The last chapter of I Thessalonians (chapter 5) is an amazing chapter! It is short -- one of the verses has only two words -- but it is powerful. I find it interesting that verses 14-22 are all very explicit commands! In fact, verse 14 has four -- warn, comfort, support and be patient. Let us notice carefully these nine verses:
v. 14 -- Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
v. 15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
v. 16 -- Rejoice evermore.
v. 17 -- Pray without ceasing.
v. 18 -- In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
v. 19 -- Quench not the Spirit.
v. 20 -- Despise not prophesyings.
v. 21 -- Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
v. 22 -- Abstain from all appearance of evil. (How careful we must be!)
Verses 12 and 13 are wonderful verses also:
v. 12 -- And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you:
v. 13 -- And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
As we look into our own heart, and meditate on these commands, we need to remember that all of God's commands are for our good and His glory!
As Philip Bliss tells us, God's words are 'Wonderful Words of Life'.
"Sing them over again to me, Wonderful Words of Life!
Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful Words of Life!
Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.
Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful Words of Life!"
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