TRUE BELIEVERS ARE PREPARED God's people do not live in the darkness of wickedness but in the light of righteousness (Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9). Christians belong to the realm of light because they are part of the Son of light (Galatians 3:26-27; Revelation 21:23). John wrote in an effort to kee... [ Continue Reading ]
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WATCHFULNESS Sinful people, in contrast, are part of the kingdom of darkness. Those without a hope of being raised from the dead are like a guard who sleeps on duty. Instead of being watchful and prepared, they become totally vulnerable in sleep. Christians should strive to stay aw... [ Continue Reading ]
CHRISTIANS SHOULD COMFORT AND EDIFY EACH OTHER Paul explained why the Christian should be sure to put on the breastplate of love and faith and the helmet of the hope of salvation. He said that God did not send Jesus to die for people who would, despite His sacrifice, have to be eternally punished. I... [ Continue Reading ]
PROPER TREATMENT OF THE UNRULY AND FAINTHEARTED Paul wanted to insure that brethren in various circumstances were watched over in the best possible way. So, he wrote special instructions which may have been intended first for the elders and then all the brethren. Some brethren could have been descr... [ Continue Reading ]
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE SPIRITUAL MAN In 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul had noted their joy. As he closed out this letter, the apostle wanted to urge the brethren to make joy an ever present part of their lives. This is possible, despite outward difficulties, because of an awareness of God's love. Chr... [ Continue Reading ]
PAUL'S PRAYER FOR THE THESSALONIANS AND A REQUEST Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians as he closed this letter was that God would continue setting them apart, or sanctifying, until they were complete. Further, he prayed the whole spirit, or man, which we might call mind, soul and body, would be kept... [ Continue Reading ]
CONCLUDING REMARKS The kiss, like our handshake, was their way of greeting a friend. Paul did not discourage its use but did urge that it be practiced with a proper attitude, that is one of holiness instead of lustfulness. Paul obviously saw the reading of this letter to all Christians as imperati... [ Continue Reading ]