Day 42
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 16 Be joyful always;17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil. 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us.26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Closing Remarks!
It is obvious from today's reading that Paul is bringing this letter to a close. He uses several brief statements to give final instructions to this beloved church. Among Paul's admonishments they are told respect those over them in the Lord, live in peace, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, be joyful always, pray continually, always give thanks, do not quench the spirit, do not treat the prophecies with contempt, test everything, hold on to good, and hold on to evil. This is quite a summary of commands. The first section of commands verses 12-15 are commands in relating to the treatment of one another while verses 16-22 are in reference to spiritual things. Paul again reminds them of the need to remain in faith and always be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Then he concludes with make sure all brothers read this letter and may God's grace be with you. These letters are so vital for us to study because they are directed to the church, the New Testament church. While reading these passages we not only see the heart of the Apostle Paul but we also see the struggles of these churches. These struggles should be extremely helpful to us today as they were to these very early churches.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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