Hope for today and tomorrow
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Context: Paul continues his conclusion by offering some practical ways to live out our faith as we function in the body.
Structure: Paul reminds the believers to have the proper respect, pleasing relationships, practical application, and gives them pointed admonition.
Main Idea: The body of Christ is expected to function in a way that displays obedience to Jesus.
Biblical Theology: God has called his people to be different. The way believers live reflects the relationship we have.
Application: Are we living in a way that the world knows we are His?
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
How can you estem those who labor?
14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
How can you help those in the body?
15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
What area can you work on?
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
How can you practice these truths?