Paul gives three short but beautiful commands to the Thessalonian Christians: rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Those don’t simply provide a happier or better life; they are God’s will for us. The instructions are fairly easy to understand, but how can we do them? They come from a life turned towards God in all things, and doing them shapes us in that direction. As we follow Paul’s lead, may our lives overflow with joy, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.
The Church is more than a voluntary organization or a social club. We are not merely individuals who decide to gather for personal benefit. The Church is the body of Christ and the family of God, and God has designed us to be Moving Forward Together. Paul encourages us to respect and honor in love those who lead us forward. At the same time we must encourage and help those who need it most, being patient with and good to all. We are in this together, all connected to Christ.
Last week, Pastor Matt encouraged us from I Thessalonians 4, where we read that those who have been called have everything to look forward to: whether we have died or are still here when the Lord returns, we can rest assured that our eternity is certain with our Lord Jesus. On Sunday, we will tackle chapter 5, where Paul more specifically addresses Jesus’ second coming. Unlike those in the world, we won’t be caught off guard when Jesus returns because we are living in His light. While we don’t know when the Lord will return, and may even be discouraged at times, we can be encouraged and thereby encourage one another that He will do as He says. We know our Lord is true to His word. He will return! What a great day that will be.
1 Thessalonians is a letter of Hope and Holiness. Today we hear Paul speaking words of deep hope into a community that is grieving death and loss. Paul doesn’t encourage shallow cheeriness, but rather the deep hope of Christ’s future glorious return. On that day God will raise to new life all the believers who have died, and together with the Christians who are still alive they will welcome Christ and so be with him forever. Because Jesus rose never to die again, we know God will do the same for us. Oh, what a day that will be!
Paul reminds the Thessalonians of how to live in order to please God, and he begins with bodies and relationships. This was particularly challenging in their highly sexualized society (sound familiar?). Paul starts with three commands: avoid sexual immorality, control your body with holiness and honor, and don’t take advantage of anyone in this area. He continues with three reasons connecting them with God: Jesus’ future judgement, God’s past call to holiness, and the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives now. May we also grow in pleasing God and honoring others in this important area.