1 Thessalonians 5: The Last Days…

Paul writes to the Thessalonians and tells them that they do not need reminders to know that they themselves “…know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3) Paul exhorts them to be mindful of the day of the Lord, and reminds them that they “…are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6) He urges those in the Last Days to not only be sober, but to put “…on the breastplate of faith and love; and… an helmet, the hope of salvation.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8)

He urges the members of the Church of Jesus Christ to edify one another and to work for the sake of love. He asks that peace be among the followers of Christ and to support the weak and be “…patient toward all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Paul begins to end his letter with some wisdom;

“Rejoice evermore.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

                                In other words; be happy always.

                “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

                                In other words; Pray ALWAYS! Day and Night!

                “In everything give thanks…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

                                In other words; be humble and realize ALL of your blessings.

                “Quench [do not suppress] not the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

In other words; Do not do anything that would offend the Spirit. Follow the commandments so you can always have the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

“Despise not prophesyings.” (1 Thessalonians 5:20)

In other words; We need to listen to prophecy and revelation, even if we don’t 100% agree.

                “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

In other words; We need to be knowledgable and know what is TRUE and FALSE. Those things that are good, we should hold on to!

                “Abstain from the appearance of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

In other words; Just because you aren’t breaking the commandments of God, doing something that even appears to be bad should not be done.

Finally Paul asks all the members of the Church to “…pray for us.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25) This is a reminder that we should pray for all the divinely appointed leaders of Christ’s Church.