1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Paul is very interested in this letter to remind us that we must constantly be maturing as individuals and as a church. He notes this progression in this letter. For example, reflect on the imagery Paul uses:

chapter 1 how we are born in the faith
chapter 2 how we are nurtured in the faith
chapter 3 how we are to stand firm in the Lord
chapter 4 how we are to walk in the Lord
chapter 5 how we are to soar with the Lord at His coming.

In our passage, Paul addresses two concerns of Christians then & now…

“Will I be able to finish the race of faith, if I begin it?”
Response: vss. 23-24
“How might I get started? What are the ABC’s of the faith.” Response: vss. 25-27

Paul presents three exercises which will foster spiritual fitness for the body of Christ:

Reach Out to Others (vss. 12-15)

l. Reach out to others “over us” in the Lord (vss. 12-13)
2. Reach out to those who are “under us” in the Lord (vss. 14-15)

Reach up to God (vss. 16-18)

Reach into the Word of God (vss. 19-22)

1. Be flexible (vs. 19)
2. Be firm (vss. 20-22)