4.14.24 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28 Part III

Next Paul turns his attention to our response, not to where God has placed each of us, but to what God says to us.  First, don’t quench the Spirit. Don’t hinder what the Spirit is trying to do in you. So what is that? If we confine ourselves for the sake of time to categories …

4.14.24 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28 Part II

First, we are to rejoice always. I do not believe Paul means by this to just put on a happy face. Nor do I believe that he is annulling the lament psalms as appropriate for Christians. But all things being equal, Paul is saying that we should be glad in Christ. We should be, in …

4.14.24 1 Thessalonians 5:16–28 Part I

Good morning. We are finishing up our time in 1 Thessalonians this morning. Next week, we’ll look at Psalm 67 as sort of a transition and introduction to the book of Acts, which we will begin on the 28th.  “Where do I belong?” is a basic question of human existence. That’s because, as we said …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part IV

Then Paul turns his attention toward the believers relationships with one another. And there are six short commands, all of which come about because we need one another to do these things for us.  First, we are to have peace among ourselves. We are a people who are to settle disputes. We are a people …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part II

Paul gives two commands in verses 12 and 13. But I want to start with the description of the object of those commands. The people Paul talks about are described in three ways in verse 12: those who diligently labor, those who have charge over you in the Lord, and those who give you instruction. …

4.7.24 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15 Part I

I haven’t counted, but I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the majority of the commands in the Bible have to do with the fact that we are relational people. God is interested in how we relate to one another. The commands are not just things he wants us to do or not …

3.24.24 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 Part III

And because this is true, there is a command: let us be alert and sober. Now Paul describes those in darkness using two activities, which will help us think about the two commands. Those in darkness sleep and get drunk. The first metaphor, sleep, means they are not alert. They are oblivious to the thief’s …

3.24.24 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 Part II

So why does Paul use the metaphor of a coming thief to talk about the return of Christ? Well, he’s referring to the uncertainty, not to Jesus’ character. And he begins with those who do not know Jesus. For many of them, they do not even think the thief is coming: Peace and safety is …

3.24.24 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

What do these men have in common: William Miller, Hal Lindsey, Harold Camping, and Edgar Whisenant? They were all date setters or at least date estimators. They all convinced others of a  date or range of dates of Christ’s return. And all were wrong. There have been others—many others—who have led people astray (and not …

3.10.24 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 Part III

But Paul says something quite different. He says we are to love the honor of the quiet life, doing our own thing, and working hard. But where is honor going to come from if I’m quiet and keep to myself and don’t have time to engage with the world if I’m working hard? How do …