Godly living: (5:22-24)
The purpose of worship In (5:16-21) was that we might become more like Christ in character and conduct. So our living in this world greatly influence our worship.
Paul said: “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22) and the “And the very God of peace sanctify you” (1 Thess. 5:23). Sanctify simply means “set apart for God’s exclusive use.” There is positional sanctification (Heb 10:10); we have once and for all been set apart for God. There is also practical sanctification (2 Cor 7:1), a daily dealing with our sins and a growth in holiness. All of this will culminate in perfect sanctification (1 John 3:2), when we see Christ and become eternally like Him. So we need a perfect sanctification in our spirit (ruling faculty in man), soul (the seat of all impulses and affection or the centre of personality) and body (the outward deeds done). Let’s learn from Jesus Christ is the greatest motivator for holy living.
Fellowship: (5:25-28):
- Paul asks to pray for him: (5:25): Three times in this letter Paul has told the Thessalonians of his prayers for them. He prays both for the overflowing of their love and for the strengthening of their hearts in holiness. Now he asks them to pray for him. It is a personal humility and reciprocity of Christian fellowship.
- Paul asks them to greet each other: (5:26): Paul tells them to add physical gesture to their verbal greeting namely a “holy kiss.” The form of the kissing varies from culture to culture. For Indian culture men should greet with shake hands with men and women to women. So the greeting should be made more warmer with appropriate signs and gestures.
- Paul insists that his letter be read publicly: (5:27): Paul reminds that the Word of God is the important thing in the local church. The Word must govern our conduct and guide our lives. We are to read the Word personally, but we also need to hear the Word in the fellowship of the local church.
- Paul wishes them the grace of Christ: (5:28): Paul started the letter with prayer and now ends with the benediction grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Bibliography:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise.
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions please contact, Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994; Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com