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1 Thessalonians 5

Good Morning “Children of the Light”.   Today we wrap up 1 Thessalonians with chapter 5.  

Yesterday we read about the day Jesus will return in the clouds to gather up believers.  We can see from Scripture that the stage is set, but we can’t know EXACTLY when.

“for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Paul continues with further description about Gods sparing His children from the impending suffering.  Until He comes for us, Paul has some words of encouragement and instruction.

How should we live out our days?  I’d like to highlight this:  “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A few points:
-  Notice we are given a series of commands here.  God through Paul is indicating we CAN choose these things.

- In the poor me world we live in where many seem to delight in misery and self loathing - we get this command “Rejoice always.”  Rejoicing requires we look past ourselves to God and others.

- This idea of praying continually speaks to never ending the conversation with God.  We are in constant prayer and communion with Him.  Eyes open, eyes closed, knees bowed, or not, working, driving - our thoughts are constantly on Him.  Everything filtered through Him.  Taking every thought captive because we are in constant communion.

- Choose joy!  Always.  Joy is not dependent on circumstances and comes only by The Spirit of God.

- How are these things possible?  Do not “quench the Spirit”.  The Holy Spirit wants to shine though us in this way.  We quench Him, or mute Him when we get off track and choose contrary to The Word of God.  

Love you all!  Dig in.