The Superior Word Daily Devotional Study in 1 Thessalonians

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 2 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2017

Saturday, 2 September 2017

Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19

These words from Paul give us great insight into the work of the Spirit in our lives. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul said, “...be filled with the Spirit.” The verb in the Greek there is present/imperative/passive. In essence, “Right now, certainly, you are to have the Spirit to fill you.” In Ephesians 4:30, he then writes, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” The verb there is present/imperative/active. Thus is gives the idea of “Right now, certainly, you are to not do this thing.” Now Paul writes, “Do not quench the Spirit.” What do you suppose is the state of the verb? It is present/imperative/active. Like grieving the Spirit, we are to be active in not quenching the Spirit.

What we are seeing here is a truth concerning the Spirit’s working in our lives. Being filled with the Spirit is a passive thing. A person actively drinks wine, but then there is a reaction when the wine makes the person drunk. A person in a hospital who needs an IV does not fill himself with the drip. Instead, it is received passively. The person could pull out the drip, thus he would stop being filled with it.

The believer has all of the Spirit he will ever receive the moment he calls on Christ, but the Spirit can get more of the person. On the day of a person’s marriage, they are now married and will never get more married, but the spouse can get more of the other spouse as yielding takes place.

The same is true with the Spirit. In order to be so filled, the Christian is to sing praises, pray, worship, fellowship, read the Bible, talk on the things of the Lord, etc. In doing these things, they are “filled with the Spirit.”

Understanding this, both grieving the Spirit and quenching the Spirit are active, not passive. When we do something inappropriate, we grieve the Spirit we already have. Likewise, when we don’t actively do the things necessary to fan the flames of the Spirit, we quench the Spirit. And this is the idea of the Spirit in our lives. It is as a fire. In Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” In Acts 2, the Spirit was said to come down upon the believers at Pentecost as tongues of fire.

The Spirit then is as a fire which 1) can be quenched in our lives, 2) must be fanned in our lives, and which will only then, 3) fill our lives. Our actions results in the Spirit’s filling. But there is a truth which then cannot be missed. We possess the Spirit. Paul never says (nor can it ever be implied anywhere in Scripture) that we can accidentally lose the Spirit, remove the Spirit from our lives, or have the Spirit purposefully leave us. We are sealed with the Spirit the moment we believe, and that will never change. He is our deposit, our guarantee, of our redemption in Christ.

And so to not quench the Spirit (something we can actively do), we are to praise God, pray to God, meditate on God’s word, fellowship with other believers, live in holiness, and so on. Those things which are pleasing to the Spirit will fan the flame of the Spirit. Those things which are displeasing will do the opposite. This is why Paul said to Timothy, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:16). The word translated as “stir up” means “to kindle afresh” as in fanning the flames. Paul implored Timothy to actively do this in order to be fully filled with the Spirit he possessed because of his faith in Christ. So we likewise are to conduct our lives in order to be filled. The Spirit will only fill those receptacles which are properly yielded to Him.

Life application: If you are saved, you are saved. Deal done; you are a son! (or daughter). However, your standing in relation to the Spirit you now possess is one which requires you to do certain things, and to not do certain things. When failing to appropriately act, it is we who will suffer. Why are so many Christians dead in the pews, probably because they aren’t even in the pews! What a waste of eternal rewards, staying home and watching football. Instead, let us expend our energies in Spirit-directed activities, and thus we will be pleasing to God.

Lord God, in Your word, we are admonished to not quench the Spirit, to not grieve the Spirit, and to be filled with the Spirit. The first two we can do actively; the third only You can do as we yield to You. Help us to be active in right ways, so that You will then fill us – even to overflowing. May our fellowship with the Spirit be so vibrant and active that others will see it and want some of Your good Spirit which we possess. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 3 September 2017

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Sunday, 3 September 2017

Do not despise prophecies. 1 Thessalonians 5:20

Paul now turns to prophecies. He just said, “Do not quench the Spirit.” It is the Spirit who worked through the apostles and prophets to give us the word of God. This is noted by Paul in the book of Ephesians –

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”

A foundation is laid only once. The chief Cornerstone is Christ. Upon Him the foundation is laid. The early church was given prophecies to establish the church. Those which were recorded in the Bible are then the foundation of which Paul speaks of. The words of the New Testament apostles, and the prophetic utterances of the Old Testament prophets are the work of the Spirit. Despite ten jillion claims of prophetic utterances, “a word from the Lord,” visions, dreams, and supposed divine revelations since the completion of the Bible, not one of them has added anything to the foundation which was laid. We have the word of God, and we are to not look for another word in addition to it.

In that now-complete word are the recorded prophecies which Paul speaks of. As they were given by the Spirit, not accepting them would be to “quench the Spirit, and it would further be to “despise prophecies” which are valid utterances of God, recorded for our instruction, reproof, edification, etc.

Paul’s words of this verse are not speaking about supposed claims of prophecy by people today, except in the interpretation of those which have been given. His words are given to us as an exhortation to rely on the word of God “which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). Let us be wise and discerning, and not be blown around by false claims of supposed “prophets” today. There is one word, it has been received, and we are to hold fast to it alone for our life, doctrine, and edification.

Life application: If you want to hear prophetic utterances from the Lord, open your Bible and read. Let the word speak to you the word which God has spoken.

Heavenly Father, help us to be wise and discerning concerning supposed prophecies that people claim come from You. You have spoken, and Your word is complete. The foundation has been laid, and it is a sure and wonderful word which came from You through the apostles and prophets. What more do we need to be built up and edified in You? Thank You for Your precious word. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 4 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2017

Monday, 4 September 2017

Test all things; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Note: Some manuscripts begin this verse with “but,” thus showing a contrast between what was just said and what is now said. Whether “but” belongs there or not in the text, the words of Paul still imply the use of “but” in the verse. Either way, Paul is showing us a contrast to the previous thoughts.

Paul has been giving a list of positive exhortations intended to keep the believer on a happy and sound course. Verses 19 & 20 concerned the latter – “Do not quench the Spirit” & “Do not despise prophecies.” Now, in order to ensure that we accomplish those things, he exhorts us to be wise and discerning. In order to do this, we are to, “Test all things.”

The word “test” is one that speaks of validation. Its root was used concerning the proving (or testing) of coins in order to confirm whether they were genuine or not. There is the real currency of the land, and then there is that which is counterfeit. Unless one was careful, they could easily be duped into believing they possessed something of value, when instead they possessed only a fake which had no value at all. Paul’s admonition here is that we are to test the fire of the Spirit, and we are to test prophecies. Is this the true Spirit of God, or is it a corrupt counterfeit? Is this a true prophetic utterance, or is it lie from the devil?

Like the currency of the land, what is real is often very hard to distinguish from a forgery. Paul even relayed this truth directly to those in Corinth –

“But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:12-14

How can one tell if something is true and correct if they are not intimately familiar with it? It takes either a specialist or a special chemical test to tell if a $100.00 bill is real or not. The specialist is trained in the most subtle nuances of the original bill, and the chemical test is able to quickly identify the false bill as such. It provides a comparison to what will occur with an original bill.

In both cases, the original is the standard, and the false can only be identified as such when compared with it. The lesson for us is obvious. We cannot know what is false in our faith, unless we know what is the true basis for our faith – the Bible. If we are not willing to train ourselves in a detailed understanding of God’s word, it is not possible for us to test all things. No wonder so many cults and false teachers have arisen, and why so many once-sound denominations have completely fallen away from what is true!

But when we are careful, and when we “test all things” according to the one true standard, we are then able to “hold fast what is good.” We can easily reject the bad, and we can quickly discern who the false, or just plain crummy, teachers are.

In today’s world, where everything in the Bible can be quickly accessed, it is easy to have people suddenly come forth sounding as if they are specialists in the word. In fact, it appears many are specialists, because everyone has this amazing access to the word which was never before available. But this is a scary place to be when putting one’s trust in someone because they have supposedly mastered a single specialized portion of the word (such as future prophecy) and nothing more.

There must be a full understanding of the whole counsel of God in order for a teacher to be fully equipped. Likewise, the layman must have a full understanding of the word of God, or they will easily be duped by these seeming specialists. The study of the word is hard, it takes much time, and it takes a great deal of mental energy, but without it, there is no way we can test all things, and there is no way that we can hold fast to what is good.

Life application: Concerning the Bible in today’s world, it seems everyone is a “specialist.” The wise person will read the word day and night to be kept from these “specialists,” and he will be careful to not get duped by them. KNOW YOUR BIBLE.

Lord God, right in Your word, we are told to test all things, and to hold fast to what is good? How on earth can we test something unless we are familiar with that by which we are making the comparison? Do you approve of homosexuality? Is the supposed prophecy I heard about true? Is observing the Sabbath necessary? How can we know the answer to these things unless we are familiar with Your word? We are like sheep being led to the slaughter because we find our pleasure in TV and not in You. Forgive us of this, and help us to get our priorities right. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 5 September 2017
8 HOURS AGO · PUBLIC
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22
The translation here gives a much better sense of what is being conveyed than that of the older King James version. It says, “Abstain from every appearance of evil.” That gives the idea of the evil being projected outward from the person, as if we are to abstain from everything that “looks like” evil. Thus, one would be doing works in order to please men, regardless as to whether the person was engaged in evil or not.
If one thinks it through, one cannot abstain from everything that “looks like evil,” and this is not the intent. The words “form of” rightly explain what is meant. Evil comes in many forms – thoughts, actions, words, etc. These are things which are morally wrong, and with which the Lord would be displeased. Whatever “type” or “form” of evil is there, we are to abstain from it.
To demonstrate how “appearance” is incorrect, an example might be that of a person walking down a street where prostitutes congregated. Another person might see this and say, “Ooooh, that supposed ‘Christian’ is hanging out with prostitutes.” In fact, however, he was going down the street handing out tracts about Jesus. Thus “appearance” is a faulty idea here, and it actually matches what the leaders of Israel accused Jesus of. They were judging by appearance, and not by what actually occurred.
Forms of evil, or maybe better, “types of evil,” however, explains the thought. We are to keep ourselves from engaging in prostitution. We are to keep ourselves from being drunk. We are to keep ourselves from murder, adultery, backbiting, and etc. This is what Paul is admonishing us, and thus it is set in contrast to the words of the previous verse which said to “hold fast what is good.” In holding fast to good, then we will naturally abstain from every kind of evil.
Life application: There are times when it may appear we are engaged in evil when we are not. We stand or fall based on the Lord’s evaluation of our conduct, not in that of others. It is right that we should present ourselves before others in the best manner possible. In the end, however, people are fallible, and the Lord is not. When faced with doing what is right, even when it may be perceived as wrong by others, we are to choose the right.
Lord God, thank You for your wonderful word which shows us that we stand or fall based on Your judgment alone. Regardless of whether the world approves of our conduct or not, what matters is that You do. Others are fallible; You cannot err. And so when faced with the decision to do right in Your eyes, or to be perceived as doing wrong in the eyes of others, we should always choose the former. Help us to conduct our lives in a manner in which You approve. To Your honor and glory alone we pray. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 6 September 2017
YESTERDAY · PUBLIC
Wednesday, 6 September 2017
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
The previous admonitions have been given by Paul, one after another, in a rapid-fire succession. Each has looked to man’s efforts before God. Now as an emphatic contrast to that, we read these words (as laid out in the Greek) – “Himself moreover the God of peace may sanctify you.” There are man’s instructions concerning his efforts in a relationship with God through Christ, and then there is the special blessing of God, apart from man’s efforts.
In the English translations of this verse some add in the word “And” at the beginning: “And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly...” Others use “Now” to begin: “Now may the God of peace Himself...” The “And” makes it sound like God’s sanctification is dependent on our efforts. In other words, “If you do these things, God will sanctify you completely.” However, the type of verb used is optative. It is a mood that indicates a wish or a hope for those being addressed.
Therefore, it seems more likely that Paul’s words are simply a petition for this to come about. He has asked them to do their part, but he is giving a sense of hope that this will occur despite the efforts of his readers. And yet, it does not in any way negate that our efforts are unnecessary as we live out our lives. Otherwise, Paul would never have given those exhortations.
We have our part for happy living and blameless conduct in this life, but we have a hope that God will follow through in order to sanctify us completely despite any lack or failure on our part. This is seen in Paul’s words elsewhere. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, he tells us that the will of God is our sanctification, and so he gives exhortations which will make that come about. However, in 1 Corinthians 1:2 (and elsewhere), he notes that God has sanctified us already. This was based on our faith in Christ, apart from works.
With that understood, Paul then completes the verse with, “and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” However, the NKJV incorrectly places the word “whole.” Instead of being tied to “spirit, and body” it should be tied to “preserved,” such as is done by the Berean Study Bible –
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved, entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul is not hoping that God will preserve our whole spirit and body, as if they could be partially preserved! Rather, he is anticipating that God will preserve us so that we will be entirely blameless at the Lord’s coming. In other words, it is the efforts of God of the previous clause, not man’s efforts of the preceding verse, which Paul is putting his hopes on. Man’s efforts could never be so relied upon, but God’s power can be trusted.
Understanding this, Paul petitions that we shall be preserved, that it will be in a state which is entirely blameless, and it will be “at the coming of the Lord Jesus.” As this will occur at an entirely unknown time, it is a demonstration that we are (past tense) sanctified for this purpose already, despite our human efforts. Paul has exhorted us to conduct our lives in a right and proper manner, but it is not that effort which will ensure our preservation. And thank God for that!
Life application: We have a responsibility and a duty to act in a right and proper manner before the Lord. There are things we are to do, and there are things we are not to do. But though faith in Christ, and in that faith alone, we are sanctified and preserved for the time when the Lord comes for us. Let us be prepared because we have been so prepared.
Lord God, it so ever so comforting to know that the race is ultimately not up to us to complete. We are instructed to live in a right and proper manner during this life, and in accord with the salvation You have given us, but our failures will not negate that blessing which You have granted us through the work of Christ. Your word asks us to be prepared for His coming because we have been prepared for His coming. Thank You for saving us, even when we fail You. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, 7 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

Thursday, 7 September 2017

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

The verse now is given as a fixed and sure follow up to what was just said concerning being preserved blameless at the coming of the Lord. In this verse, the emphasis is on the person who calls instead of the act of calling. The Greek reads, “Faithful the (one) calling you.” God offers reconciliation through Christ Jesus. When a person accepts that call through faith, nothing can change or nullify what has then been granted. Should those who have been called not be carried all the way to glorification, the very character of God would be forfeit. It is an impossibility.

God is truth. His word says that man is saved by faith through grace. It doesn’t say this is conditional or that God could change His mind. Instead, it says that when a person believes, they are “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13, 14). God has given a guarantee; He will not violate this guarantee. Instead, He “also will do it.” In this, the word “it” is inserted. The object is left unexpressed in the original, thus forming an emphatic expression. “God has said, and He will do.” There is active performance in the work of God, and there is surety in its fulfillment.

Paul’s confidence of such things is seen elsewhere as well. In his second letter to Timothy, we see the same display of surety that he provides to us here –

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 2 Timothy 1:12

This is actually a huge encouragement for believers to possess and to meditate on, especially when they fall short and mess up. They can question, “Why would you love me as you do?”, but there is no reason to question, “Do you still love me after what I have done?” We can confidently avow that because of our faith in Christ Jesus, we are saved, we are sealed, and we are on the sure and guaranteed road to glorification.

Life application: Confidence in the promises of God is a source of rewards all by itself. Demonstrating faith in God’s promises, even when we have failed, shows that we have our trust in Him and not in our own accomplishments or failings. Stand fast on the word, and trust that God is faithful.

Lord God, when we fall short of what You expect of us, You are still faithful to Your word. If we have called on Jesus, the deal is done. Your grace covers our failings, and our faith in that must surely be pleasing to You, especially when we are wondering why You ever saved us in the first place. The fact that You did is what we are continue to trust. And so give us this confidence; a confidence which Your word already proclaims. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 8 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2017

Friday, 8 September 2017

Brethren, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25

In this epistle, Paul has noted several times his prayers or petitions for those at Thessalonica, such as in verse 1:2 –

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.”

Particular statements of thanks to God, or prayers to God, on their behalf are seen again in Chapter 2, Chapter 3, and Chapter 5. Now Paul specifically requests prayers be made on behalf of him and those with him. This request is all the more appropriately placed here because in just two more verses he will charge them to have the letter read to all the congregants.

His first word here, “Brethren,” has been used time and again in the letter. It would be no good to ask unbelievers to pray. God does not hear the prayers of people, except those who are redeemed through Christ. Once that happens, He can then mediate those prayers in His priestly role. And so the “brethren” alone are given the request. The word in Greek translated as “for” is peri, or “about.” He is asking for prayers which cover all of their needs – personal, ministerial, etc. Just as Paul has carefully noted various prayers on behalf of those at the church, so he is asking for prayers concerning himself and those with him.

As ministers of the gospel, they faced many dangers, they faced many persecutors, and they faced the same temptations as any other people. Paul considered the prayers for them as necessary in order to empower them to overcome these various things which would come their way.

Life application: If Paul, who had personally seen the risen Christ and who had been led by Him throughout his ministry, felt that prayers were needed for him to continue, should we feel any less so today? Rather, we should be more than grateful to receive the prayers of others so that we too can be strengthened in our continued walk in the presence of the Lord. Let us be willing to both pray for others, and be accepting of prayers from others.

Lord God Almighty, we have a wonderful avenue of access to You which is found in prayer. It is a clear and unobstructed highway which has been opened to us because of the work of Christ Jesus. Help us to remember to accept this precious path, and to use it often – in prayer for others, in petition for our own needs, and in notes of thanks and praise to You for Your kind hand upon our lives. Great are You, O God, and greatly are You to be praised. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 9 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2017

Saturday, 9 September 2017

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1 Thessalonians 5:26

Paul just said, “Brethren, pray for us.” Still speaking to the brethren, and in an admonishment that they should all be in one mind and in one accord, he gives them words to instill this in them. He exhorts them to “Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.” This doesn’t just mean those in the congregation, but any and all who are the redeemed of the Lord, in whatever church they attend.

The “holy kiss” is an expansion of the kiss of greeting which is seen in many nations to this day. It is the same idea as when western nations today shake hands or possibly hug, depending on familiarity. In the Far East, a deep and respectful bow is given in substitute of this.

Although Paul’s letters are prescriptive, intent must always be considered. Is Paul mandating that all people in all churches meet one another “with a holy kiss?” The answer is “No.” The reason why this is important is because there are small pockets of churches that mandate this even today and even in western societies, such as the US. However, the intent of the kiss of greeting is cultural, not merely biblical. Proof of this follows from the first kiss noted in the Bible in Genesis 27:26 when Isaac blessed his son Jacob before he departed to Padan Aram.

From that point, the kiss is seen among the covenant people and among those who aren't yet in the covenant, thus demonstrating the cultural nature of the greeting. It is used in the same way we use a handshake. When Jacob met Rachel, without knowing her in any familiar way yet, he kissed her. In 2 Samuel 20, the following exchange begins with a kiss of greeting and ends in death -

“Then Joab said to Amasa, ‘Are you in health, my brother?’ And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. But Amasa did not notice the sword that was in Joab’s hand. And he struck him with it in the stomach, and his entrails poured out on the ground; and he did not strike him again. Thus he died.” 2 Samuel 20:9, 10

In 1 Samuel 20:41, David and Jonathan, close male friends, gave a fraternal kiss in accord with the culture before departing. And, Proverbs 27:6 notes the following -

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6

This demonstrates clearly that the kiss is cultural because even enemies will kiss rather than shake hands. This is seen in these parts of the world today when leaders who are at war with each other still greet with a kiss. Exchanging “kisses” with “shaking of hands” in this Proverb would hold exactly the same meaning and intent.

And as a premier example of this, read this exchange between Jesus and Simon the Pharisee -

“And He said to him, ‘You have rightly judged.’ Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.’” Luke 7:43-47

And of course, the most famous kiss in history is recorded concerning Judas' betrayal of Jesus and reflects the sentiments of Proverbs 27:6 (above) perfectly.

It is important then to understand the cultural nature of this admonition by Paul lest we get swept up into legalism over something which is actually not intended for all cultures and in all situations. If a person with an immune deficiency were to use this verse in a prescriptive manner, he could soon be dead from receiving the germs of others.

Finally, the kisses in these and other verses throughout the Bible which are between men and men (such as David and Jonathan noted above) are not in any way intended to convey the perverse sin of homosexuality as modern liberals often imply. They are merely cultural and welcoming displays just as handshakes are today. To imply this in their writings shows a disregard for God’s order in the natural world.

Life application: If you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you are in Japan, do as they do. It wouldn't be appropriate to go to church in the Far East and attempt to hug, kiss, or even shake the hands of another unless they first offered. If you are in a mid-eastern area, a fraternal kiss may accompany a greeting. In America, a hearty handshake and maybe a friendly hug is the custom. The intent of Paul's words is promoting warmth and harmony between believers, not causing offense.

Lord God, how good it is to travel the world and to see so many different cultures that worship You in their own way while still exalting the wondrous work of Jesus. It shows that You truly are the God of the nations and He is Lord over people of every race, creed, and culture who have set their hopes in You through His finished work. The songs differ, the layout of the meeting places may vary, and the way prayers are conducted are unique, but when the Son is exalted, You O God are glorified! Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:27, 10 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

Sunday, 10 September 2017

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. 1 Thessalonians 5:27

The word “charge” in this verse doesn’t really catch the depth of meaning of the original. It is a word, horkizó, which is used only three times. The first is in Mark 5:7 where a demon in a man implores Christ Jesus by God not to be tormented. The second is found in Acts 19:13 where the casting out of evil spirits was attempted in the name of Jesus. This word comes from horkos, meaning “an oath.” Therefore, Paul’s words here should say something like, “I bind you by oath before the Lord...”

The question as to why Paul would adjure them in such a weighty way is debated. It is possible that he is making certain that no uninspired doctrine would be accepted by the congregation. Only a letter from Paul or another apostle was to be held as inspired. In 1 Thessalonians 2:2, he seems to hint at this very notion. People were making prophetic claims that the Day of the Lord had already come. He could be adjuring them now to stick to Scripture alone. As people continuously claim idiotic prophetic revelations to this day, it is a warning which has gone totally unheeded by those who listen to such things. Paul’s words are ignored, and nonsense is believed as if it were based on Scripture.

Along with this, it demonstrates that what he has written is thus to be followed by all. If the letter was received by the elders, it was still to be read to everyone in order to ensure that they were equipped with the same doctrine, filled with the same exhortations, and motivated by the same admonitions.

As the main thought of the letter is that of the coming of the Lord for His people, those things which surround that notion were especially important to be absorbed into the minds of the people. Believers are to mind their own business and work with their own hands (verse 4:11), and thus not be a burden on anyone else. The timing of the Lord’s coming is known only by the Lord, and so we are to be about life’s business. Paul’s weighty word, which adjured that the letter be read to all, would hopefully help motivate the people in the right direction.

It is most probably for this reason that Paul says, “I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.” They were all holy, or set apart by God. They were all brethren as well. Because of this, none were to be neglected in being given these words of knowledge, and all were to act in accord with the words as Paul has laid them out.

Life application: Scripture is given to us for right conduct in this life, and for the assurance of God’s promises after this life. However, it is not given for us to know when we will transition between the two. If we did, we would not be paying attention to this life, here and now, as we should. And yet,,,, countless people waste incredible amounts of time doing just this, in direct disobedience to the words of Scripture.

Heavenly Father, guide us in this life so that we do those things which Your word instructs us to do. This should be all the more important to us because Your word also tells us about what lies ahead for those redeemed by Christ Jesus. Because we have such a sure hope, we should be content living out our lives now in the most honorable manner possible, not speculating on when we will enter Your presence, but knowing that it will come in due time. May we be responsible souls in this life that we have been given. Amen.

[PrisonerOfHope]

Amazingly, Pastor Charlie is back already, at least with the daily devotional!  




Daily Bible Verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:28, 13 September 2017

WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

Monday, 11 September 2017

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:28

As with all of his epistles, Paul adds into his closing salutation a blessing which is a petition for divine favor to be upon his audience. In the Greek, there is a definite article in front of "grace." Quite often English translations will insert "the" for clarity at certain points, but it may not be in the Greek. However, it is here.

"The grace" is different than saying something like, "May grace from the Lord Jesus be with you." Paul is asking for a divine impartation of this attribute of the Lord to rest upon those in Thessalonica (and thus us!) and to sustain them in their walk. It must be then considered that those who are not obedient to the epistle are to be excluded from this petition.

For example, in a similar petition for grace to be bestowed upon the congregation at Corinth, he wrote concerning a disobedient congregant, saying to "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." It should be obvious that until this person is willing to adhere to the sound instruction of the epistle, this petition for divine grace is not intended for him.

And yet, at the same time, we all fall short of one precept or another. Therefore, it must be considered that it is for those who earnestly strive for adherence to it, even if they do fall short. Such is the nature of grace; undeserved merit. Paul, in one form or another, closes out every one of his epistles with such a note of request for this divine favor. Even the last words of the Bible are very closely aligned with his words here. There John writes -

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Revelation 22:21

Finally, Paul closes the letter with “Amen.” In essence, “So let it be.” Paul has petitioned for grace upon his audience, and he then confirms that petition with assured hopes that it will be so.

Life application: The Bible, time and again, asks for an undeserved blessing to be bestowed upon those who pursue it, even if they fall short of what it states. Such is the nature of grace, and such is the nature of our gracious Lord. As you walk along life's highway, take time to contemplate the wondrous grace which has been lavished upon you. And then thank the Lord and praise the Lord for that same grace.

Lord God, too often we take the many blessings of this life for granted and we even look at Your grace as something deserved. Blessings surround us that might otherwise not even be there, such as the beautiful flower on our path. There might be a precious sent of jasmine to fill our senses and bring back a long lost memory. The rising of the moon over the waters may stir our hearts in a unique way as well. Ten thousand daily examples come our way showing us that we are blessed beyond measure. Thank You for Your care of us. Hallelujah to You, our God! Amen.