1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
The end of the epistle teaches us what our behaviour ought to be firstly among brethren, then toward all men, then in relation to God, and finally in the assembly. In short, our whole life is encompassed by these brief exhortations. If it is a matter of rejoicing, it is evermore; of praying, it is without ceasing of giving thanks, it is in everything? Faith enables us to thank the Lord even for those things which seem trying to us. Praying without ceasing is abiding in fellowship with Him; this will also be our safeguard against evil in all its forms (v. 22). The One who redeemed us completely, spirit, soul and body, also requires holiness in our whole being (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Defilement of the spirit and of the heart although invisible, is as much to be feared as defilement of the body. Let us ask the Lord, who is faithful, to keep us blameless, like Himself for the moment of the great re-union. Indeed no thought is more capable of sanctifying us than that of the Lord Jesus’ return (read 1 John 3:3). We have found this inestimable promise mentioned at the end of each of the five chapters of this letter. Let us never lose sight of it. Until then may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with each of us.