Paul established the church in Thessalonica. He followed up
his personal ministry there with this letter of encouragement. In this passage
(5:12-24), Paul admonishes his hearers on several issues relevant to the churches’
ongoing growth, development, and maturity. It is interesting that Paul addresses
his readers as “brothers” twelve times in the letter. It is clear
that his intended audience is those who know the Lord Jesus and are participating
in the church. Notice: “Paul, Silas and Timothy, to the church of the
Thessalonians” (1 Thessalonians 1:1).
There is benefit in this emphasis because at 5:23 he writes,
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.”
It is important that we realize to whom “you” refers. Here Paul
encourages believers to be sanctified.
It is quite obvious that Paul wants to urge the Thessalonians
in spiritual growth. And what concern could possibly be more relevant to the
church today? Attitudes and behavior towards church leadership are confronted
at verses 12 and 13.
Credible involvement in the church, personal relationships,
joyfulness, prayerfulness and thankfulness are Paul’s next thoughts.
He follows with a warning of quenching the Spirit and avoiding “every
kind of evil”. We would do well to follow Paul’s lead and give strong
emphasis to individual and corporate spirituality.
Any local church will be advanced when its participants live
“under new ownership and management”. Strained relationships can
discover new peace and forgiveness. Neglected responsibility can find fresh
commitment. Hearts can be cleansed and filled. This Scripture offers us further
insights into the wonderful potential of Spirit-filled living.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachermagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
This passage lends itself to a verse-by-verse exposition. It
gives the opportunity to instruct gently the congregation on a variety of
matters related to their personal spiritual lives and their relationships
with each other. We can trust the Holy Spirit to tailor insights and bring
conviction where needed.
When explaining verse 23, it is important to be accurate in
defining sanctification. There is no need to be apologetic for the term. It
is a biblical word. It means to clean, purify, to make holy, and to separate
and set apart for God’s exclusive ownership and purposes. To seek some
weak substitute synonym or to position the message in some “middle of
the road” generic or doctrinally blurred posture would be a mistake.
If there is a nervous, timid effort of not wanting to offend, it would be good to remember that the greatest offense is to “soft-peddle” biblical truth. Compromise and concessions are not our friends in the pulpit or in the pew.
