One Year Journey Through the New Testament
1 Thessalonians 5
Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!
The Day of the Lord
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- To begin this chapter, Paul continued his discussion of end times. He spoke of the mystery of the timing of the Lord’s coming, “like a thief in the night.”
- He spoke of the need to be alert and aware, and watchful for His coming.
- He finally told them them comfort one another as they have been, to keep everyone on the path to heaven.
Various Exhortations
12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
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.
(1 Thessalonians 5:12–22, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- Paul changed gears again, telling the Thessalonians to honor the labor of one another, and to esteem their leaders highly.
- He told them to warn the unruly, comfort the faint hearted, uphold the weak, and be patient. Do not give evil back for evil received, but pursue good.
Blessing and Admonition
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.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
(1 Thessalonians 5:23–28, NKJV)
Points to Ponder:
- The final greetings are typical of Paul. He blessed them with sanctification and preservation and promise that God will keep them in their trials.
- He asked for prayer, and then blessed them with grace through Christ.
- Let us be ready at all times for the coming of the Lord. It is closer than ever!
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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.
Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.
Devoted To You 