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Paul continues his closing remarks with “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” 1Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NIV)
The question now being, why did he go into prophecy? There are several presumptions, but we are leaning towards, “Paul is simply trying to offer some guidelines for perfectly valid – and normal – Spirit manifestations within their own gatherings for worship.” (Cf. Wanamaker 218).
Paul continues with instructions of what is acceptable and what is not acceptable during this time. Gordon Fee (page 217), breaks down (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22) this way:
The Spirit- do not quench;
Prophecies- do not despise; but
Test all things;
Hold fast to the good;
Avoid every form of evil.
We should not be discouraged to test a prophecy. Not all prophecies are correct even though many are correct. Use discernment, “test all things, hold to the good and please avoid every form of evil.
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV) Sanctification is a teaching by Paul throughout 1 Thessalonians along with the second coming of Christ. Paul is reiterating during his closing that you should be found,” blameless at the coming of our Lord” and that, ”the one who calls you faithful, and he will do it. We are not alone. Jesus left these words, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)
And finally, he restates his love for the church family and that they should show their affection too. Then charges them to share the letter to everyone. “Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. I charge you before the Lord, to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:25-26 NIV)
We Love You,
Pastors Willie and Rochelle McIntosh
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