The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Pamphlet #4611
1 Thessalonians 5:11  ¶Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
My highlighted verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:16  ¶Rejoice evermore.
17  Pray without ceasing.
18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19  Quench not the Spirit.
20  Despise not prophesyings.
21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22  Abstain from all appearance of evil
1 Thes. 5:16Rejoice evermore.
This should be our default attitude, especially IF we understand and believe the following verse:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
He is in complete control and if He has allowed something to happen to you then He is also confident that you as His child can handle it!
Have you ever read the Book of Job?
So talk to your Father daily, anytime, anywhere, and tell Him how thankful you are to be His child!
It doesn't get any happier than that!
1 Thes. 5:17 Pray without ceasing. [18]In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Being happy and thankful in everything includes our trials and tribulations, doesn't it?
This is the very first thing the apostle James, the brother of Jesus, tells us in his letter to us: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;" James 1:2. Remember how Paul and Silas sang praises to God even when they were in jail?
Hey, trials and tribulations are part of the training program. Consider them the exercise machines for faith.
Then read Hebrews chapter 12.
1 Thes. 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
Never put a damper on the Spirit of God.
Note: This verse has special meaning to God's elect who know that the time is soon coming when the Holy Spirit will speak through those who are delivered up before the synagogues and councils to give witness and proclaim the gospel as recorded in Mark 13, Mat. 24, and Luke 21. Luke 12:9-10 shows that for one of them to "quench the Holy Spirit" (blaspheme) at that time would be unforgivable: "But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. [10] And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."
[20] Despise not prophesyings. [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Do not quench the spirit nor despise the teachings of the prophets.
Just make sure you "check everything out"!
Test and examine ALL THINGS to see if they align with His Word and that which does align, keep, i.e. hold fast.
That which does not align, get rid of it!
Do not follow the majority nor conform to traditional Churchianity just because that is what everyone else does.
The majority wasn't right in the days of Noah, nor are they right in these last days.
THINK FOR YOURSELF! In other words, be "transformed" by the "renewing of your mind", by Seeing and Understanding for yourself directly from the Word of God!
PROVE what is good!
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
And...1 Thes. 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
The subject has not suddenly changed to your personal moral character, though it goes without saying that we should always refrain from sinful behavior.
What Paul is talking about here is that if you have put man's teachings, even his so called "spirit-filled" teachings and "religious things he does", to the test of scripture and they appear to be a form of evil, then simply do not have anything to do with them.
Paul is exhorting us to keep our body, mind and spirit clean and disciplined and focused on the truth, "following after that which is good (vs. 15)", i.e. His Word.

1 Thessalonians 5:23  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

To study the Bible is the noblest of all pursuits; to understand it, the highest of all goals.
We pray that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you accomplish both.

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