Final Instructions and Benediction (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28)

On Sunday, December 1, 2019, Mr. Harry Monroe taught about Paul's final instructions and benediction to the Thessalonian church from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28. Review of chapters 1-4 Discussion of the difference one's millennial view makes. In short, one's millennial view affects their understanding of Old Testament prophecy, and the nature of the Kingdom of God. Reformed confessions present the Kingdom as both present and future at the same time. An improper focus on one's millennial view can lead believers to harmful behaviors.  Verses 12-13 Concerning the Elders: The Thessalonians should lovingly respect the elders. They elders labor among the believers; they are over them in the Lord (a ministerial, not magisterial authority); they admonish believers. Believers should be a peace among themselves, for drama drains the elders. Verses 14-15 Concerning One Another: Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all. There is an obligation to understand Scripture and the moral responsibility we all have, but there is also an obligation to understand the people that are pare of our congregation.  Verses 16-22 In all of their poverty, the Thessalonians had (and we have) the gospel, forgiveness, eternal life, certainty about the resurrection, so in the midst of deep hardship they had hope and could rejoice.  Verses 23-28 The wording of Paul's benediction provokes debate about whether man has three parts (body, soul and spirit) or two parts, a union of body and soul (the biblical teaching). But Paul meant only to assure believers that the Lord will sanctify them completely at his return.