In this final chapter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul again speaks of the *Lord's sure return; and is encouraging the Believers to stand fast, and hold firm in the Faith.
Paul also points out how to deal with those among the Body that would disturb the peace of Christian community.
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1 Thessalonians ~ Chapter 5/Thursday Bible Study
The Time of the Lord's Return
"As to the time and season when He is to come, there is no need, my brethren, for me to write anything to you. For you well know that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. Some day when people say, 'we have peace and security', destruction will strike them suddenly, as labor pains come upon an expectant mother, and they shall not escape.
But you, my brethren, are not in the dark, so that day should not come upon you as a thief by surprise. You are all sons of light, sons of the day. No, we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Then let us not sleep like the rest of mankind, but let us watch in soberness. For those who sleep do so at night, and those who get drunk do so at night. And since we are men of the daylight, let us keep sober. Let us put on the breastplate of Faith and love. And for a helmet, let us put on the hope of salvation.
For **Elohim's intention is not to punish us in wrath, but to save us for the sake of our ***Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or taking our sleep, we share our lives with Him. Go on, therefore, encouraging and strengthening one another as you have been doing. (vv. 1 - 11)
Counsel for Christian Living
Brethren, we make this request of you - that you respect those who labor among you, those who are over you in the Lord and teach you the Way. You should hold them in high esteem and love them because of their work.
Be at peace among yourselves. We earnestly make this appeal to you, brethren: warn the unruly (disorderly and disruptive; not bendable to discipline or control), encourage the timid, support the weak, be patient with everyone. See to it that no one pays back evil for evil. Try always to find ways to do good (that which is morally right = righteousness, for the benefit, or advantage of the Body = selfless agape love towards Christians & general love for humanity towards unbelievers) to one another and to everybody.
Rejoice always. Never stop praying. Give thanks for everything, for Elohim expects this of you all, in Christ. Do not stifle the voice of the ****Ruach HaKo'desh. Do not disregard the prophesies. Let all things be tested, and hold on to what is right. Avoid every form of wickedness. (vv. 12 - 22)
Conclusion
May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely! And may you spirit and soul and body be kept sound and without reproach till the coming of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach! He Who calls you can be trusted; and He will not fail you. Brethren, pray for us, too. Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. In the Name of the Lord, I earnestly ask you to have this letter read to all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach be with you! Amen." (vv. 23 - 28)
*Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.
The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.
**Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.
***Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.
****Ruach HaKo’desh: In Hebrew, the Holy Spirit (רוח הקודש, Roo-ahk hah-Koh-desh) refers to the divine force, quality, and influence (aka, power) of God.
The Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16 & 11:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 1:13 & 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Titus 3:5; and Jude 1:20), is referred to more than 90 times in the Brit Chadashah.
**1 Thessalonians 4: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2023/03/1-thessalonians-chapter-4thursday-bible.html
