_THE GOLDEN RULE_ ‘See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:15 The Apostle is writing to the Thessalonian converts some very practical rules as to their manner of life as Christians. We do not kn... [ Continue Reading ]
_A CHRISTIAN’S DUTY_ ‘Pray without ceasing.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:17 How shall we use this help to holiness so that we may be able to get a tighter grasp of this sanctity that God has put within our reach? How shall we pray? I. WE MUST PRAY WITH PREPARATION.—We must not go into the audience-chambe... [ Continue Reading ]
_QUENCHING THE SPIRIT_ ‘Quench not the Spirit.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Look where we find this injunction. It is in the midst of other injunctions. We are to rejoice evermore. We are to pray without ceasing. We are in everything to give thanks. We are not to despise prophesyings. And we are not to... [ Continue Reading ]
_THE DUTY OF INQUIRY_ Prove all things.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:21 There was the amplest justification in the history of the Church for these warnings. St. Paul warns the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:30) of the peril which false prophets threatened. Later history showed that peril in a much more aggrava... [ Continue Reading ]
_WHOLLY SANCTIFIED_ ‘The very God of peace sanctify you wholly.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:23 Has God, the God of peace, taken possession of our whole spirit? Have we given Him our spirit? Nay, have we ever even truly got hold of the spirit within us, so that we have been able to give it away? Do we know... [ Continue Reading ]
_THREE IN ONE_ ‘I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:23 I want you to think of body, soul, and spirit, three in one, in every child of man, in you and me. And yet each one of us is one. I. CONSIDER THE... [ Continue Reading ]
_WHAT GOD DOES_ ‘Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:24 The reason why most Christians are not so happy as they might be, is this: they are looking for their proofs and encouragements in their own hearts, and not in God. The ultimate appeal, the true logic of... [ Continue Reading ]
_A GREAT WISH_ ‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:28 Here we have brought before us I. A GREAT PERSON.—Our Lord Jesus Christ. II. A GREAT GIFT.—His grace. III. A GREAT WISH.—May His grace be with _ you_ all. Bishop G. H. Wilkinson.... [ Continue Reading ]