Last week we had the to do behaviors, and today we have the do not section and Paul's beautiful, rich, benediction that concludes in a blessing of assurance.

This weeks message is referred to as three diamond drops as each of the three verses give us instruction as believers in living the Spirit filled life.

This passage tells us how we should honor our elders for their hard work and sacrifice, but the pastor shares how that has to be kept in balance by biblical eldership. The passage goes on to tell us how we should serve one another in love with encouragement and help. But there to a balance must be struck so that we do not enable those who are lazy.

Paul was telling the Thessalonian church that we need to be spiritually awake, for we are children of the day. We are not of the darkness or night. We are clothed with the breastplate of faith and love and our helmet is the hope of salvation. While we face the trials of life, we know that they are temporary, and our eternal reward is much greater than we can fathom. We are to encourage one another with the hope that is before us and STAY AWAKE!

The Thessalonians were worried about some of their brothers who had died. Would they miss the gathering unto Jesus at His return? Paul clarifies when this will happen and assures them that God will bring the souls of the dead in Christ with Him at his return and they will be the first to receive their immortal bodies.

This sermon explores the deep and unwavering joy found in the book of Philippians—a joy not based on circumstances but rooted in Christ. Despite being written from prison, Paul's letter radiates gratitude, encouragement, and contentment. It reminds us that true joy flows from knowing Jesus, serving others, and pressing on toward the hope of eternal life.

The church is the family of God. As a family we are to love one another. In the passage we are covering, Paul asks us to do so more and more. We can and should increase in love for one another because our brothers and sisters in the Lord are the body of Christ. If we cannot love them, John said we do love God. 1 John 4:20

Apostle Paul is relieved to have heard from Timothy that the church in Thessalonica was standing firm in the faith. He encourages them to continue on the road to living in holiness. In the passage today he urges them to live in a way that pleases God, to avoid sexual immorality, and to control our bodily desires, especially in relation to our brothers and sisters in Christ. The passage ends with a warning that those who disregard the warning will face the avenger.

In text this week we are not only are challenged by Paul's love for those he has led to Christ, but are also encouraged to have abounding love for others. It is a challenge to put God's desires above our own.

This weeks passage in 1 Thessalonians tells of Paul's pastoral heart for the congregation in Thessalonika. He knew they were facing persecution and feared it would cause them to backslide. He was so concerned that he sent Timothy, his right hand man, to check on them. He assured them that affliction was a normal part of the Christian life and that God used it for our good and His glory.