1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Introduction

What were the last words your parents said to you before you left the house to go out with friends? Be safe. We love you. Behave. Remember who you are. The words and phrases were shorthand for important things. Did you listen? Or did you roll your eyes and sigh heavily? Did you yell back — love you too or I will? Often the closing words become routine and we are dull to listening to them. It may be different, however, once you are away from your parents’ care. You may hear those words anew. Those words spoken as you leave may have new meaning and resonate more fully. What’s the difference? The heart of the hearer.

As we age we count our days better. We recognize as we age that life isn’t permanent. And so we hear these words with a different view and intensity. In the same way, Paul’s final words to the church in Thessalonica are heard with love and respect. The relationship between Paul and this group of people was one of mutual love and admiration. Paul had his doubts, but Timothy’s report has resulted in not only confirmation of their love for Paul but has produced a resolve in Paul to return to that city to encourage them. Imagine Paul writing these final words. Imagine a man who loves intensely. Imagine a godly man who wants only the best these people. There are issues that he has had to write about. There are other issues that will require more later. But for now he wants them to remember some significant things. Today we are going to look at these final instructions with special emphasis given to a set of short phrases. Much like a parent might express in a short word or phrase those parting words to their child — always be joyful, don’t stop praying, be thankful.

Issues

According to verse 27, Paul intended for this letter to be read to the congregation. We started our study this way. These final words are for the entire group. There are still a number of issues that Paul needs to address with the believers in Thessalonica. None of these final issues seem to be major, but Timothy’s report must have brought some insight into these areas that he addresses. There are some issues with leadership. It appears that some of the members may be having trouble following leaders. We are not told what are the issues behind these words. However, the phrase at the end of verse 13 may hold the clue. There may be some low level undertones of conflict and discord within the body. The leaders have to admonish and they have to work hard to keep people together but the people also have a role to play. They must resolve to live peacefully with each other.

I want to address briefly the phrase “who are over you in the Lord.” Some translations will have “charge.” The most recent revision for the NIV translates “who care for you.” The word that Paul uses carries two definitions — to have charge over and to give aid. The idea then is that the leaders have a function in which they give direction but it is with great care. Paul tells the congregation that they are to appreciate their work. Leaders who emphasize the point of being in charge without the care violate God’s intent. And those who engage in trying to stir up trouble violate God’s intent as well.

In verses 14-15, Paul writes a summary of what God wants in connection with the previous issues he has already discussed. In 4:11, he wrote that we are to work with our hands. So in 5:14, he tells the people to warn those who are idle. Choosing to avoid working is not of God. God’s people work and we work with the intent of providing for ourselves so that we are not dependent on anyone. In 4:13, Paul has written that we have hope even though we grieve. In 5:14, he writes to encourage the timid. The word for timid is a term that is almost exclusively used to describe those who have experienced a loss of a loved one through death. In 5:9, Paul alludes to the idea that some were worried and afraid of Christ’s return. Instead of fear God wants us to be confident. In 5:14, the word “weak” is used to describe those who are fearful. The word “help” is to weak. It is the word “devoted” and carries the idea that when one of us is worried about our eternal salvation, congregationally we try to ease the fear and lack of confidence.

The in an overview statement, Paul writes to be patient with everyone. Don’t seek revenge. Instead express kindness to all both those in the church and those who are not. In 5:19-22, Paul writes that prophesy comes from the Spirit but anyone who claims to have a prophesy their words are to be tested. Hang on to the good words and let the evil words go. Sandwiched between these instructions is the text that I want us to focus the rest of our time on today.

Community Practices

Verses 16-18 are not personal they are communal. This entire section was written with the community of believers in mind. It is community where we find the needed encouragement and strength to continue on. In the ancient world, to greet another person on the street you would call out “rejoice.” This customary greeting is similar to our “hello” but it involves a stronger emphasis on lifting the spirit of the person. In the ancient world, doom and gloom was the customary view of life. Paul begins this letter in 1:6 with a reminder that joy is from the Spirit. He writes that these people are his great joy in 2:19-20. And in 3:9 he celebrates joyfully in God’s presence because of Timothy’s report. On the heels of writing that mistreatment comes to those who follow Christ, Paul writes joy is the response. Instead of seeking revenge or holding a grudge, respond with joy.

Immediately Paul adds that the community is to pray. Praying continually is an exaggeration but this is one of the hallmarks of the community. Just as we respond with joy in the face of mistreatment, we also respond with prayer. We pray for those who hurt us. We pray for strength to continue to live for God when suffering. We pray for patience.

And then Paul writes that we are to give thanks in all circumstances. Giving thanks is a sign of walking with God. Paul writes in Romans 1:21 that ingratitude is a sign of being disconnected from God. Giving thanks in all circumstances. Paul doesn’t write to give thanks for everything but in everything. Whatever may be happening to us we still give thanks. Paul is writing to people who have been persecuted, mistreated, lost jobs and income, and have been cut off from society at some level. Even with these circumstances, Paul encourages them to be thankful. How can they be thankful with all these things happening to them? What allows you to be thankful when you suffer either those things that happen to all who live in this world — suffering brought about by the imperfection of this world or to be thankful when we suffer because of our faith? We can be thankful because of certain truths:

We can be thankful because we do not have to face these circumstances alone. We have the Spirit of God living in us giving us joy and peace.

We can be thankful because this suffering will not separate us from the love of God.

We can be thankful because this suffering is temporary and there is a day when we will be with God forever.

We can be thankful because in this suffering God is working for our good.

We can be thankful because in this suffering we are surrounded by those who can show us the beauty of walking with God in faith.

God’s people gather to rejoice, pray and give thanks. Through this community we are strengthened and encouraged in our walk with God. Paul says this is God’s will. Just as living a holy life in 4:3 is God’s will for his people, so too is being together to share in a time to remember who we are and why we continue to live for God. So we use this time to realign with God. Invitation.

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