Final Exhortations

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

Introduction

*Talk about the ‘sandwich method’ of communicating and how Paul used this*

For several years I have served as an instructor with Child Evangelism Fellowship, providing training for those in ministry to children. When we train people in how to teach children memory verses we use what we call the IPEAR Method.

Introduction Presentation Explanation Application and Repetition.

When we train people in how to provide the explanation, we show them how to teach the verse to children phrase by phrase.

As we look at Paul’s final exhortations, let us look at each verse phrase by phrase in order to fully grasp what we are being taught.

I. And the very God of peace (v. 23)

Verse 23 starts out by declaring God as the God of peace.

What do you think of when you hear the word peace? What does ‘peace’ mean?

Peace is when there is an absence of disturbance. It is when all is well. Peace also means the absence of war and conflict.

Before we come to know Jesus as our Savior, we are at war with God. Our sin separates us from God and there is a conflict between us and God.

However, when Jesus died on the cross, He made a way for us to be reconciled to God. To be at peace with God.

This is not a peace that we pursue. It is not a peace that deserve. It is a gift given to us by God.

God wants nothing more than for we to be at peace with Him.

II. Sanctify you wholly (v. 23)

Paul goes on to say that the ‘very God of peace sanctify you wholly.’

The word ‘sanctify’ means to be ‘set apart’.

When we put our faith in Jesus, we are not only reconciled to God, but we are also ‘set apart.’

We are set apart from our sin and the penalty of sin.

We are also set apart unto Christ. Meaning, we are set apart to be used by God for the advancement of His Kingdom.

The word ‘sanctify’ can also mean to be made clean. God cleanses us so that we may be worthy to come into His presence.

Paul says that we are sanctified ‘wholly.’ This means ‘completely.’

God makes us clean and sets us apart unto Himself completely.

When we got saved, God did not just save part of you, He saved all of you.

You are wholly His. There is not a part of you that is not His.

III. And I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body (v. 23)

We as humans are what we call a trichotomy.

This means that we have three parts.

We have a body, a soul, and a spirit.

The Pulpit Commentary suggests that the “soul” is the inferior part of his mental nature, the seat of the passions and desires and the “body” is the physical frame, while the “spirit” is the breath of life.

IV. Be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 23)

Paul prays that our entire human faculties be blameless in these last days.

When give your life to Jesus, you do not just give Him your spirit so that you live forever with Him, but you give him your soul and your body.

This is why the scriptures says in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Some people think that as long as they are saved and going to Heaven, the all is well.

They think they can do with their bodies whatever they want to do.

However, the scripture teaches that everything belongs to Jesus, including our bodies.

Therefore, we are to glorify God with body, soul, and spirit.

This was Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonian believers. That they would be completely blameless in body, soul, and spirit.

That they would be completely sanctified (set-apart) in every way.

V. Faithful is He that calleth you (v. 24)

The first phrase of verse 24 speaks of God’s faithfulness.

The one who calls us is God. He calls us to salvation and He calls us to holiness.

Before we came to know Christ as our Savior, He called us to salvation.

No one can be saved unless the Spirit of God draws him.

We did not call ourselves to salvation, it was God who called us.

Once we have put our faith in Jesus, He now calls us to holiness.

He calls us to live a sanctified life so that we may be blameless at His coming. The God who calls us is faithful.

VI. Who also will do it (v. 24)

God will finish what He has started.

He started a work in you when He called you to salvation.

He is continuing to work in you by calling you to holiness.

We cannot be blameless in our own efforts.

However, He works in us to make us blameless.

If He called you to salvation, then He will be faithful to save you.

If He called you to holiness, He will be faithful to make you holy.

He will do it! He will keep His promise.

He will finish what He has started in you!

VII. Brethren, pray for us (v. 25)

Verse 25 is really one phrase where Paul encourages the church to pray for him and his partners in the Gospel.

He calls them ‘brethren.’ He is speaking to them as believers in Christ, as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

He asks them to pray. Paul requests that they pray for him and Timothy and others who labor among them in the Lord.

As we continue on this journey, practicing end time living, it is imperative that we pray for one another.

There are all kinds of things out there that are pulling us and trying to get our attention.

We must pray for one another that we would all remain faithful to the end.

VIII. Greet all the brethren (v. 26)

Paul encourages the church to greet one another on his behalf.

Specifically, Paul is telling the church to greet those whom he has sent to read this letter to them.

The word ‘all’ implies that no one is to be left out.

When God brings believers to us, whether they are regular attendees or just passing through, we should include everyone.

No one should be left out in the fellowship of the church.

IX. With a holy kiss (v. 26)

This is essentially the mode of salutation in Paul’s day. It is similar to you and eye shaking hands.

Personally, I like sticking with a good handshake as is our custom today!

X. I charge you by the Lord (v. 27)

The word ‘charge’ essentially means ‘command.’

Paul says, this is something that you must do.

The ones that Paul is charging are those to whom Paul sent to deliver the letter to the Thessalonians.

He charges them not on his own authority but by the Lord.

He tells them to do this by the authority of the name of Jesus.

XI. That this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren (v. 27)

Paul tells them to read the letter to the church.

The emphasizes here is on the ‘holy brethren’. Meaning, the believers, the church.

Paul’s letter was not intended for those outside the church.

The instructions that he gave were meant for the church only.

No one in the church should be left out. The letter was to be read to all those in the church.

For us today, it must be understood that the Word of God is to be taught to all those in the church.

Young and old alike should be taught the same thing. They should be taught the Word of God.

XII. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (v. 28)

Verse 28 is one phrase where Paul prays that the grace of God be with them.

The grace of God is the presence of God or the goodness of God.

We should pray that God would cover us all with His presence. That we would experience His grace more and more.

Conclusion

And so Paul concludes with that last slice of bread.

May we take what we have learned from Paul’s letter to the church at Thessalonica and take it to heart and obey it.