A Word Of Conclusion For The Church Series

A Word of Conclusion for the Church

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-28

I think we could all agree that our study in this insightful epistle has been encouraging as well as challenging. Clearly the church in Thessalonica stands as a tremendous example for the church to follow. It is evident Paul loved the church there and sincerely desired them to prosper in the work God had placed them. They were growing and reaching the lost around them, even throughout the world.

Paul has covered a great deal regarding the responsibilities and obligations of the church. We would do well to heed these words of wisdom and seek to achieve the standard Paul established for the church there. I have been greatly challenged in my walk with the Lord as I have studied these passages.

We have come to the conclusion of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church. These are words of exhortation and encouragement. Once again, he offers a reminder of what they possess in Christ and their obligations to continue for Him. Many might consider these just concluding words, but there is an abundance of help and guidance for us in the closing thoughts. As we conclude our study, I want to consider the instructions Paul leaves as we think on: A Word of Conclusion for the Church.

I. Paul’s Closing Exhortation (16-22) – Paul leaves them with an exhortation regarding their continued service unto the Lord. This deals much with their attitudes and actions. Notice:

A. Our Praise (16) – Rejoice evermore. That is a simple statement, but it reveals a great challenge. It is brief, but straight to the point. The church is exhorted to rejoice evermore. This has the idea of “rejoicing or being glad exceedingly.” Surely if anyone ought to rejoice exceedingly it ought to be the church. We have been redeemed from sin. We have been made partakers of the inheritance of God. We have the hope of heaven and eternal life. That is worth being exceedingly glad about.

B. Our Prayer (17) – Pray without ceasing. Just as we are to rejoice evermore, we are to pray without ceasing, continuously making our request to the Lord. I cannot emphasize the importance of prayer enough. It is the means by which we make our supplications known unto the Lord. We ought to always be in an attitude of prayer and communion with the Lord. Ephes. 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

I fear that we often reserve prayer for church services, at meal time, or at the close of the day, but we need to be consistent and continual in prayer. What a blessed privilege we have to come before our heavenly Father in prayer.

C. Our Petition (18) – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Surely the church in Thessalonica had reason for thanksgiving. They had faced much adversity, but God had blessed them abundantly. Paul exhorted them to give thanks unto the Lord in every situation and circumstance.

We could handle that much better if we had been instructed to give thanks for good things or pleasant things, but we are exhorted to give thanks in everything. We need to realize that all that we enjoy is of the Lord. I know we have a hard time being thankful for the trials, but they too are for our benefit. It is in adversity that we learn to trust the Lord and are made more like Him. God is sovereign in every aspect of our lives. We can give thanks in every situation.

D. Our Persuasion (19-20) – Paul wanted them to be persuaded of the truth, possessing a desire to maintain truth. This persuasion is two-fold. First we are to be persuaded regarding:

1. The Spirit (19) – Quench not the Spirit. This is yet another simple statement that reveals profound truth. We all know the benefit of the Spirit within our lives. We are indwelt with the Spirit at salvation and He continues to guide us as we seek to live for the Lord. Paul warns of the danger of quenching the Spirit. We are not to extinguish or hinder the Spirit as He works in our lives. He is there to comfort and guide our lives. He reveals sin and brings conviction.

The Spirit is of immeasurable benefit to the believer, but we must guard against grieving the Spirit. We must ensure that we keep our lives free of unconfessed sin, walking in a way that pleases the Lord through the guidance of the Spirit. It is dangerous to willfully disobey the leading of the Spirit.

2. The Scriptures (20) – Despise not prophesyings. The church was exhorted to treat the Word of God with the utmost respect and accept it with full assurance. They were not to despise the utterance of the Word, whether it was the public reading of the Word or a preacher expounding upon the Word. The word despise carries a strong indication, literally meaning “to consider as nothing, to look down upon.”