1 Thessalonians 5:14 Because we know the Lord is coming back, we don’t have the license to idle. Again the Christians were supposed to be counter culture. This is a very common theme in the Epistles. It’s often overlooked. The Lord doesn’t want us to look like the world. We should honestly want to stand out and against it as a reminder of God’s grace and faithfulness.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 Persecution was coming and more than likely had been rolling through Thessalonika. Some may have been wondering if this was worth it. Their faith was waning. Some were unsure and really just giving up. Idle, fainthearted, or weak we all were called to support one another and help each other keep moving forward.
This passage could be brought into the 2020 quite easily. There are lots of these people right now in our current context. There are those who are idle. Some are in sheer terror. Many are weak in their faith. This is a great time to exercise grace and patience with our brothers and sisters. Walk with them Biblically and help them remain faithful until their past this dark time.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 Retaliation isn’t supposed to be named as a Christian virtue and it’s not. We shouldn’t ever seek to “get even” with those inside or outside the church. It’s hard to do and I believe we’re supposed to look to the Captain of our Faith, Jesus. He not only preached it (See Sermon on the Mount), but he lived it (Arrest, Trial and Crucifixion). Christ modeled this perfect and we’d do well to look to Him as our model.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 For Paul to admonish them to always rejoice must mean there was a reason not to rejoice. Yet, Paul keeps this before the face of his audience. We’d do well to do the same.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 This clearly can’t mean to lock away in your house and pray 24/7. It more than likely means to be ready to pray at any time, and at any time be praying.
1 Thessalonians 5:18-20 More allusions to rough waters ahead for the church. But being thankful that this is God’s plan for them to be purified and made ready for their reward. Paul also makes a very clear and personal point here. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. God has a very clear plan for each of us and He will cause it to come to pass.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test everything. This is a hot button topic because we tend to not want to test anything. In doing so we have to admit that some things aren’t good. We’d have to draw a line and even more, we’d had to hold everyone to that same standard.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 It’s simple and plain. If I have to explain why this isn’t a sin, but it looks like it, I’m more than likely wrong.
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