And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

One thing I love reading in the Epistles of Paul are the closing statements, or what we may refer to as the benediction or blessing. Often if I’m preaching at a Church, I like to use one of his benedictions for the closing of a service. And while we might usually, skip over the final closing of a letter from Paul, there is still some useful teachings in his statements.

First Paul says “The God of Peace”, now this is an interesting statement, as you could say Paul is referring to Jesus as God here. Let’s remember one of Chist’s titles is “the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) and Paul also taught the “Peace of God” can only be obtained through Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7) So we could probably assume, Paul is addressing Christ’s deity in the opening of his benediction.

Secondly Paul says “Sanctify you wholly or completely” . We talked previously about Paul’s in depth teachings on sanctification. Paul here seems to indicate,  sanctification is expected for Christians. Again, this is only possible by the Holy Spirit and becoming Born Again in Jesus Christ (John 3:3) The Lord said “We will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) The Church will be known by its sanctification in the Holy Spirit

Paul makes another interesting theological statement here “your soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” Many Christians accept the teaching of “soul-sleep”, however here Paul makes it very clear we have a soul and a body. Just as Jesus said “Fear the one who can destroy both body and soul into Hell” (Matthew 10:28) Christ also indicates , we have a body and soul

Lastly, Paul orders that this letter be read to “all the holy brethren” These letters are not just for the Church of Thessalonica, these letters all for all Christians. We here many arguments by liberal theologians, certain epistles are only for certain Christians, this is not Biblical. As Paul says “ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16) The Bible is for everyone, not just a specific group of people. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen!

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

The Apostle Paul continues to give us practical and applicable advice for our daily Christian lives. The first lesson is to “Rejoice at all times”. Think about all the things Paul suffered during his ministry, imprisonment, beatings, and illnesses, yet Paul continues to rejoice always. Why? Because Paul knows this is not our “best life now”, this is actually our worst life now. The best is yet to come, the New Heavens and Earth (Rev.22) because Christ is Risen!

Secondly we should “pray without ceasing”. Prayer should be central to our daily lives. Prayer should be like oxygen for our souls. How can we have a relationship with Christ, if we are not praying? How can we know our Fathers will, if we are not praying? How can the Holy Spirit fill us up , if we are not praying? Pray without ceasing in all circumstances!

Give thanks for everything! All these actions tie into each other, if you don’t know what to pray, give thanks to God! We have been blessed with so many things, we have so much to be thankful for, we need to keep an eternal perspective on our daily lives. Be Thankful that God created us and breathed life into our lungs. Be Thankful , that Jesus chose us and died for our sins. Be Thankful, the Holy Spirit has baptized us and made us Born Again

Listen to the Holy Spirit! Jesus called the Holy Spirit our advocate, our counselor, our helper (John 14:26) To deny or neglect the wisdom of the Holy Spirit is to deny God. Remember blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is an unforgivable sin (Matthew 12:31-32) We need to be willing to be led by the Holy Spirit as our guide and counselor

Finally, another application is to “Abstain from all evil” As Born Again Christians (John 3:3), our bodies are the Temple of God with the Holy Spirit living inside of us (1 Cor.6). We can’t pollute our temples or bodies with sin and evil, this is an abomination before God. As the Apostle Peter said “Be holy because He (God) is Holy” ( 1 Peter 1:16)

Being a Child of God, a Born Again Christian is the greatest honor and calling anyone could receive, walk worthy of being a servant of Christ, Amen

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 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 5:12-15

We know that the Church of Thessalonica was well known for their respectable behavior, as Paul stated “You have become an example to all the believers” (1 Thess. 1:7) Why? Because this Church didn’t just talk the talk, but they also walked the walk. They lived a Christian life to the best of their abilities, as Paul also said “walk in a manner worthy of God’s calling” (1 Thess. 2:12) When we become saved in Christ, this is just the beginning of our journey, this is certainly not the end

So with that said, how do we live as a Christian? Many people focus on things in the Bible such as prophecy and history, but there are also a lot of practical applications that can be applied to our daily lives as Christians. Paul’s letters to the Churches, gives us a lot of practical instructions we can all apply to our daily Christian lives, again our goal should be to want to “conform to the image of Christ” (Romans 8:29) If Jesus is truly our Lord, we should want to be just like him, live like him, act like him. While we will never reach the superiority of The Lord, we should still want to follow in his ways

So Paul is giving the Church some practical applications to living a Christan life. The first teaching is to respect authority. Paul says “acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who preside over you in The Lord, and give you instruction”. What a simple concept, for brothers and sisters in Christ to show each other mutual respect, however we know this simply doesn’t happen much anymore, especially on social media. We often hear Pastors being continually analyzed and picked apart from every word they say. While it’s good to verify what your Pastor is saying , we should also be demonstrating love and respect for your spiritual authority

Secondly the Apostle Paul tells us to “Be at peace among yourselves” This should be applied not only to the Church, but also to people outside your Church also. As Jesus commanded us to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) Christ was not just referring to other Christians, he was referring to your physical neighbors, people in your community, people online, basically everyone. While it may not always be possible to live in peace with everyone, we should strive to do everything we can to “keep the peace” as Paul says “strive to live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18)

A third application as Paul says “Don’t repay evil for evil, pursue what is good for everyone” This coincides with what Jesus taught “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39) When somebody wrongs us, it’s natural to want to get revenge, however as a Christian we need to live at a higher standard. Our battles belong to The Lord (1 Samuel 17:47) and not ourselves. We need to remember everyone is watching us, when we behave in a hypocrite way, it actually brings dishonor to our Lord Jesus, as well as ourselves

As the Apostle Paul says “Always pursue what is good for everyone”, while the right thing is not always the easiest thing, our goal in life should always to bring honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6

When will Christ return? This is the million dollar question, in fact many false teachers made millions writing books false prophecies of when Jesus was actually going to return, you should throw all those books in the garbage, Jesus said “Nobody knows the day or hour” (Matt. 24:36) Don’t be deceived by false teachers, read your Bible!

The Apostle Paul describes Christ returning as a “Thief in the night”, so what does that mean? Well think about if someone breaks into your house, it usually comes at a day and time when you least expect it, it usually is an event that catches you off guard. This is what Paul is saying, Christ is going to return at a moment when you least expect him. The world will believe in a false sense of peace and safety, yet judgment is coming to the world when the Lion of Judah, Jesus Christ returns

But as Paul says to the Church “You are not in the darkness” the true Church shouldn’t be caught off guard with the return of Christ, we are not in the darkness, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we are the children of the light. We have the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, however “let us not sleep”, the Church can’t spiritually fall asleep as the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25) half was not ready and The Lord shut the door!

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:7-11

Referencing the parable of the Ten Virgins again, half were caught with their lamps empty (Matthew 25) which I believe the oil is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Half of the Church was not Born Again, therefore they were not ready for Christ. Paul warns the Church , when Christ returns “Be Sober” Where will you be when Christ returns? Will Jesus find you drunk in a bar at his return or will Christ find you living in a way worthy of his calling? We should live everyday as if Christ was going to return, this is exactly how the first century Church lived

Paul says “God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation”  Jesus dies on the cross for our sins, so we may inherit eternal life, this is our living hope, this is the promise by God Almighty. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

Jesus is coming as a Thief in the Night, have your lamps full of the Holy Spirit, always be ready for the great blessed day when our Lord returns to take us to eternal glory, Amen!

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 1 Thessalonians 4: 9-12

What a great message for the Church “Brotherly Love”. The Apostle Paul commended the Church for their display of love towards one another, however Paul beseeches or urges the Church to love each other even more! There is so much division and coldness in the body of Christ today, this is a message that should be preached from every pulpit

I find it ironic that Paul teaches this lesson right before he gives his teaching on the Rapture. I don’t know if that teaching caused as much division back in the 1rst century as it has today, but I can’t believe the division I see with brothers and sisters over the timing of the Rapture. It’s heartbreaking to watch and read the comments exchanged by Christians over their disagreement over a non-salvational issue.

Notice the Apostle Paul said “You yourselves are taught by God to love one another” This isn’t a suggestion or teaching by Paul, this is a commandment by Christ. Jesus said “ A new command I give to you, love one another as I loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34) To hate your brother or sister in Christ is a sin against God, we need to reconcile our differences, we need to repent and submit to Christ Jesus our Lord

So how should the Christian live their life? Paul teaches us “you should aspire or study to be quiet, to do your own business, to work with your own hands” We should strive to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18) We shouldn’t be trying to stir up trouble, we should mind our own business, and we should be willing to take care of yourself. I know this is easier said than done, however this is why our Christian walk is a daily walk of carry our crosses and following Christ (Matthew 16:24)

Paul says “That you may walk honestly toward them that are without” Christians should be noticeably different or separate from non-believers. People should be able to identify you as a Christian by the way your behave and live your life. We need to be good examples for non-believers and our neighbors. 

As the Apostle Paul said “Let brotherly love continue or keep loving one another as brothers and sisters “ (Hebrews 13:1) in Jesus name Amen!

That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:6-8

The Apostle Paul says “God has not called us to uncleanness or impurity but to holiness” Now when you say this to other Christians or people, they label you a “legalist” or they say “who do you think you are” this is probably the same responses Paul got back in the first century because then he goes on to say “Therefore anyone who despises or rejects this command, rejects not man but God”

We know alot of “Christians” who reject the thought of sanctification or holiness, for example there’s a famous YouTube Pastor Steven Anderson, I’m sure you have all heard or seen his tangents online, but he insists nobody needs to repent to be saved. And many “Churches” today are embracing the LGBTQ lifestyle and declaring it acceptable. These are examples of total rejection of Gods calling us to holiness 

Now the question is “How can we become holy”? We all acknowledge we are sinners (Romans 3:23) even Paul acknowledge he was a wretched sinner (Romans 7:24) and Paul called himself “Chief of all sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) So we acknowledge our sinner nature and our desperate need for Jesus Christ. So how do we get to where go wants us?

The Apostle Paul says “Who has given us his Holy Spirit” (v8) This is why Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you can’t see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3) It’s only by the Holy Spirit we can become transformed, it’s only by the Holy Spirit we can strive to be holy, its only by the Holy Spirit we can follow the path of sanctification

The Apostle Peter said “Be Holy because I (God) am Holy” (1 Peter 1:16) We as Christians are called to strive to be Holy, to be filled with the Holy Spirit,  to be sanctified with our Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul said , “Walk worthy of our calling in The Lord”(Ephesians 4:1) Repent of your sins, be baptized by the water and the Holy Spirit, in Jesus name Amen!

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5

Sanctification is a topic that is not preached by most Pastors these days, even though it’s a Biblical commandment, as the Apostle Paul said “given to you by the Lord Jesus Christ”. Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) What did Jesus mean by this? Well he was talking about the regeneration of the Holy Spirit in our lives, a process called Sanctification

An old theologian named JC Ryle wrote alot on this topic, including probably his most popular book “Holiness”, I believe this is a book that should be in every Christians library. So why are Christians in general so offended by the mention of sanctification? Well because if your going to claim to be a Christian, then there needs to be “fruits” or evidence of your conversion (Matthew 7) You can’t claim to be a Christian and still be dead in your sins (Ephesian 2) You are either a slave to Christ or you are a slave to Sin (Romans 6)

The Apostle Paul says “Walk or Live to please God” Often when we talk about sanctification, people claim we are talking about a “works based salvation”, this is generally their argument to remain in their sin. However we know from the Bible, that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and any of our good deeds are like filthy rags compared to God (Isaiah 64:6) Jesus even said “Nobody is good (morally excellent) than God alone” (Mark 10:18)

So why do we care about sanctification or holiness? Well because the greatest commandment, according to Jesus is “To love the Lord God is all your heart, your soul, and your mind” (Matthew 22:37) So the question isn’t “Does God love me”? We know God loves us , because he demonstrated that on the cross (Romans 5:8) The real question is “Do you really love God”? Many will say Yes, however their actions don’t reflect that true love. 

The Apostle Paul says “Everyone should know how to possess his vessel (body) in sanctification and honor”If your a true Born Again Christian, then your body is the temple of God filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20) We shouldn’t pollute our bodies with sin. Think about a Church building, many of us act differently at Church than at our own homes. We respect the building, we wouldn’t start drinking alcohol at Church, or watch pornography, so then why is it appropriate to do these acts in the Temple of God, your own body?

Sanctification is a process of the Holy Spirit working in us to make us more like Christ. It doesn’t happen overnight, but we should strive to live to please God and honor him with our bodies, Amen!