By Sam Nobles
False Peace (v.1-11)
The Apostle Paul ends his first letter to the Thessalonians by
reminding that the Day of the Lord
will come as a thief in the night
– suddenly, devastatingly, unavoidably, and inevitably even though people will
be speaking of peace and security before it occurs. What is the Day of the Lord? The Day of
the Lord “is a
familiar Old Testament expression. It denotes the day when God intervenes in
history to judge His enemies, deliver His people, and establish His kingdom.”[i]
Family Peace (v.12-22)
In light of the coming Day of
the Lord, the Apostle Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers in how to have peace within the family of God. First,
with their leaders (v.12-13). We are
to think admirably of those who are called by God to teach and preach—not because
of how they can do the job, but because of the responsibility of the position;
not because of the person they are, but because of the value of the work.
Secondly, difficult people (v.14-15).
It is a four-fold plan that encompasses
warning, encouraging, helping, and having patience. Everyone is different in
the family of God and should not be handled in a “cookie cutter” fashion. Third
and lastly, in personal and public worship (v.16-22). Personal and public worship for the church in
Thessalonica consisted of joy, prayer, giving of thanks, being open to the
Spirit of God and the things of God, doing what is right and shunning what is
evil – all for the sake of peace within the family of God.
Faithful Peace (v.23-28)
“Holiness and peace go together,
for the God who quiets the heart also cleanses the heart.”[ii] Staying
faithful to God Almighty is a sure way to have peace in your heart today. I
have found when I focus on the Lord, and His faithfulness, I am not caught up
with my problems, other people, or other people’s problems.
Scripture to Claim:
“Now may the God of peace
himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be
kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
