the trial will make us stronger in our faith or God will use it to minister to someone else in the future.

 

* How can such an attitude of rejoicing be difficult to attain? How can it be easy to acquire? Does the answer to the previous questions relate to the condition of our relationship to our Heavenly Father, spiritual maturity, trust in God, dependence on the Holy Spirit or all of these? Explain.

* Read the following scriptures and write down some ways they communicate that “rejoicing always” is possible for the follower of Christ. Matthew 5:11-12, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 9, Philippians 1:18, 4:4-8, 1 Peter 1:3-9. Seek this next week to memorize and apply some of the scripture passages to your life, especially if you have hardships and trials.

 

“17 pray without ceasing;”

 

Yet another jewel of holy living that Paul knew was critical to the Christian is the necessity to “pray without ceasing.” We understand the concept of prayer, communicating on a personal level with our Heavenly Father, but when we read this short verse we sense it packed with a deep meaning and challenge. What does it mean to pray, “without ceasing?” The Greek adverb here, “adialeiptos” tells us that our prayers should go on “uninterruptedly, without omitting any concern or thought, to be constantly occurring.” Paul is not implying we are to be mumbling prayers all day long. He is suggesting we are to have a continual awareness of the closeness of the Holy Spirit within us, the constant blessing of Jesus’ Lordship over our lives and the perpetual relationship we have with our Heavenly Father. These are constants that permeate our life as a follower of Christ. If we grasp this concept properly, it means we are “without ceasing” always aware that God is with us and wanting to participate in our life at all times through our prayers to Him.

* Do you comprehend the instruction in this verse of “pray without ceasing?” If so, seek to be aware of your relationship with the Lord on a continual basis. Seek to pray through your day in all activity you might be involved in, especially when issues arise, wisdom is needed or ministry opportunities present themselves.

* As you allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in this holy practice of persistent prayer, you will find a greater awareness of God in your life, an increase in your ability to deal with the issues of life and a deepening of your relationship with the Lord. I would recommend you begin writing a journal of your experiences as you increase your prayer life activity. You will be amazed at the spiritual insights and godly truths God will bring to your heart and mind.      

 

DAY FIVE

 

“18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

 

Another jewel in the chain of holy living Paul covers is the practice of “giving thanks in everything.” This is closely related to “rejoicing always” as a follower of Christ. As I mentioned in the Day Four devotion, we are not to seek hardships and struggles in order to rejoice and give thanks for them, we are to give thanks for the spiritual gifts and blessings God gives us in the midst of such storms of life.

 

*What are some things you can give thanks for while you are enduring a trial in life? List as many things as you can possibly think of for which you can be thankful. Ask a close Christian friend to share their thoughts on this issue as well.

 

“19 Do not quench the Spirit;”

 

Paul shares in verse 19 a most critical jewel in the chain of holy living that of not “quenching the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is a member of the Holy Trinity. He is not a force or a power, though He does possess the power of God, because He is just as much a member of the Holy Trinity as the Father and the Son. When Paul commands us not to “quench” the Spirit; he is telling us not to wound Him by ignoring His advice or His leading in our lives. The Holy Spirit’s ministry in your life is to magnify Christ in your life by convicting you of sin so you might spiritually walk more holy, encouraging you in your walk with the Lord and facilitating your relationship with your Heavenly Father.

 

* Have you ever been quenched in spirit by someone? Possibly someone ignored you or your advice to cause you to feel quenched in spirit. Can you think of a time when someone displayed disrespect for you? Is this similar to quenching the Spirit of God by ignoring His influence in your life?

* We all, at one time or another, quench the Spirit. Can you think of constructive ways you can improve in your ability to avoid quenching the Holy Spirit? What would you think would result from you listening more to the Spirit’s wishes and influence over your life and avoiding quenching Him?

* Read Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:18. These are parallel passages that connect two Biblical mandates for the Christian. As we let the Word of God dwell richly in our hearts, we will be filled with the Spirit. How might this concept of dwelling on Scripture and being filled with the Spirit help you avoid quenching the Spirit of God?

 

DAY SIX

 

“20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;”

 

Paul gives yet three more jewels in the chain of holy living with this statement in this verse. First he states “do not despise prophetic utterances.” At this time in history there was no New Testament for reference for believers. God spoke through specially gifted individuals to communicate the thoughts and mind of God. This teaching and preaching was done in the form of prophetic revelations given by the Holy Spirit to the local congregation in Thessalonica. We see the first two jewels in this verse closely tied together. On the one hand Christians were not to despise or reject teaching in the local churches or small group gatherings, but they also were to examine everything closely and carefully to see that they matched up with what Paul had taught them earlier. Wherever there is God’s Truth, Satan is on the scene with counterfeits. One thing that plagued the early church was false teachers and they are still with us today. Today we have an easier task of testing prophesy or preaching of God’s Word for we have written scripture to make comparison and an informed spiritual decision. Charles Swindoll states that prophecy or prophetic utterances are, “The declaration of God’s mind, spoken forthrightly in the power of the Spirit, at just the right time.” He goes on to say that prophetic utterances (sermons that are preached), if they are truly from God, should be consistent with Holy Scripture, are obedient to the Lordship of Christ and will be in agreement with your inner spirit. I would suggest his implication is in that significant order. Your inner spirit can be misleading at times unless deeply grounded in the Word of God and fertilized by a dedication to the leading of the Holy Spirit, so we are to rely on God’s Word as the first benchmark for evaluating truth from error. Secondly comes, the Lordship of Christ. Any concept, idea or teaching should reflect a respect for the Lord Jesus, line up with the example of His life and respect His Lordship over our life. Any deviation from these benchmarks should cause us to be suspicious of what is taught or preached.

 

* Have you ever been led astray by false teaching of any sort? How did you discover the error?

* What are some common false teachings that permeate our culture today? Why do such false teachings seem to be so prevalent?

* What resources do you have to help you evaluate sermons and teachings today? If you had a concern about some idea or concept that seemed spiritually inaccurate how would you validate whether it was true or false?

 

Paul shares another jewel in the chain of holy living by stating we are to “hold fast to what is good.” The Greek word for “good” here is “kalos” and means “better, fair, honest, well, worthy, valuable or virtuous.” Hold fast is the Greek word “katecho” and means to possess, retain, seize onto, take, hold down.” As follower of Christ we are always to seek that which is good, pure, honest, fair and best. This reflects the character of God, the love and person of Christ and the tenderness and power of the Holy Spirit.

 

* What are things you would consider good that you should seek to “hold fast” to when it comes to your Christian witness?

* What resources does God give you to be able to “hold fast” to such things? Do you appropriate these resources as you should? If not, why not?

* Consider discussing with another Christian friend “good things” that both of you should be “holding fast to” and hold one another accountable for following through on your commitment to do so.

 

“22 abstain from every form of evil.”

 

In verse 15 on Day Four we were told “not to repay evil for evil.” In verse 22 today a companion to this jewel is to “abstain from every form of evil.” While before we were told not to respond in evil towards anyone who does evil to us, here a greater calling is required. We are told to avoid doing any evil at all. While before we were told to not respond in any outward evil form of external action, here we are to abstain from every form of evil, both internal and external. The intent here for the follower of Christ is to avoid even having the appearance of any evil behavior or action and this can also include your personal thought life.

 

* How is this commandment hard to fulfill? What resources does God give us to be able to obey this command?

* This next week seek to focus on this commandment. Let the Holy Spirit and God’s Word guide you as you make it a priority to do no evil. Respond to situations not as a Pharisee would, but as Christ would. There is a difference. To help you, think about how Christ would respond to a temptation to do evil and model your actions and thoughts after what you think Christ would do. Pray without ceasing and listen for the Holy Spirit to use God’s Word to guide you.

 

DAY SEVEN

 

“23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

God is in the process of sanctifying you each and every day. He uses the Holy Spirit who lives within you as a follower of Christ to facilitate this. You are also responsible in this process as well. God won’t force you to do what He calls you to do and requires your cooperation. Paul shares a prayer here for the Thessalonian Christians which could be applied to us as well. He is asking our Heavenly Father to sanctify the Thessalonian believers completely and that their spirit, soul and body be preserved, pure and holy for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Sanctification is the process of becoming perfectly holy like Jesus Christ. While this is not possible for us while we are on earth, still, we are called to continue in this process all the days of our life. It will be completed when we reach our Heavenly home. Despite the evil influences of the world, God will preserve us (John 17:15) as we cooperate with Him in obedience to His Word and seek to keep in step with the Holy Spirit. We are not to be isolated from the world, but insulated from its sinful influences.

 

* Do you responsibly and consistently respond to the Lord’s leading you in your sanctification? If not, what hinders you from doing so?

* Are there specific issues that prevent you from becoming more holy in your Christian witness? If so, seek to confess these weaknesses and ask God to grant you power from the Holy Spirit to walk more consistently in your Christian life.

* Are you ready for the Lord’s return if He were to return today? This is a major theme in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. If you sense you are not ready for the Lord’s second coming, confess any sins that the Holy Spirit convicts you of, pray that you will seek to grow in faith, rely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance more consistently and praise your Heavenly Father for the daily grace and mercy He pours over your life as His child He so dearly loves? Now, read the next verse and feel at ease. While you have a responsibility to live as Christ, God is the one who will “bring it to pass.”

 

“24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”

 

We might be rather burdened and frustrated in the process of sanctification if it were all up to us. Here Paul tells us that your Heavenly Father is faithful. Since He called you to Himself, He will bring your sanctification and completed salvation to fruition. It will be done and finished because it is done in His power through His grace and mercy. Yes, we have the responsibility to respond and use the resources He provides, but He will have His will, your salvation and sanctification. Consider the following verse.

Philippians 2:12-13

“12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

 

This verse explains to us that our salvation and sanctification is a cooperative effort. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, which might be stated as with respect for God and humility before Him. But this verse also states that God is work within

 

* How does it comfort you that God is at work in you to bring to pass what He calls you to do? Express this thanks to God in prayer right now. Make this prayer of thanksgiving a regular habit as you seek to obey the commands of Jesus, minister to others and “work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”

 

“25 Brethren, pray for us.”

 

While Paul here in this verse is asking the Thessalonian believers to pray for him, Silas and Timothy, it actually is also another jewel in the chain of holy living. We are instructed here to pray for others.

 

* Read the following verses as they reveal who you are to pray for as well as how you are to pray to fulfill this commandment. Matthew 5:44, 6:9-13, Luke 6:28, 18:10-14, Luke 22:40, Ephesians 1:18-21, 6:18, Philippians 1:9-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 1 Timothy 2:8, James 5:13,16.

* Do you have a regular and consistent prayer life? If not, seek to make this a holy habit you commit to each and every day.

* If you pray on a regular basis, seek to encourage others to increase in their commitment to pray. Consider meeting as a group to pray together for God’s will, the needs and suffering of others and the spread of the Gospel.

 

“26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.”

 

This verse could make us blush or question Holy Scripture. We might ask the question, Does this apply to us today? In the first century it was a custom by both men and women to great one another with a kiss on the cheek as a greeting. You must notice this action is qualified by the word “holy” and therefore does not imply a passionate erotic type of kiss. I once discipled a man in the faith. He knew very little of Christian teaching but was eager to learn. We were standing side by side in a church service one time and an elder up front after the opening song directed the church body to greet one another, smiling he said “with a holy kiss.” While he was just kidding, this man took it as a command and kissed me on the neck. Startled, I turned to him and he said, “Was that okay to do? He told us to do it.” I said it was okay and explained the context of the instruction from the elder and the scripture verse to him. While I was embarrassed, I did not let on that I was to this man who innocently was simply trying to be responsive to the instruction from the elder. I also know of another situation where an elderly deacon in a church liked to live out this verse as a greeter, but only to women. He was taken aside by the elders and asked to refrain from such actions. Needless to say we must be careful what New Testament, first century, customs might be inappropriate for us to apply today without discretion. Most commentators recommend today that a warm friendly handshake might suffice. Some Christians still kiss on the cheek as a greeting if it is a cultural norm, some men even doing so. Whatever the case, we should always be careful to be honorable and appropriate in how we show our warm affection for other followers of Christ. This is another jewel in the chain of holy living commands.

 

* Do you in a friendly and loving manner greet other believers when meeting them at church or any other place? We have an eternal bond with each other as Christians and wherever we meet one another this bond should be precious to us. Seek to demonstrate your Christian love for fellow brothers and sisters in a warm and appropriate manner whenever possible.

 

“27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

 

The final and 22^nd jewel in the chain of holy commands for the Christian is to read scripture. Here Paul is commanding that this letter he wrote to the church at Thessalonica be read to all the Christians there. There is always a blessing when Holy Scripture is read. It brings comfort to the afflicted. It encourages those who are downtrodden. It convicts those who are with sin. It offers answers to hard questions. It informs us of who we serve, Father, Son and Spirit. We gain wisdom, insight and courage from its pages and words. It is the mind of God and should always be consulted when we need a word from the Lord.

 

* Do you read your Bible consistently? If not, consider setting down at a consistent time each day and reading from God’s Word. If you struggle with finding time consider asking a close Christian friend to hold you accountable, or better yet, read the Word together.

* Reread the points I share at the beginning of each of these weekly chapter devotions. This will help you prepare to read the Word, absorb its spiritual direction, apply its advice and reap the benefits of listening to the Holy Spirit as He brings it alive in your life. You will be amazed at how God will grow your faith and work in your life if you participate in this holy habit of reading His divine Word.

 

The 22 Jewels in the Chain of Christian Holy Living covered in 1 Thessalonians 5:11- 27

(Adapted from J. Vernon McGee’s 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary, William Barkclay’s 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary

and from Charles Swindoll’s 1 Thessalonians Commentary)

 

THINGS KINDLY REQUESTED

1 Thessalonians 5:11

1. “Encourage” one another.

2. “Build up” one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

3. “Appreciate” those who diligently labor among you. (Understand or recognize those who teach you)

4. ” Esteem” them very highly in love because of their work. (Honor or respect those who teach you)

5. Live in “peace” with one another.

 

THINGS URGENTLY NEEDED

1 Thessalonians 5:14

6. “Admonish” the unruly. (Those who are out of step, who are loners, want to do their own thing)

7. “Encourage” the fainthearted. (Those who are fainthearted, fearful to move out for God or who need support)

8. “Help” the weak. (Those who are weak in faith. Babes in Christ. Immature spiritually)

9. Be “patient” toward all men. (Don’t lose your temper)

1 Thessalonians 5:15

10. “Do not repay evil for evil.” (Don’t seek revenge, don’t fight one another)

11. “Seek after that which is good for one another and for all people (believers and non-believers)

 

THINGS CONTINUALLY APPROPRIATE

1 Thessalonians 5:16

12. “Rejoice always.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17

13. “Pray without ceasing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

14. In everything “give thanks.”

1 Thessalonians 5:19

15. Do not “quench not the Spirit.”

1 Thessalonians 5:20

16. Do not “despise” prophetic utterances. (Don’t ignore teaching of the Word)

1 Thessalonians 5:21

17. “Examine everything carefully,”

18. “Hold fast to that which is good.”

1 Thessalonians 5:22

19. “Abstain from every form of evil.”

1 Thessalonians 5:25

20. “Pray” for others.

1 Thessalonians 5:26

21. “Greet one another.” (Warm, spiritually pure kiss or handshake)

1 Thessalonians 5:27

22. This epistle “be read” unto all the holy brethren. (Read the Bible)