Friday, May 26, 2017

The Apostle by Chapter: 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

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)



[i] 1 & 2 Thessalonians, accessed May 18, 2017, https://www.christianbook.com/1-2-thessalonians-d-hiebert/9780884692508/pd/692508.

[ii] Be Ready (1 & 2 Thessalonians), accessed May 16, 2017, https://www.christianbook.com/be-ready-warren-wiersbe/9781434765017/pd/765017.

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