Despise Not Prophecy

"Despise not prophesyings."  I Thessalonians 5:20.  To despise is to regard as nothing or to treat with contempt.  The word of God which has been revealed and is taught unto wayward humanity should be honored and revered.  The teaching of God is valuable to the spiritual well being of all.  The church must give heed to the will of God so that we remain in fellowship with Him.  God through teaching has imparted unto us knowledge that is needed for our salvation and our walk with Him. God by preaching has provided guidance for our spiritual life.  When preaching is heard and obeyed, we receive pardon for our iniquity.  Prophesying gives a light amidst the darkness of evil to prevent our stumbling.  Prophesying is the manner that God has chosen to reveal Himself unto us.  Prophesying offers unto the hearers hope, peace, and comfort.  We are to give the "more earnest heed unto the things which we have heard".  Hebrews 2:1.  Instruction is not to be refused, nor should preaching be neglected.  God's teaching keeps us from danger and guards us against the pitfalls that would destroy us.  Our eternal future is dependent upon how we hear God's prophesying.

Quench Not The Spirit

Paul continues his admonitions, "Quench not the Spirit."  I Thessalonians 5:19.  The saved of Jesus Christ having been united with Him in baptism are given "the gift of the Holy Spirit."  Acts 2:38.  But, the saved if they so choose can drown the Spirit.  The Spirit of God is as a sacred fire within.  As one would drown a fire by throwing water upon it, so one can drown the influence of the Spirit within the soul of the saved.  We can refuse the Spirit's urgings.  We can refuse to follow the Spirit's call.  Through the allure of the world, we can quench the Spirit.  Living by our passions, we can quench the Spirit.  The Spirit abides within and provides spiritual strength to defeat lust and the invitation of worldliness.  Allowing passion to rule us causes us to quench the Spirit.  God's Holy Spirit has been given as a gift to lead the saved in the way of salvation and to empower us to overcome every device of evil.  If we surrender to Satan's devices, we have quenched the Spirit.  The Spirit enables us to destroy the carnal and walk the holy path of righteousness.  Allow that power to work within us to bring us into the purity of God's presence.

A Heart Untroubled

Somewhere in the world today a mother and father weep for the loss of a child.  Somewhere in the world today a parent dies because of a terminal illness.  Somewhere in the world today a senseless murder takes place.  This physical world is sometimes seen as simply a land of sorrow.  Loss touches all of us.  Jesus reminded His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  John 14:27.  Jesus was going to die upon the cross so that redemption could be possible.  He was going to arise from the dead so that victory over death would be possible.  In the midst of sorrow, Jesus was giving hope.  He wanted His followers to look not just to the present, but rather He wanted them to see the future.  Amidst loss and death, there is a hope for a better life.  There is a land where children will not die and parents will not suffer.  There is a land where disease will not invade and tears will not be shed.  There is a land where sin and evil will not be found.  There is a land where hearts will not be troubled.  Jesus has guaranteed that future.

God's Will Concerns Us

The last part of the passage in I Thessalonians 5:18 states, "for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  God has a will for us.  In Christ Jesus, this will is revealed.  The Bible is the book that is God's will for man.  Paul has made that will personal.  Oftentimes, we choose to think that the will of God is for others.  But, God's will concerns me.  The passage tells me of God's concern for me.  I am made aware of the personal relationship that God wants with me.  God wants me to pray unto Him.  God wants my heart to be filled with joy.  God wants me to give thanks unto Him.  God has chosen to make my life better and more fulfilled through His will for me.  His will helps me to know direction and purpose.  His will enables me to avoid the pitfalls and obstacles that lead me away from Him.  His will for my life is not a burden, but a blessing.  Regardless of what others might choose, I need to know that God has a will that concerns me.

In Everything Give Thanks

"In everything give thanks."  I Thessalonians 5:18.  Gratitude is a virtue that all should possess.  We are to be grateful because of who we are.  We are to give thanks because we are blessed.  Some things we do not believe are worthy of thanksgiving.  We have trials and difficulties.  We experience sorrow and loss.  But, adversity is essential for character.  God provides for us in all ways.  Blessings are poured out for us due to the benevolence of God.  The Father gives strength in times of weakness and joy in times of discomfort.  God gives help to the helpless and wisdom to the seeker.  He offers redemption to the slave and hope to the wayward.  From His bountiful goodness, we are ever blessed.  Thanksgiving is the "sacrifice of our praise and the fruit of our lips."  Hebrews 13:15.  God is worthy of our gratitude because of the blessings given and the grace bestowed. 

Pray Without Ceasing

"Pray without ceasing."  I Thessalonians 5:17.  Prayer is a part of the Christian armour that enables us to overcome the wiles of Satan.  Prayer is our access unto God through Jesus Christ.  Prayer allows us the privilege of speaking to God.  In prayer, we can ask and give thanks for what has already been received.  In prayer, we should find strength and joy.  The verse exhorts us to be a person of prayer.  We are not simply to pray when we have need.  We are to be always in prayer.  When we find ourselves in turmoil, prayer should be a resource where we seek help.  When we find ourselves in joy, prayer should be filled with thanksgiving.  We should not abandon prayer when life is troublesome.  Neither should we fail to pray when life is going well.  Daniel, in captivity, prayed three times daily.  The situation of his life did not make him lose sight of his opportunity to pray.  The psalmist prayed at morning, noon, and at evening.  Prayer is to be constant.  Prayer are moments when we speak to the strongest of the Strong, the wisest of the Wise, the greatest of the Great.  Prayer brings us into the presence of the Creator.  Prayer brings us before the throne of the Almighty.  Do not cease to pray.

Rejoice Evermore

"Rejoice evermore."  I Thessalonians 5:16.  This is a simple, and yet, profound admonition.  The Christian is to be in a state of constant rejoicing.  We have much for which to rejoice.  God is our Father and Jesus is our Savior.  Heaven is our hope.  God is always available and Jesus is our constant companion.  We have fellowship with those of "like precious faith."  We can draw strength from the Word of God.  Our faith can grow and be our guide.  We have light for our path so that we do not stumble.  Answers can be found to the perplexing questions of life.  Solutions are given for the disturbances of life.  Our journey has meaning and focus.  Blessings abound and grace flows from the throne of heaven.  Satan cannot defeat us and the grave has been robbed of its victory.  Glory is our future.  Indeed, rejoice always.