1Thessalonians 1:5 “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
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vv. 1-3: Paul says the Thessalonians don’t need details about the timing of the Lord’s return; it will come suddenly, like a thief, catching the unprepared in false peace.
vv. 4-8: Believers, as children of light, should stay alert and sober, armed with faith, love, and hope, unlike those in darkness.
vv. 9-11: God appointed believers for salvation, not wrath, through Christ’s death; they should encourage each other with this truth.
vv. 12-13: Exhortation to respect and esteem church leaders who work hard among them.
vv. 14-15: Instructions to admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient, and avoid repaying evil with evil, seeking good instead.
vv. 16-22: Commands to rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, not quench the Spirit, test prophecies, hold to good, and avoid evil.
vv. 23-24: Prayer for their sanctification and preservation until Christ’s return, with assurance that God is faithful to complete it.
vv. 25-28: Paul requests prayer, urges greeting all believers, insists the letter be read to all, and closes with a grace blessing.
1 Thessalonians 5 urges believers to live vigilantly and joyfully in light of Christ’s imminent return, fostering community support, spiritual discernment, and holiness under God’s faithful care.