Introduction:

     Paul’s great concern for these young Christians is clearly seen.  He wants what is best for them and encourages them to be faithful in all things.

 Text:  I Thessalonians 5:16-28

 Body:

 I. Eight Essentials for All Christians

1. (Verse 16) “Rejoice always.” – God wants His people to be happy; to live a life filled with joy.  One of the greatest sources of happiness is that of knowing one is truly saved!  Romans 5:8-9 This is not to say that we won’t have ups and downs.  We will.  Even Jesus had times of sorrow and sadness.  But the Christian is blessed with the life of joy because he has a deep inward peace that no others can experience.
2. (Verse 17) “Pray without ceasing.”  Continue to pray regularly.     Luke 18:1 It may be a good idea, at least for some, to set aside certain times each day to talk with God.  This is a privilege primarily reserved for Christians!  We are to live our lives with a constant awareness of God’s presence and our utter reliance upon Him.  He is the source of every good and perfect gift.  James 1:17
3. (Verse 18) “In everything give thanks.”  The Christian, more than any other, should be a thankful person – grateful for all blessings that come his way – even those which are disguised as afflictions and trials. II Corinthians 4:16-17 These afflictions can be blessings if we react to them properly.                                                James1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” NKJV
4. (Verse 19) “Do not quench the Spirit.”  The Holy Spirit speaks to us today, only through the Word.  The Word motivates and exhorts us to produce fruit of the Spirit and abstain from works of the flesh.  Note the words of Galatians 6:8.
5. (Verse 20) “Do not despise prophecies.”  Those things taught by those who were inspired by the Holy Spirit are as authoritative as if the Lord, Himself, had spoken them.  I Corinthians 14:37 This thought goes hand in hand with the next.
6. (Verse 21a) “Test all things.”  Prove them by testing.  I John 4:1   This involves gathering relevant evidence and correctly reasoning from it.  II Timothy 2:15 No one can understand the Bible unless this is done.

7. (Verse 21B) “Hold fast, what is good.”  Once you have tested all things, hold to the good; what is true and right.  Be willing to stand up for what’s right, regardless of circumstances.                             I Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
8. (Verse 22) “Abstain from every form of evil.”  Avoid anything that even outwardly appears evil.  Leave it alone, regardless of what visible form it takes.  When evil first appears, run!  “Abhor what is evil.”  Romans 12:9

II. Paul’s Closing Remarks

     God is the only one who can offer true peace.  “Therefore, being justified by faith . . .” Romans 5:1 He is the One who sanctifies, sets apart for God’s service.  Those who obey the truth are made holy and pure.  One can’t have sanctification without peace; one can’t have peace without sanctification.

     Our goal is to be found blameless at Christ’s second coming.  Jesus will come to judge all.

• (Verse 24) God is faithful, trustworthy, and dependable.  He does not call and then forsake.  He will do His part to keep His promises.  I John 2:25 Being saved is conditioned upon our faithfulness.  Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.  Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” NKJV
• (Verse 25) Paul believed in prayer.  He wanted and needed their prayers. Romans 15:30-33 Let’s pray for small congregations that are struggling; preachers who preach the truth in the face of opposition; elders who stand for the truth; new converts; young people; . . .
• (Verse 26) Greeting one with a kiss was a common greeting in the first century.  The apostle Paul stresses that when we greet one another, do so in love.
• (Verse 27) A solemn charge was given that the Thessalonian Christians must see to it that other Christians also hear the words of this letter.  That was vitally important.
• (Verse 28) Paul closes with his desire that God’s favor would always be with them.

 Invitation:

     Just as Paul wanted what was best for Christians in Thessalonica, I desire the best for all of you.  I want to encourage you to be faithful in all things.

 Bobby Stafford

August 14, 2011

What Must One Do to become a Christian and be saved?