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Bible Class Commentaries:
1 Thessalonians
A
Bible Class Commentary
by
Henry T. Mahan
1
Evidences of our election
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica after they left Philippi and preached there for at least three weeks (Acts 17:1-4). The foundation of this church was then laid. Timothy came back later, establishing and comforting the young converts and returning to Paul with the good news of their faith and love. Paul wrote this, said to be his first epistle, about the year of 51 A.D.
v. 1. The salutation from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the church at Thessalonica is sent with his usual prayer, 'Grace be to you and peace from the Father and the Son.'
v. 2. The Apostle gives thanks for every member of the church, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, leaders and followers. He does not ascribe anything to their free-will or decision, nor does he ascribe anything to himself or his companions, who preached the gospel to them; but he gives thanks and glory to God alone, assuring them of his prayers for them (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Sam. 12:23). 'I am mindful of you in prayer.'
v. 3. 'I constantly remember' with thanksgiving before God:
1. Your work, energized and activated by your faith. True faith is a working grace. Faith that does not produce good works and obedience is not saving faith (James 2:14-20).
2. Your labors, motivated by love! Love to Christ and to one another will engage a believer in worship, prayer, and in ministering cheerfully to the needs of others. Labors and works motivated by anything but love is not pleasing to God.
v. 4. 'My brethren' (this is the relationship of those in the family of God) (Mark 3:31-35) beloved of God and beloved of me. 'I know that God has elected,' chosen, and fore-ordained you to eternal life. This is not an election to office or service, but to salvation (Eph. 1:3-4; Rom. 9:10-16).
Paul gives many evidences why he knows they have been chosen to salvation in Christ:
v. 5. 1. The manner in which the gospel came to them reveals their election, not merely in the external ministry of it, but in the internal efficacy of it through the power and revelation of God's Holy Spirit. There is a difference in hearing the arguments and teaching of men and in hearing the word preached and made clear to the heart by the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 2:4-5; 1 Cor. 2:9-10; Matt. 16:13-17). This word of grace which the Holy Spirit applied to your heart brought great conviction, blessed assurance of your interest in Christ, and confidence in us as the ministers of Christ.
v. 6. 2. Another evidence of your election of God is the fact that you received that gospel and became followers of the Lord. We do not emulate or follow any man as such; but we follow the leadership, instruction, example, and correction of those whom God sends to minister to us the gospel (Heb. 13:7). Babes in Christ need to listen to Elders and follow them as they follow Christ.
3. Also, you received the word and stood for the gospel in spite of the afflictions and persecutions brought upon you for your faith (Acts 17:5-9). True saving faith clings to Christ and his word regardless of the consequences caused by that faith.
v. 7. 4. Another evidence of your election is that you, by your faith, works, and love, became examples and patterns for all believers! Though young in faith, you set an example for others -- examples in worship, faithfulness, holiness, conversation, and conduct.
v. 8. 5. Ye became witnesses, evangelists, and missionaries. A person who has been chosen to salvation and brought to a living, vital union with Christ will carry a great burden for all people (Rom. 10:1; Rom. 9:1-3). He will witness to others and cheerfully support those who preach the gospel.
v. 9. 6. Ye turned from your idols to love and serve God who lives and is the true God. We turn from our internal idols (of pride, self-love, lusts, ambition, and rebellion) to submit to his will and providence. We turn from our external idols (not only of false ideas of God and religious ceremonies, but from materialism, family, and other earthly ties, and all things and persons which hinder our walk with him).
v. 10. 7. You look forward to and await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sins, was raised from the dead, and is seated at the Father's right hand. He will come again; you believe this and await his coming (John 14:3; Acts 1:10-11).
2
Evidences of ministerial sincerity
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
The apostle, giving an account of his successful ministry among the Thessalonians, commends their readiness to receive the gospel.
v. 1. What a comfort it is to a minister of the gospel to have his own conscience and the witness of others declare that he has been true to the gospel of God's glory, true to those who have heard him, and that he has not run or labored in vain! What an encouragement to see that God has brought forth fruit from the word preached (Acts 20:20-21; Acts 20:26-27). If a false prophet is known by the fruits of his ministry, may not a true minister be known by his? (Matt. 7:15-16).
v. 2. Paul was put in prison and shamefully treated at Philippi (Acts 16). He was not discouraged nor turned from his purpose to make Christ known; but as soon as he came to Thessalonica, he preached Christ as boldly as ever, meeting with much contention and opposition. Persecution and opposition ought to encourage rather than discourage us, for we are faithfully warned by our Lord that the natural man and the religionist will not receive the gospel of the grace of God! (John 16:1-4). But 'we earnestly contend' also (and this may be the main point here).
v. 3. We are willing to be a bit contentious and appeal to you with great zeal and fervor; for our preaching of the gospel of Christ does not originate from error, delusion, or an improper motive (nor in fraud or deceit). Our design is not to win you to ourselves, to a party, or to glory in your flesh, but that you may know Christ. Paul had no secular aims or goals, but was in reality what he professed to be. In the next verses he gives the reasons and evidences of his sincerity!
v. 4. We are stewards of God, entrusted with the gospel. It is required of a steward that he be faithful. The gospel he preached was not his own, but was the gospel of God (1 Cor. 9:16). We shall give an account (Heb. 13:17).
Our design was to please God, not to please men. The gospel of Christ must not be compromised and accommodated to the thoughts, desires, and fancies of men; but it was designed to mortify the flesh and glorify the grace and mercy of God in Christ.
v. 5. We avoided flattery and praising the flesh, for we were determined to preach Christ, not to gain an interest in the affection of men. We did not flatter men to gain their support nor their interest in the gospel. Our weapons are not carnal (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
We avoided covetousness. We did not use the ministry as a cloak or a covering to hide a covetous and greedy motive. Our design was not to enrich ourselves through preaching (2 Peter 2:3). God always met our needs and provided our living regardless of what men thought of us.
v. 6. We avoided ambition and vain glory. Paul did not covet their praise, nor to be called Rabbi, nor to be adored by them. He was not seeking honor from men, but that honor which comes from God (John 5:44). He was certainly an apostle and worthy of respect and double-honor. He could have used his authority as an apostle and demanded esteem and special care, but he wanted nothing to hinder their coming to faith in Christ.
v. 7. We were gentle among you. Such kindness, gentleness, and patience is becoming to the gospel of Christ and recommends the grace of God, for he is kind and gentle in dealing with sinners (Eph. 4:32). Though Paul did not flatter the flesh, he was kind and condescending to all men and became all things to all men. He showed the kindness and care of a mother nursing and cherishing her own children. The word of God is indeed powerful, and it comes often with awesome authority upon the minds of men; but it is not our place as faulty men to use this word harshly nor in a rude, cruel, and overbearing manner (2 Tim. 2:24-25).
v. 8. The Apostle had such a strong affection for these people that he was not only willing to preach the gospel to them but was willing to give his life for them: they had become this dear to him.
3
We have these things in common
1 Thessalonians 2:9-20
Paul continues his account of his ministry among the Thessalonians by expressing his deep personal regard for them and his thanksgiving to God for them, encouraging them in their faith, their trials, and their afflictions for the sake of the gospel.
vv. 9-10. The Scripture is very clear on the matter of support and material care for those who preach the gospel as pastors, missionaries, and evangelists (1 Cor. 9:11-14; Gal. 6:6). But when Paul was among these people, he worked as a tent-maker (Acts 18:3), which proves that he was not seeking material gain and did not use the ministry for a cloak of covetousness. In his life, conduct, and conversation he put forth every effort to keep from bringing reproach on Christ or hindering the gospel. People watch us and listen to us, often in a critical fashion, in order that they may find some reason not to believe our gospel. Let us avoid every appearance of evil and inconsistency which might give them cause to accuse us of hypocrisy!
vv. 11-12. He reminds them of his tenderness, compassion, and faithfulness in ministering to them, exhorting them also to walk in a manner of life that is worthy of their holy calling. We are in this world but not of this world! (Phil. 3:17-21; 1 Cor. 7:29-31.)
v. 13. This is perhaps the greatest compliment Paul could pay them and the greatest blessing that could come their way. Paul, without ceasing, praises God that it is true of them. They heard the gospel of Christ from Paul, but they did not only hear Paul but God; and they received the gospel of God's glory not in word, tradition, and logic of a mere man, but they received it as the word of God (1 Thess. 1:5). God works by his word; and when the word is heard in power, as the word of God, it works effectually to the quickening of dead sinners and the enlightening of dark minds! Men need to cease to argue Scripture and hear the word of the Lord.
vv. 14-15. Wherever you find the children of God (whether in Judea, Thessalonica, or America), they have most things in common!
1. They agree on the depravity, inability, and sinfulness of the flesh!
2. They ascribe all the glory for salvation and providence to God alone!
3. They rest in the person and work of Christ alone for all things!
4. Their only rule for faith and conduct is the word of God!
5. Christ is the object of faith, the glory of God their object in life.
6. They endure persecution and ridicule from a world of unbelievers, both in religion and in the world (John 15:18-19; John 16:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-14).
v. 16. The enemies of Christ and of his gospel did all that they could to keep Paul from preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. The Jews called for the death of Christ, killed their own prophets, and persecuted Paul, holding to their own self-righteousness and doctrine of works. They are the enemies of all men. But the wrath of God has come upon them completely and forever. Zealous religionists who deny the free grace of God are special objects of God's wrath (2 Thess. 2:10-12; 2 Peter 3:16).
vv. 17-18. In these verses Paul apologizes for having to leave them after such a short ministry. He was forced to leave by the rage of his persecutors. He had determined to return but was hindered by the great enemy of the gospel who stirred up opposition and contention. He was absent from them in body but not in heart.
vv. 19-20. The believers in Christ Paul calls his hope, his joy, his crown of rejoicing, and his glory in the presence of the Lord Jesus at his coming.
1. They were his hope and joy. He had great hope for them, and their conversion was a matter of joy for him now and would be at the return of Christ.
2. They were his crown of rejoicing, or his victor's wreath of triumph. They would be trophies of God's grace, and Paul would rejoice encircled by these to whom he had preached the gospel.
3. They were his glory and joy. Believers never glory in men but in the mercy and grace of God in Christ toward men! These believers were fruits of his ministry also, and therefore brought hope, rejoicing, and joy to his heart.
4
Comfort in tribulation
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Paul gives an account of his sending Timothy to Thessalonica to minister to them. He expresses his joy over the report Timothy brought back concerning their faith and love.
vv. 1-2. Paul had a great love for the people in this church: and he is saving that when the suspense and yearning for some word from them became unbearable, he was content to remain alone in Athens and send Timothy to them:
1. 'To establish you.' These people were young converts and needed to be established in the truth of the gospel. This is done by the ministry of the word (Rom. 16:25; Eph. 4:11-14).
2. 'To comfort you concerning your faith.' It is the will of God that his people have assurance, peace, and comfort in Christ. These people had been persecuted and afflicted because of their faith. Paul intended that they understand that their faith was like precious faith with (the same precious faith as) the apostles, and they should stand fast and be comforted in that faith (2 Peter 1:1).
v. 3. None of you should be surprised, disturbed, or led astray by trials and afflictions for the sake of the gospel; for you know that trials are the appointed lot of all of God's people -- they are appointed by God! It is the will of God that we should have them, patiently bearing them and profiting by them (John 16:1-3; James 1:2-3; 1 Thess. 5:18).
v. 4. When I was there in person I told you that you would suffer tribulation, and it came to pass (Acts 17:5-9), The apostle did not deceive people with promises of worldly prosperity, good health, fame, and ease in this world; on the contrary, he told them, as our Master told his disciples, that they would have trouble in the flesh.
v. 5. This is one of the reasons why I sent Timothy to you, that I might know if your faith is staggering under these afflictions or standing firm. The apostle speaks of his fear that Satan may tempt them to turn back and his preaching among them prove to be in vain (Heb. 10:32-39).
vv. 6-7. Timothy brought back a good report! It is always a great joy to preachers and all believers to know that the people of God in any location continue in the faith and love of Christ (3 John 4). These two graces are always found together: faith and love. It is impossible to separate them. Those who believe, love! Therefore, in spite of all the trials and pressures of his own ministry, Paul was comforted by their faith.
vv. 8-9. Paul carried about with him a sentence of death, being hunted, imprisoned, and sentenced; but he says now, upon the news of their faith and love, his spirit is revived and he really lives! He had given thanks to God for them (1 Thess. 1:2-3); and now, having received a further account of their faith growing under trying circumstances, he must give fresh thanks to God!
vv. 10-13. Here is an account of the prayer Paul prayed continually:
1. That he might visit with them again.
2. That he might minister the word to them and more perfectly instruct them in the knowledge of divine things. The ministry of the word is the means of planting faith, increasing faith, and perfecting it. There is no believer living who does not need the continued preaching, teaching, and reading of the word that he might grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ (1 Cor. 8:2; 1 Cor. 3:18; 1 Cor. 13:9, 12).
3. If I come to you, God himself must guide and direct my way. A journey is not to be taken without the will of God: dependence on his will, seeking his will, and submission to his will. Men may devise their ways, but God directs their goings! (James 4:13-15; Rom. 1:10.)
4. 'The Lord make you to abound in love toward one another and toward all men as our love abounds toward you.'
5. That God may establish your hearts in holiness before him. This is where the true work of repentance, faith, and sanctification is performed -- in the heart before God. The Lord Jesus will come and his saints with him; then excellency of heart-holiness, as well as the necessity of it, will appear.
5
A holy walk pleases God
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Paul exhorts the Thessalonians in their daily walk and conduct to seek to please the Lord. Particularly, he urges sexual purity, brotherly love, peaceful living and self-supporting labor!
vv. 1-3. Paul does not threaten, badger, and condemn these brethren in his plea for godliness and holiness of life; but he uses words like, 'I beg of you,' I request and admonish you to do these things. He gives four reasons for holy living:
1. 'By the Lord Jesus.' By virtue of your union with Jesus Christ. We are not our own, but we are bought with a price. We belong to Christ, and by his mercy we are one with Christ. We are children of God; therefore, we ought to walk as he walked.
2. 'You have received of us how ye ought to walk.' The inspired apostles have given us the Scriptures, which are perfectly clear on the matter of our conduct and conversation.
3. 'To please God.' Our motive and objective is not to please and gratify ourselves nor men, but to please God: to glorify him and to do his will. 'Lord, what would you have me do?'
4. 'This is the will of God.' That you be consecrated, separated, and set apart from the world, that you grow in grace in the knowledge of Christ, and that you 'abound more and more' (that you attain greater spiritual maturity).
vv. 3-5. 'That you abstain from fornication.' From all sexual impurity! Fornication is especially mentioned because this sin was common among the Gentiles and not considered to be sin by them. Most translations render it, 'that you abstain from all sexual vice' and immorality such as adultery, incest, homosexuality, and the like.
'That every one of you know how to control and manage his own body in purity and consecration.' Many writers say the words, 'his vessel,' mean his wife (1 Peter 3:7; 1 Cor. 7:2-5).
One's body is not to be given over to the gratification or passions and cravings as the heathen who know not God.
v. 6. This verse is commonly understood as against defrauding and cheating others in business, trade, and measures -- against taking advantage of the weak and ignorant (and can be thus used, for such conduct is not of God). But the subject here is not business nor trade: it is sexual purity. We believers are exhorted to treat one another's marriages and mates as we want others to deal with us. Do not covet or desire another's mate, thereby defrauding him.
v. 7. God has not called us to take part in any of the unholy Practices related above; but our calling is to holiness in thought, looks, words, and in action.
v. 8. Therefore whosoever disregards, sets aside, and rejects these principles and words is not disregarding and rejecting the words and will of a mere man but is in reality rejecting and disregarding the very will of God himself. We know this, for God has given us his Holy Spirit to convince us of sin and righteousness. His Spirit in us clearly convinces us of his will in these matters and we need no other argument.
vv. 9-10. Now concerning your love for one another: you have no need for anyone to write to you and encourage you to love one another, for you have been personally taught of God to love one another (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-12). Let this love increase more and more!
vv. 11-12. 'Study to be quiet.' Make it your ambition and goal to live peaceably in your homes, church, and business (to cause no disturbance and turmoil by tale-bearing, gossiping, and unkind words or accusations).
'Do your own business.' Mind your own affairs. Do not concern yourself with the business and private lives of others except when you are asked to do so. Take care of YOUR OWN CALLING and ministry; use your gifts as God enables you and pray for others to be used in theirs.
'Work with your own hands.' There were some who would not work at all but expected to live off the charity of others (2 Thess. 3:10-13).
'Walk honestly and honorably before people outside the church,' so as to have their respect. Be self-supporting, Do not depend on those who are without Christ to support the church of the Lord Jesus or the family of God.
6
The believer's comfort regarding death
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The apostle comforts the Thessalonians who grieve because the death of their friends and relatives who died in the faith of Christ. His design is to persuade them from excessive sorrow and grief (which are unbecoming for a believer), to assure them of the coming of the Lord and the resurrection of all believers and to comfort them with these words of promise and instruction.
v. 13. There are many things about death, life after death and eternity of which we will remain ignorant until it comes to our time to die. But there are some things concerning those who die in the Lord of which we need not, and ought not, to be ignorant, If these things are really understood and considered, our sorrows and grief will be reduced.
Sorrow and grief are not unlawful, but natural. We weep for ourselves when we are deprived of their presence, and we weep for our temporary loss, though it be their eternal gain, but our sorrow is not like that of the unbeliever who has no hope of eternal life, or of seeing these loved ones again. They have every reason to be totally grief-stricken, but we do not, for death is only a temporary separation for us.
v. 14. 'We believe that our Lord died and rose again.' Every believer knows this to be true. This is fundamental to our faith (1 Cor. 15:12-22).
Therefore, those who have died in the faith of Christ will be raised also. They were chosen in Christ, crucified with Christ, raised and seated with him in the heavenlies. Having left this world, they are with him in paradise and will return with him when he comes again. The believer cannot be separated from Christ (John 17:23, 24). What sort of body or dwelling they have now, we do not know (2 Cor. 5:1-4); but we know that when our bodies are raised, we shall be like Christ (1 John 3:1, 2; Luke 24:36-43).
v. 15. 'We declare unto you by the word of the Lord,'
1. That Christ shall return to this earth (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11).
2. That we who are still alive on earth when Christ comes shall not precede or go before those who are dead.' The dead win rise and the living will be changed and we shall all go together into the enjoyment of Christ (1 Cor. 15:50-53).
v. 16. 'The Lord himself.' Not an angel, a messenger or a representative.
'Shall descend from heaven.' He was on our earth and into heaven after his resurrection. When all things accomplished, he will descend from heaven into our air.
'With a shout.' It will not be a private, unknown, secret but will be with the shout of a Conqueror, a King, and eye shall see him.
'The voice of the archangel.' Perhaps one great angel will notice of his return, but he will be accompanied by many Jude 9;2, Thess. 1:7).
'With the trump of God.' This will awaken all who sleep and summon the world to appear before him (1 Cor.15:52). dead in Christ will rise first' _ before we who are changed and before the unsaved dead are raised 20:5, 6).
The dead will rise and the living will be changed into of Christ and we shall go up to meet the Lord in air. At this time it is indicated that he does not descend to earth. The earth is not fit to receive him, for it must be purged with fire, and there will be a new earth upon which he descend and dwell with his saints. He will take us to glory until the general conflagration and destruction of the is over. But whatever (by the purpose and decree of takes place, we shall for ever be with the Lord.
v. 18. 'Comfort one another with these words!'
1. When believers die, they do not cease to be, but they asleep in Christ.
2. These who sleep in him will return for their bodies when he comes.
3. He will come with great power and glory and we shall, with those who are raised, meet him in the air.
4. We shall for ever be with the Lord. This is our comfort. hope and our expectation.
7
Looking for his return
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
The apostle writes about the coming of the Lord -- its suddenness and the necessity of watchfulness on the part of believers. He exhorts us concerning our duties and responsibilities to the Lord and to one another and closes with a prayer for all believers.
v. 1. To write to believers that Christ will come again (John 14:3; Acts 1:10, 11), that the dead will be raised and that living believers will be changed into his likeness is necessary, for this-encourages our faith and hope. It comforts us when we come to die or to bury loved ones and it encourages us in trials. But to write about the time it will occur and the season of the year it will take place is unnecessary, for:
1. It would be idle speculation to satisfy the curious.
2. No man knows that day, hour or season (Matt. 24:36).
True believers do not wish to know more than God is pleased to reveal.
v. 2. We do know that the return of Christ will be sudden and unexpected, taking the world of unbelievers by surprise, as a thief surprises those who are asleep (Luke 12:40).
v. 3. Unbelievers talk of peace and safety. They promise themselves much ease, peace and good health for years to come -- then suddenly death, judgment and the coming of the Lord are upon them, as in the days of Noah (Luke 17: 26, 27), as a woman carries a child in her womb and without any warning or notice her labour begins. Careless, indifferent unbelievers shall be overtaken and shall not escape.
v. 4. The natural man's understanding is darkened with respect to the true knowledge of God, the nature of sin, the way of salvation by Christ, the return of Christ, eternal glory and eternal condemnation (Eph. 4:17-19). We have been caned out of darkness and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. We are not in darkness, therefore we live in expectation, looking for his return (1 Thess. 1:9, 10).
vv. 5, 6. He calls us children of light (2 Cor. 4:3-7). We are enlightened persons, whose understanding has been enlightened by the Holy Spirit concerning the person and work of Christ (Eph. 1:17-19). We are children of the gospel day, in distinction from the religious darkness. Therefore let us not be in a drowsy, indifferent frame of mind and spirit, like the unbeliever. Let us not be taken up with the cares and concerns of this world, but let us set a watch over our hearts, our faith and our fellowship, living as temporary citizens of this world. We are travelers passing through.
vv. 7, 8. By 'sleep' and 'drunkenness' he does not mean-natural sleep or drunkenness from wine, but a stupor of mind that forgets God and spiritual matters, giving itself to indulging carnal vices and materialism. These things come naturally to unbelievers, since they are children of darkness. But we, who are of the light of understanding and the day of revelation, are in a warfare, constantly on guard against evil within and without. The man who is provided with faith, hope and love will not be found wanting. The believer is pictured as a soldier, prepared to meet the enemy and prepared for his Lord's return!
v. 9. The elect of God were not chosen in Christ to be destroyed by his wrath and judgment, but that we might obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-5; Rom. 8:1; 2 Thess. 2:13).
v. 10. Christ died for us with this purpose in view: that he might make us partakers of his life. There is no reason why we should be in doubt of our salvation if we are in Christ by faith (Matt. l:21). Whether we are alive when he comes or whether we are dead, we shall, because of his life and death, live forever with him.
v. 11. 'Therefore, comfort one another, encourage one another, communicate to one another the things revealed to you. Edify, strengthen and build up one another in the faith of Christ.' This can be done by continual fellowship, worship, prayer, teaching and preaching, bearing, one another's trials and sincere love.
8
These final words
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
vv. 12, 13. Paul speaks of faithful pastors and preachers. He exhorts the believers 'to know them.'
'Recognize, acknowledge, appreciate and respect them for what they are -- the ministers of God!'
'Make yourselves known to them, converse freely with them, that they may know the state of your souls and speak a word in season.'
'Esteem or hold them in high and affectionate regard in appreciation of the work among you.'
'Be at peace among yourselves in regard to the ministry; do not find fault, disagree and take offence over trivial matters.' This makes the pastor's work more difficult and hinders the growth and unity of the church.
'They labour among you.' No honor or respect is due to the lazy, idle preachers who neglect prayer, study and the ministry of the word.
'They preside over you in the Lord.' They are not lords, but leaders and overseers of the church by the authority of Christ.
'They admonish you. They teach, warn, reprove and exhort you in the things of the Lord,' and it is in this respect that they are to be obeyed and followed (Heb. 13:7, 17).
vv. 14, 15. 'I earnestly beseech you, according to our responsibility to the gospel, to the Lord, to one another and to the testimony of the gospel:'
1. 'Warn and seriously advise them that are out of line in spirit and deed.' Unruly conduct and attitude are not permitted to continue without warning and admonition.
2. 'Encourage the weak.' Comfort those of a broken and afflicted spirit. They have need of consolation and strength, not rebuke!
3. Be patient with everyone (even the unruly), always keeping your temper, remembering your own infirmities and afflictions (Gal. 6:1). Be patient with everybody, even the men of the world. It is only by God's grace that we walk in the light!
4. Evil for evil is not the way of Christ. Getting even, retaliating, seeking revenge is not for the believer. Rather, endure injuries and misunderstandings with patience, showing kindness towards all, and seeking the good of all, both in the church and out.
vv. 16-18. I like to connect these three things:
1. 'Rejoice evermore!'
2. 'Pray without ceasing!'
3. 'Give thanks to God in all things.'
This is the will of God that we rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks. What we are, what we have, where we are and -- all that happens in the life of a believer are the will of God for us (Rom. 8:28). We should rejoice and give thanks! Rejoice in prosperity or adversity. Pray always; live in an attitude of prayer, even when you have no particular need or request! Let your praise, prayer and thanksgiving constantly rise to God. Very ungrateful is the man who does not set so high a value on the righteousness of Christ and the hope of eternal life that he allows anything in this life to overshadow that gift of grace. How can I complain when I am an heir of God and joint-heir with Christ?
v. 19. Paul does not mean the person of the Holy Spirit, who works effectually as he will John 3:8; 1 Cor. 12:11). He refers to the graces of the Spirit, such as faith, love, joy, peace, etc. He speaks of the gifts of the Spirit when they are neglected and not put to use for the glory of God. To quench the Spirit is to suppress or subdue his graces and gifts.
v. 20. Do not despise, make light of or be indifferent to the message of those who preach and interpret the word of God (1 Cor. 14:3).
v. 21. Many in our day feel almost disgusted with the very word 'preaching' because there are so many foolish and ignorant persons giving out worthless sermons from the pulpit. Therefore we must prove all words by the Scriptures and hold fast to that which is good. Some people are critical of everything; some embrace anything. The wise weigh all things by the word (1 John 4:1-3).
v. 22. I know that many interpret this as suggesting that we avoid any conduct, behavior, and actions that, while they may not be wrong for us, yet they give the appearance of wrongdoing. This is good advice, but not what the apostle is talking about. He is speaking, as in the preceding verse, of doctrinal evil! For example, when there is preaching, teaching and interpretation of Scripture which, when tried by the word, does not appear to be false or wrong, but there is an unhappy suspicion in the mind, a doubt or fear entertained, a concern that there is poison somewhere, then avoid it! The truth of God is clear and gives glory to his name!
v. 24. Paul proceeds to pray for these believers. He prays the Lord God would, in a progressive manner, sanctify in spirit, soul and body. Calvin said, 'Our thoughts pure holy, our affections right and properly regulated and our bodies dedicated to good work.' He prays that God would keep them from falling away. He adds in verse 24, 'He will do it.' None of the sheep of Christ shall perish! (John 10:27-29).
vv. 25-28. 'Pray for us.' Let every believer, especially God's ministers, be the objects of our prayers. 'Greet one another a holy kiss.' Be affectionate towards one another. 'Read this epistle in the church. God be with you!'