1 Thessalonians - session 2
Chapter 5
Now brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, but you brothers are not in darkness. You are sons of light and of the day . . . so let us be alert and self-controlled . . . putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (1 Thes. 5:1-8)
"He died for us, so whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thes. 5:10-11)
Paul urged them to respect each other and to live in peace with one another. "Make sure no one pays back wrong for wrong" (1 Thes. 5:15). How often human nature seeks a "pay back". What else is new? Some things have never changed; the words of the Bible are words of wisdom for us today. |
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. Do not put out the Spirit's fire, do not treat prophecies with contempt, Test everything. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through [keeping you blameless] until the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. (1 Thes. 5:16-23)
One can "catch" the love and compassion that Paul had for these dear people. He did his best to encourage them, and in so doing encouraged millions of Christians who followed them.
God bless!
God bless!