Thirteen Exhortations

1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

Usually young Christians are told to read the Bible, pray, fellowship with other believers in the church, and share their faith with Jesus at the center. This is good, sound advice. 1 Thessalonians is Paul's letter to an infant church. He has some instructions for them in the form of exhortations.

Exhortations? Webster's New World Dictionary defines exhortation as "the act of exhorting." Thanks! To exhort is "to urge earnestly by advice, warning, etc." An exhortation is not a command. It is just good advice.

The apostle Paul wrote, "Now we exhort you, brethren...." He then mentions thirteen exhortations for babes in Christ. (Mature Christians should also follow his solemn counsel.) See 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22.

1. Warn those who are unruly (or insubordinate).
2. Comfort the fainthearted.
3. Uphold the weak.
4. Be patient with all.
5. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone.
6. Always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
7. Rejoice always.
8. Pray without ceasing.
9. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
10. Do not quench the Spirit.
11. Do not despise prophecies.
12. Test all things; hold fast what is good.
13. Abstain from every form of evil.

Exhortations are extremely realistic. They have nothing to do with being doctrinally correct. They offer practical advice to assist the young Christian in his daily walk with the Lord. Can you imagine what your church would be like if the brethren followed Paul's advice? And what about you?

Father, thank You for the sure guidance in Your Word. Help us to apply these thirteen exhortations to our hearts. Teach us in a practical way what it is to walk with You. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Out of Order - 2 Thessalonians 1

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