The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Pamphlet #5145 KC1Thes9

Many good hearted but Biblically illiterate people are "persuaded" by men and women who though they have the appearance of that which is good, actually promote that which is evil.

In this first epistle to the Thessalonians our Father through his chosen servant the apostle Paul, has given us much valuable information concerning the return of Jesus Christ.

Man on the other hand has found numerous ways to distort that which is written in this epistle and try to make it fit his or her "theories", like the any-moment Rapture Theory first espoused by Margaret McDonald in the year 1830 in Glasgow Scotland.

Check it out for yourself in church history.

Many good hearted but Biblically illiterate people are "persuaded" by such men and women who though they have the appearance of that which is good, they actually promote that which is evil.

You see, a spin-minister (spinister) can "prove" anything he wants to out of the Bible.

All he or she has to do is what E.W. Bullinger calls in his wonderful work "How to Enjoy the Bible", Text Mangling and/or Text Mingling.

Here is an example of some actual scriptures taken out of context, mangled and mingled together;

2 Samuel 11:2
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

[4] And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her;

Judges 7:17
And he said unto them... when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do.

John 13:27
... That thou doest, do quickly.

Well, maybe this example is a little extreme, but it is no more bizarre than trying to fit an "escape from the tribulation of Satan when he comes to earth as the false-christ", theory into 1 Thes. 4:16-17 when it is clearly not the subject.

And to make quite sure those verses are not interpreted according to man's theory, Paul will set the record straight once and for all in chapter 2 of his next letter to the Thessalonians.

We will now complete the remainder of 1st Thessalonians where Paul will conclude his letter by instructing us as to how we should conduct ourselves and "handle" any and all men and women, spirit-filled or not, whom we listen to expound upon the Word of God!

 This is of paramount importance if we are, as Paul says in verse 23, "to be presented blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Recall that in our last study Paul instructed us to comfort and edify one another, which is to "build up" the family of God in accordance with His Word.

He now continues his instructions:

1 Thes. 5:12
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
Get to know those who are the hard working spiritual leaders and teachers among you who labor to keep you on the right path.

Dr. Moffat translates this verse as, "Brothers, we beg you to respect those who are working among you, presiding over you and in the Lord and maintaining discipline;".

We must be disciplined in the Word and maintain that discipline, strictly adhering to that which is written and not giving heed to men's (or women's) theories and doctrines which cannot be documented.

This is especially true for us in this final generation, because as Christ said concerning these last days, "Many shall come in My name and deceive many".

How will they do that? By teaching "Rapture Theories" and other traditions of men which are contrary to His Word.

Here is how Paul explains it:

1 Tim. 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Again, stay disciplined and study God's Word chapter by chapter and verse by verse as it is written in proper context.

And if you are fortunate to have a good teacher be thankful for him or her that you may be able to continue to grow and learn and so edify one another as Paul exhorts.

1 Thes. 5:13
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
This does not mean you should put any man or woman on a pedestal because if you do and they fall you will tumble with them.

Never put your faith or trust in man, trust only God and His Word.

Nevertheless, be mature and respect the different gifts of the spirit that our Father has given to His servants and do not be one who promotes division but rather sows peace among the brethren.

Not one of us is perfect or has all the answers.

1 Thes. 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Those who step out of line need to be confronted, else they will determine you approve of their unruliness.

Therefore do not be afraid to set them straight.

Just remember though that we are not all at the same level of maturity in the Word, nor do we all learn at the same pace, nor do we all have the same strength in our faith.

Be therefore gentle and supportive and comforting and be PATIENT, which means "longsuffering", toward not only the brethren but toward ALL MEN as is our Father.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
He loves all of His children.
1 Thes. 5:15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Follow, as in earnestly pursue, "that which is good".

In other words, always "Do what is right" whether you are among the brethren or dealing with the outside world!

You know the saying, "Two wrongs don't make a right!"

The biggest problem is that all too often we let the emotions of our flesh do our data processing and override the inner man who is supposed to be in charge.

When this occurs it usually results in Big Trouble for everyone.

So do not let your emotions cause you to err in judgment.

Ok, ok, but at least keep trying, and be extremely careful in matters pertaining to "religion" or His Word.

In those cases pertaining to His Word where a brother or sister is involved, learn to do the right thing which is to "turn the other cheek"!

In other cases, doing the right thing does not mean that we let people run all over us.

Sometimes our civil authorities need to be summoned to our aid.

Nevertheless, Be a Happy Camper!

1 Thes. 5:16
Rejoice 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.

[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.
Remember what Paul told us in our last study?

Be sober and be vigilant!

He tells us in 2 Tim. 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Be faithful to your Father and His Word because He is certainly faithful to you.

[24] Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Our Father is faithful to His Word and to ALL of His promises He has made to you and me and He "will do it", i.e. He will keep His Word and present us blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, which you can prove is at the "last" trump.
1 Thes. 5:25
Brethren, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
We are all part of the body of Christ, the loving family of God.

Let us therefore support one another and pray for one another and greet and treat each other with brotherly love.

1 Thes. 5:27
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
Has this verse been overlooked by the churches?

Paul charges us by the authority of Jesus Christ that this letter of instruction be read (taught) to "all the holy brethren", and he does not mean just to the Thessalonians.

That MEANS that Jesus Christ wants this epistle taught to all the brethren!

Does anyone care to do that which Christ instructs?

Apparently some do not!

And you know what?

If these epistles of Paul were read and were taught correctly line by line, following the subjects and objects as they are written, we wouldn't have the traditions of men trying to read something into them that isn't there!

You see, if you do not think the any-moment rapture theory is both evil and dangerous, you are dead wrong!

We will find out why in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul has now encouraged us, warned us, and admonished us to "prove all things" and hold fast that which is good, i.e. that which aligns with God's Word.

So from here on out and until Christ returns, "do it"!

[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

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.


1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them {the ancient Israelites} for ensamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

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