1
Thessalonians 5 New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
The
day of the Lord
5
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to
you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief
in the night. 3 While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety’, destruction will
come on them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not
escape.
4
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should
surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of
the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us
not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those
who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But
since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a
breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint
us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10
He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together
with him. 11 Therefore encourage one
another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Final
instructions
12 Now we ask you,
brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care
for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in
love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers
and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the
disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody
pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other
and for everyone else.
16
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19
Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test
them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the
God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and
body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who
calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25
Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers
and sisters.
28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Pastors
have feelings from Elim Missions
1
Thessalonians 5
You
have probably realised as you have journeyed through the Bible with me that I
struggle with any show of arrogance and I know there are Pastors who think of
themselves in a way greater than is needed. But by and large Pastors are decent
human beings with feelings like anyone else and they work hard at loving and
serving others.
Recently
I was at a church service and just before it commenced I witnessed 2
individuals be nothing short of rude to their Pastor. The condescending tone
within their reply to his question caused me to struggle with thoughts of
wanting to give them a loving slap in the name of the Lord. Within 5 minutes
they both had their hands in the air worshipping God as if nothing had
happened. I wondered how the Pastor felt who was definitely on the receiving
end of something that had happened. Was he finding it as easy to hold his hands
in the air in worship?
I
am not saying we should make our Pastors into untouchables. No not at all. In
travelling I cringe sometimes at the culture of honour of spiritual leaders
that in my experience is way too much.
I
am just advocating for niceness. It's not too much to ask is it?
Just
some respect.
Just
some regard, a higher regard than the person showing it.
Just
some love.
These
are Paul's instructions, v12-13.
So
go on, this week, be nice to your Pastor. He has feelings too.
Reformation
Study Bible
5:23
sanctify. The complete mending of all human imperfection is not only possible
but certain. God is faithful and will accomplish it (v. 24). The time element
must be remembered. Ultimate perfection, to include a glorified body as well,
will be accomplished at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). See
“Sanctification: The Spirit and the Flesh” at 1 Cor. 6:11.
your
whole spirit and soul and body. Three words are used to emphasize the wholeness
of the perfection. “Spirit” and “soul” are used as virtual synonyms in the
Bible for the spiritual component of a person. When the terms occur together
(as here and in Heb. 4:12) it is difficult to find any significant difference
in meaning. Compare the fourfold representation of “heart,” “soul,” “mind,” and
“strength” in Mark 12:30.
NIV
Application Commentary
Congregational
Responsibilities Toward God (5:16–18)
In
5:16–18 Paul turns from instructions covering attitudes and actions toward
fellow believers and other human beings to instructions dealing with attitudes
toward God. Whereas 4:3 established “holiness” as God’s will with respect to
individual behavior, here three closely connected imperatives (5:18b goes with
all three commands, not just the last one in the series) spell out “God’s will
in Christ Jesus” for the Thessalonians as a community.
With
regard to the command to “rejoice always” (nrsv; cf. Phil. 4:4), “the emphasis
on joy is not so much on the experience of joy, but the active expression of
it.” Thus the translation “rejoice” (nrsv, nasb), which makes it clear that an
action or attitude is involved, is preferable to “be joyful” (niv), which
misleadingly suggests more an emotional state. Though the basis for joy is not
indicated here, the earlier references in the letter to joy (1:6; 2:19–20; 3:9)
make it clear that the basis is God’s activity and work among his people.
In
urging the Thessalonians to “pray” and to “give thanks” (5:17–18a), Paul is
giving advice he himself modeled (cf. 1:2; also 2:13; 3:9–10, 11–13; 5:23; 2
Thess. 1:3, 11; 2:13, 16–17). Similar encouragement to pray occurs in several
letters (cf. Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2; 2 Thess. 3:1). For “continually”
(cf. 1 Thess. 1:3; 2:13), “persevere in prayer” (Rom. 12:12, nrsv) gives the
sense.
Giving
thanks (5:18) is another common command or theme (cf. Rom. 14:6; 1 Cor. 14:16;
2 Cor. 1:11; 4:15; 9:11; Eph. 5:4, 20; Phil. 4:6; Col. 2:7; 3:17). Like the
command to rejoice, it is deeply rooted in Paul’s theology, that is, his
understanding about God. Because he was convinced that in any and all
circumstances God was at work on behalf of his people (Rom. 8:28), he could therefore
urge the Thessalonians to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18).
This was so even if the circumstances involved the death of a believer because,
even though death was an awful reality, it was not the last word or act (cf.
Rom. 8:31–39). The last word or act belongs to God, and it is resurrection and
life. Thus for Paul, both rejoicing and giving thanks become forms of worship
or praise of God.
Dictionary
of Bible Themes
7943
ministry, in the church
The
regular ministry of officially appointed or recognised ministers is a
particular instance of the duty and call of all God’s people.
The
responsibilities of those in recognised ministry
As
shepherds Ac 20:28 See also 1Pe 5:2
As
watchmen Heb 13:17 See also Ro 16:17; Php 3:2
As
teachers 1Ti 3:2 See also 2Ti 2:2,24
As
examples 1Ti 4:16 See also Ac 20:28; 1Pe 5:3
What
believers owe to those with recognised ministries
Respect
1Th 5:12-13 See also Php 2:29; 1Ti 5:17
Obedience
Heb 13:17 See also 1Co 16:15-16
Support
1Co 9:14 Despite Jesus Christ’s command, Paul did not claim his rights in this
matter, but supported himself as a tentmaker. See also Lk 10:7; Gal 6:6; 1Ti
5:18; Dt 25:4
Prayer
Ro 15:30 See also Eph 6:19; Php 1:19; 1Th 5:25; Heb 13:18
Hospitality
Php 2:29-30 See also Gal 4:14
Imitation
Heb 13:7
Recognised
ministers should encourage the ministries of other believers
Col
4:17 See also Ro 12:6-8; 1Co 12:4-11 The Holy Spirit allocates gifts and
enables ministries. No individual has all the gifts; ministry is shared and
mutual; Eph 4:7,11-13
The
motivation of ministry is mutual love
Gal
5:13 See also Ro 12:10; Ro 13:8; Col 3:12-14; 1Th 3:12; Heb 13:1; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jn
3:23
How
love is expressed in mutual ministry
In
humility Eph 4:2 See also Ro 12:10,16; Gal 5:26; 1Pe 5:5
In
patience 1Th 5:14 See also Jas 5:9
In
acceptance and forbearance Ro 15:7 See also Col 3:13
In
kindness, compassion and forgiveness Eph 4:32 See also Col 3:13; 1Th 5:15
In
burden-bearing Gal 6:2
In
encouragement 1Th 5:11 See also Heb 3:13; Heb 10:24-25
In
teaching and admonition Col 3:16 See also Ro 15:14; Eph 5:19; 1Th 5:14
In
prayer and confession of sin Jas 5:16
In
hospitality 1Pe 4:9
The
responsibilities of those in recognised ministry
1.
As shepherds
Acts
20:27-28New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
27
For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. 28 Keep
watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you
overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,[a] which he bought with his own
blood.[b]
1
Peter 5:2-3New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
2
be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not
because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not
pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those
entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
2.
As watchmen
Hebrews
13:7-17New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome
of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday and today and for ever.
9
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our
hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of
no benefit to those who do so. 10 We have an altar from which those who
minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.11 The high priest carries the
blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are
burned outside the camp. 12 And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to
make the people holy through his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside
the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. 14 For here we do not have an enduring
city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise
– the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16 And do not forget to do
good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they
keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their
work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Romans
16:17-19New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
17
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions
and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have
learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord
Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds
of naïve people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice
because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent
about what is evil.
3.
As Teachers
1
Timothy 3:1-7New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
3
Here is a trustworthy saying: whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble
task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife,
temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given
to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he
must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect. 5 (If anyone does not know
how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must
not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment
as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he
will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
2
Timothy 2:1-10New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
2
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the
things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to
reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in
suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier
gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding
officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the
victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking
farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I
am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my
gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a
criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for
the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ
Jesus, with eternal glory.
4.
As examples
1
Timothy 4:6-16New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
6
If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a
good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the
good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths
and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical
training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding
promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy
saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive,
because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all
people, and especially of those who believe.11 Command and teach these things.
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example
for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching
and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through
prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone
may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in
them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
5.
Recognised ministers
should encourage the ministries of other believers
Romans
12:1-8New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
A
living sacrifice
12
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer
your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true
and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.
3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: do not think of yourself
more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as
each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have
the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each
member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the
grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in
accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is
teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it
is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it
is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
1
Corinthians 12:4-12New International Version - UK (NIVUK)
4
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different
kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at
work.
7
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8
To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a
message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the
same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another
miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between
spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still
another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and
the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.12
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one
body, so it is with Christ.
Be
blessed today
Yours
for His sake, and for the sake of His Church and Kingdom
Blair
Humphreys
Southport,
Merseyside, England
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