Walking A Path That Will Keep The Fire Burning. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-28
14-15> Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Exhort means: To urge by strong, often stirring argument, admonition, advice, or appeal:
What does that mean preacher? It means that we need to warn those that are lost of the awful Hell that awaits them if they do not turn to Jesus. We are to comfort those that cannot think for them selves. We are to support the weak. Just as the children of Israel did when Moses grew weak. We need to lift up our brothers and sisters when they are down and discouraged. Too many of us today will say we need to pray for them Yes we do but it is not enough just to pray for them we have to go to them and help them in their time of need.
16> Rejoice evermore.
If you have been saved by the blood of Jesus Christ you are heirs to the kingdom of heaven. No matter what you are going through down here you have everything to rejoice about. Rejoice that God is God and nothing can separate you from him but your on sin.
17> Pray without ceasing.
We have covered this one many times. I am going to tell you again we don’t pray enough. If you want God to answer your prayers then you must pray without ceasing. Go with a prayer upon your lips. Don’t just pray it once then forget it and whine because God did not give you an answer. Be like Jacob hang on till God gives you an answer wrestle him through the night. Just like Jesus pray all night till morning.
18> In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
It does not matter that you have lost everything. It does not matter your friends have turned their backs on you. All that matters is the glory of God. Thank him when you are in the valley because if you are in the valley then there is mountain top in your future.
19> Quench not the Spirit.
I really like this one. When you get the fire burning don’t throw water on it. Don’t pick up that sin and bad habit. Don’t turn your back on God and refuse to obey his will. When you feel the spirit moving on you move.
20> Despise not prophesyings.
Too many times we will ask someone to pray for us pray for some problem we have then God will answer with some direction and it makes us made. Don’t do it. Except that God has a plan and if you obey it he will answer you with the reward of salvation.
21> Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
What does that mean? Don’t tell someone the apple is sweet if you have never tasted. You have to know it is sweet and the only way you can do that is to bite into it. Try the spirits and when it is good hold onto it. When you get that fire burning keep it burning.
22> Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Ut Oh that means you don’t just avoid committing sin but you also must avoid anything that looks like sin. That means you get hang out in those places where sin is routine just because your friends do. Jesus said come out of the world and be a separate people. Do not conform to the world but transform the world. Too many of us today when someone meets us outside the church they would never know we are saved. If you truly have the fire inside then you will be different.
23> And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wholly that means completely not 10% not 75% but 100%. Spirit, body, and soul be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord. Does that mean I have to live perfect? Yes it does. Perfect in its translation means to mature. Just like a child we have to grow up. That means the things you once did you do them no more. If you mature in the Lord you won’t keep going back and committing the same old mistakes, the same old sin. Grow up. Be perfect in Christ.
24> Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
If you will abide by these commandments that God has ordained he will be faithful to his promise of eternal life in heaven with Him. Because God cannot lie everything he has promised will come to pass. That means a reward of hell if we do not obey God word. And a reward of heaven of we are faithful to God’s will.
25-28> Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
What does all this mean? It means we are to spread the word the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter if you truly love me feed my sheep.
Are you obeying God’s will tonight? If we truly want revival we are going to have to stop living like the world and start living like Jesus. Now I would love to preach some encouraging and uplifting messages and maybe I will someday but this is what God has given me tonight. It can be encouraging if you are obeying God if you truly love the Lord.
