“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Quite a direct list of commands concerning true Christian living finish off the final chapter of 1 Thessalonians. I would even dare to say the these directives likely seem strange to the average person today. However, no one who has had their soul redeemed by the death and resurrection of Jesus should ever view what God says here lightly.
F.B. Meyer brilliantly summarized the completion of this chapter in the following two paragraphs.
The remainder of the chapter is filled with brief sentences of exhortation, like cablegrams from our Heavenly Captain to his soldiers, who, in the previous section, are described as wearing the breastplate of faith and love. As we endeavor to put them into practice, we become conscious of a new and divine energy entering and quickening our nature. It is the God of peace who is at work, co-operating with our poor endeavors and sanctifying us wholly.
Each soul has a ministry to others, 1Th 5:14. A sketch is here given of the ideal believer, 1Th 5:16-22; full of joy, constant in prayer, giving thanks in everything, loving with the unquenched fire of the Holy Spirit, willing to listen to any voice that may bear a divine message, testing all events and utterances with a celestial solvent, steadfast in good, and persistent against evil. This is a high standard, and impossible of realization apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But when the inner shrine is truly surrendered to Him, He will possess the whole temple, even to our physical well-being. God is faithful and will never fail the soul that dares to be all that He wills.
As we begin the final lesson of 1 Thessalonians this coming Thursday morning won’t you plan to join us and be encouraged by our discussion of this practical portion of Scripture?
Don’t forget the wonderful Good Friday service this week at 6:30. Also Easter will be celebrated with services at 8:30 and 11 on Sunday with a potluck breakfast at 9:30.
Also please note: There will be a baby girl shower for Emily Hunt on April 30th at the Helland’s home at 3pm.