Read 1 Thessalonians 5
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Thessalonians%205&version=NIV
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to conform to God’s light, not the darkness that leads to destruction in the day of the Lord. Since the day of the Lord will result in judgment for the wicked and deliverance for the righteous, self-examination was important. Believers are associated with “light” (spiritually enlightened because of the new birth) rather than “darkness” (the realm of sin and spiritual emptiness). The coming of the Lord should motivate believers to be mentally alert and morally vigilant. Paul used an illustration of a Roman soldier on duty (5:8). The believer must be on guard against a hostile world, putting on spiritual armor as protection against Satan’s attacks (cf. Eph. 6:13–17). God has not appointed believers to be the subjects of divine wrath, but rather to be delivered from the day-of-the-Lord judgments by the coming of Christ (5:9). Whatever pain the Thessalonians would experience, they were not to think they had been abandoned by God. First Thessalonians 5:10 shows that 4:13–18 has not been far from Paul’s mind. The issues of discouragement (5:11) and sorrow (4:18) were definite threats to faith, love, and hope (5:8). The point of speaking about the future coming of Christ was to give them hope and strengthen their present witness and sanctification.
Paul explained that leaders are there to push believers to maturity. But their legitimate criticisms, no matter how difficult to accept, should result in peace and appreciation. Paul provided a helpful summary of the responsibilities of spiritual leaders (5:12). They are to work hard, live peacefully and warn others. They are to match their ministry to the particular needs of the people. “Warning” is appropriate for the unruly, “encouragement” for the fainthearted, and “care” for the weak.
In verses 16-18 Paul says that their joys, prayers and thankfulness should not fluctuate with their circumstances. He is trying to tell them that when we do God’s will, we will find it easier to be joyful and thankful.
Paul’s closing prayer covered all the areas addressed in 1 Thessalonians 4–5, especially regarding sanctification (3:13; 4:3–4, 7; 5:23). Paul prayed for complete sanctification among the believers. He elaborated further by praying that the immaterial (soul and spirit) and material (body) parts of the believers might be presented blameless at the coming of Christ.
Discussion question
Paul wrote many times in this letter about being sanctified, what does sanctified mean to you?
Reflection question
How would your day go if you read verses 16-22 every day?
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jeanie said:
ReplyDeleteI Santified is a very special word to me. To me it addresses many aspects of my realationship with God , Jesus and The Holly Spirit. It also addreses my live. I hope to always try to live a pure life. Sometimes ofcourse my human side takes over when I least think that it will.
Santification is a wonderfull condition of some person, place , or thing is blessed and cleansed by God. Some people feel that the act of cleaning is performed by The Holy Spirit. I believe that The Holy Spirit is one part of the God Hean or Hole Thrinity. Ofcourse the other three menbers are God and Jesus.
I feel that the House of the God is a holy place. It is santified and concecrated.
II.If I were to read the above mentioned verses every moring I know that I would be a much better person. I would put on the breast plate of faith and love. I would be far more joyiful during the day. I do try to try to go by these guide lines. I try to find joy every were I go . I find that some people are uncomfortable around me. Often some think I' crazy. However most people fine me delightful will I trying to walk in joy. Goodie , Goody for all the joyful people. I ask you to join me it praying for all to those that just don't get it.
Jeanie said ,please forgive my typing.
ReplyDeleteSanctification has to do with being set apart for a special purpose.
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