Sept. 1 Psalms 26-29

Sept. 1

Psalms 26-29

Psa 26:1 Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in Yahweh without wavering.

Psa 26:2 Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.

Psa 26:3 For your loving kindness is before my eyes. I have walked in your truth.

Psa 26:4 I have not sat with deceitful men, neither will I go in with hypocrites.

Psa 26:5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

Psa 26:6 I will wash my hands in innocence, so I will go about your altar, Yahweh;

Psa 26:7 that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all your wondrous works.

Psa 26:8 Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house, the place where your glory dwells.

Psa 26:9 Don't gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men;

Psa 26:10 in whose hands is wickedness, their right hand is full of bribes.

Psa 26:11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity. Redeem me, and be merciful to me.

Psa 26:12 My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.

 

Psa 27:1 Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

Psa 27:2 When evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh, even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.

Psa 27:3 Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, even then I will be confident.

Psa 27:4 One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to see Yahweh's beauty, and to inquire in his temple.

Psa 27:5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the covert of his tabernacle he will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock.

Psa 27:6 Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh.

Psa 27:7 Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me, and answer me.

Psa 27:8 When you said, "Seek my face," my heart said to you, "I will seek your face, Yahweh."

Psa 27:9 Don't hide your face from me. Don't put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don't abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation.

Psa 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up.

Psa 27:11 Teach me your way, Yahweh. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.

Psa 27:12 Don't deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, such as breathe out cruelty.

Psa 27:13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.

Psa 27:14 Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.

 

Psa 28:1 To you, Yahweh, I call. My rock, don't be deaf to me; lest, if you are silent to me, I would become like those who go down into the pit.

Psa 28:2 Hear the voice of my petitions, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

Psa 28:3 Don't draw me away with the wicked, with the workers of iniquity who speak peace with their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.

Psa 28:4 Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings. Give them according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.

Psa 28:5 Because they don't regard the works of Yahweh, nor the operation of his hands, he will break them down and not build them up.

Psa 28:6 Blessed be Yahweh, because he has heard the voice of my petitions.

Psa 28:7 Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.

Psa 28:8 Yahweh is their strength. He is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.

Psa 28:9 Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever.

 

Psa 29:1 Ascribe to Yahweh, you sons of the mighty, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.

Psa 29:2 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Worship Yahweh in holy array.

Psa 29:3 Yahweh's voice is on the waters. The God of glory thunders, even Yahweh on many waters.

Psa 29:4 Yahweh's voice is powerful. Yahweh's voice is full of majesty.

Psa 29:5 The voice of Yahweh breaks the cedars. Yes, Yahweh breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

Psa 29:6 He makes them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young, wild ox.

Psa 29:7 Yahweh's voice strikes with flashes of lightning.

Psa 29:8 Yahweh's voice shakes the wilderness. Yahweh shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

Psa 29:9 Yahweh's voice makes the deer calve, and strips the forests bare. In his temple everything says, "Glory!"

Psa 29:10 Yahweh sat enthroned at the Flood. Yes, Yahweh sits as King forever.

Psa 29:11 Yahweh will give strength to his people. Yahweh will bless his people with peace.

Sept. 1 Romans 13

Sept. 1

Romans 13

Rom 13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

Rom 13:2 Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.

Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,

Rom 13:4 for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.

Rom 13:5 Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

Rom 13:6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.

Rom 13:7 Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

Rom 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Rom 13:9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Rom 13:10 Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.

Rom 13:11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.

Rom 13:12 The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light.

Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.

Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

"THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" Introduction by Mark Copeland

                "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

                              Introduction

AUTHOR:  The apostle Paul, joined in his salutation by Silvanus and
Timothy (1:1), and with a reference to his own signature at the end of
the epistle (3:17).  Early sources in church history that attribute
this letter to Paul include:  Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.),
Tertullian (200 A.D.), and Irenaeus (200 A.D.).

THE CITY OF THESSALONICA:  It was the capital and largest city of the
Roman province of Macedonia.  Located on the Egnatian Way, a major road
from Rome to the eastern provinces, the city served as center of trade
and commerce.  Today, it is known as Thessaloniki, or Salonica.

THE CHURCH AT THESSALONICA:  The establishment of the church is 
recorded in Ac 17:1-9.  On his second missionary journey, Paul and his
companions (Silas and Timothy) had just left Philippi and passed
through Amphipolis and Apollonia to arrive at Thessalonica.  As was his
custom, Paul immediately located the synagogue and reasoned with the
Jews for three Sabbaths concerning Jesus Christ.  While some of them
were persuaded, including a great number of devout Greeks and leading
women, the unbelieving Jews became jealous and created an uproar in the
city.  Therefore it became necessary to send Paul and Silas away
secretly by night to Berea.

Despite such ominous beginnings, a strong church was established in
Thessalonica (cf. 1:2-10).  Mostly Gentile (cf. 1:9), its members
included Jason (Ac 17:9), Aristarchus, and Secundus (Ac 20:4).  It had
already been the recipient of an earlier letter (First Thessalonians).

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING:  Second Thessalonians appears to have been
written just a few months, possibly a year, after First Thessalonians.
This would place the writing of the epistle during Paul's extended stay
at Corinth on his second missionary journey (cf. Ac 18:1-11), sometime 
around 53 A.D.

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE:  The first epistle to the Thessalonians had 
been written in response to news brought back by Timothy who had made a
quick trip there while Paul was in Athens (cf. 1Th 3:1-3,6).
Encouraged by their steadfastness in the face of persecution, Paul had
exhorted them to holiness in view of the Lord's coming (cf. 1Th 
3:12-13; 5:23).

From the second letter, it appears that they remained strong in the 
Lord despite persecution (cf. 1:3-4).  But it is apparent from this
letter that misunderstanding about the Lord's coming was present in the
church.  Some of the members were being troubled by false reports (cf.
2:1-2); others had stopped working, perhaps assuming that the Lord's 
imminent return meant one did not need to work anymore (cf. 3:11-12).

Paul's purpose in writing this epistle, therefore, is three-fold:

   * To encourage them in their steadfastness under persecution

   * To correct their misunderstanding about the imminence of the 
     Lord's return

   * To instruct the congregation on what disciplinary action to take
     toward those who refused to work

THEME OF THE EPISTLE:  In correcting their misunderstanding about the
return of Christ, Paul explains that the Lord will not come right away
(cf. 2:1-3).  Therefore they need to continue with steadfastness and
patience for which they had been commended.  A suggested theme of this
epistle might therefore be:

         "STEADFASTNESS WHILE WAITING FOR THE COMING OF CHRIST"

KEY VERSES:  2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

   "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you
   were taught, whether by word or our epistle.  Now may our Lord Jesus
   Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given
   us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your
   hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

OUTLINE:

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
   1. Salutation (1)
   2. Greetings (2)

I. ENCOURAGEMENT IN PERSECUTIONS (1:3-12)

   A. THANKFUL FOR THEIR SPIRITUAL GROWTH (1:3-4)
      1. Thanking God for their growing faith and abounding love (1:3)
      2. Boasting to others of their patience and faith in all their
         persecutions (1:4)

   B. ENCOURAGEMENT IN TRIALS IN VIEW OF THE LORD'S RETURN (1:5-10)
      1. Suffering will make them worthy of the kingdom of God (1:5)
      2. God will repay those who trouble them (1:6)
      3. This will occur when Jesus is revealed from heaven (1:7-10)
         
   C. HIS PRAYER FOR THEM (1:11-12)
      1. That God would count them worthy of their calling (1:11a)
      2. That God would fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness
         and the work of faith with power (1:11b)
      3. That the name of Jesus might be glorified in them, and they in
         Him, according to the grace of God and Christ (1:12)

II. ENLIGHTENMENT ABOUT THE COMING OF THE LORD (2:1-17)

   A. DO NOT BE TROUBLED (2:1-2)
      1. Concerning the coming of the Lord and our gathering to Him
         (2:1)
      2. By false reports, as though the day had come (2:2)

   B. THE APOSTASY MUST COME FIRST (2:3-12)
      1. A falling away must occur, and the man of sin revealed (2:3-5)
      2. The man of sin is being restrained, though the mystery of
         lawlessness is already at work (2:6-7)
      3. When the lawless one is revealed, the Lord will destroy him 
         with His coming (2:8)
      4. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of
         Satan, and will mislead those who do not have a love for the 
         truth (2:9-12)

   C. STEADFASTNESS ENCOURAGED (2:13-17)
      1. Thankful to God for their election through sanctification by
         the Spirit and belief in truth, having been called by the 
         gospel to obtain glory (2:13-14)
      2. A call to stand fast and hold to the traditions taught by word
         or epistle (2:15)
      3. Prayer for their comfort and establishment in every good word
         and work (2:16-17)

III. EXHORTATIONS TO CHRISTIAN LIVING (3:1-15)

   A. A REQUEST FOR PRAYER, AND A PRAYER FOR THEM (3:1-5)
      1. Asking them to pray that the word of the Lord might have free
         course, and he be delivered from evil men (1-2)
      2. Expressions of confidence in the Lord, and in their obedience
         (3-4)
      3. Praying that the Lord will direct their hearts into the love 
         of God and patience of Christ (3:5)

   B. A CHARGE TO DISCIPLINE THE DISORDERLY (3:6-15)
      1. To withdraw from those who do not follow apostolic tradition
         and example (3:6-9)
      2. Especially those who will not work (3:10-12)
      3. Don't grow weary in doing good, and avoid those who do not 
         obey the words of the epistle (3:13-15)

CONCLUDING REMARKS (3:16-18)
   1. A prayer that the Lord bless them with His peace and presence
      (3:16)
   2. A confirmation of his authorship of this epistle (3:17)
   3. A benediction of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ (3:18)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) On which missionary journey was the church at Thessalonica 
   established?
   - Paul's second missionary journey

2) Where can we read about the establishment of the church at 
   Thessalonica?
   - Ac 17:1-9

3) What two letters were written to this congregation?
   - 1st and 2nd Thessalonians

4) From where and when did Paul write 2nd Thessalonians?
   - From Corinth, sometime around 53 A.D.

5) What length of time had passed between the writing of the two 
   epistles?
   - A few months, maybe a year

6) Why did Paul write 2nd Thessalonians (see Purpose Of The Epistle)?
   - To encourage them in their steadfastness under persecution
   - To correct their misunderstanding about the imminence of the 
     Lord's return
   - To instruct the congregation on what disciplinary action to take 
     toward those who refused to work

7) What has been suggested as the theme of this epistle?
   - Steadfastness while waiting for the coming of Christ

8) What are the key verses of this epistle?
   - 2Th 2:15-17

9) According to the outline above, what are the three main sections of
   this epistle?
   - Encouragement in persecutions (chapter 1)
   - Enlightenment about the coming of the Lord (chapter 2)
   - Exhortations to Christian living (chapter 3)

Memories from the dark and judgment in the LIGHT!!!

I was watching the Republican National Convention last night and as I listened to the speeches, I was pleasantly surprised to actually hear politicians give God credit for our blessings.  It has been so long since I have seen anyone in the public sector who has respect for God; genuine respect, not just show, that I could hardly believe it!!!  And Clint Eastwood really did "make my day"!!!  These things reminded me that even among the lowest among us (politicians being the prime example) God can be remembered and even appreciated!!!  So, when I saw this rather striking magazine cover I remembered this passage....

2 Peter, Chapter 3

 1 This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you;  2 that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:  3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts,  4 and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”  5 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God;  6 by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.  7 But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  8 But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  11 Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,  12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?  13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

 We are at war, both physically and spiritually!!!  It has almost been 11 years since that tragic day in September, when Muslim extremists killed over 2000 people.  Even more important than our physical war is the Spiritual warfare that has been ongoing for millennium.  Good versus evil has been evident for as long as mankind can remember, but someday it will be resolved; someday judgment will come.  Osama Bin Ladin paid for his actions with his life and soon all his cohorts will suffer the same fate.  After a decade it becomes easy to forget to remember what was done to America and I can only guess how long it will be before someone will say it never happened.  Think that can't happen; think again, for some in Germany already deny the Holocaust!!!  So, the above passage from Peter's pen becomes all the more important.  Someday God will judge mankind for what they have done on this beautiful Earth and wipe away every trace of evil.  God will remember the good we have done as well and reward us accordingly.... and He doesn't need a magazine cover to remind Him of it either!!!

Aug. 31 Psalm 23-25

Aug. 31

Psalm 23-25

Psa 23:1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

Psa 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Psa 23:3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

 

Psa 24:1 The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

Psa 24:2 For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.

Psa 24:3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill? Who may stand in his holy place?

Psa 24:4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.

Psa 24:5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of his salvation.

Psa 24:6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek your face--even Jacob. Selah.

Psa 24:7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.

Psa 24:8 Who is the King of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.

Psa 24:9 Lift up your heads, you gates; yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory will come in.

Psa 24:10 Who is this King of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the King of glory! Selah.

 

Psa 25:1 To you, Yahweh, do I lift up my soul.

Psa 25:2 My God, I have trusted in you. Don't let me be shamed. Don't let my enemies triumph over me.

Psa 25:3 Yes, no one who waits for you shall be shamed. They shall be shamed who deal treacherously without cause.

Psa 25:4 Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.

Psa 25:5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long.

Psa 25:6 Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times.

Psa 25:7 Don't remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness' sake, Yahweh.

Psa 25:8 Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

Psa 25:9 He will guide the humble in justice. He will teach the humble his way.

Psa 25:10 All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psa 25:11 For your name's sake, Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Psa 25:12 What man is he who fears Yahweh? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose.

Psa 25:13 His soul shall dwell at ease. His seed shall inherit the land.

Psa 25:14 The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.

Psa 25:15 My eyes are ever on Yahweh, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psa 25:16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

Psa 25:17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring me out of my distresses.

Psa 25:18 Consider my affliction and my travail. Forgive all my sins.

Psa 25:19 Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.

Psa 25:20 Oh keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be disappointed, for I take refuge in you.

Psa 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

Psa 25:22 Redeem Israel, God, out all of his troubles.

Aug. 31 Romans 12

Aug. 31

Romans 12

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

Rom 12:2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.

Rom 12:4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function,

Rom 12:5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Rom 12:6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

Rom 12:7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;

Rom 12:8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

Rom 12:10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

Rom 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rom 12:12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Rom 12:13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

Rom 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.

Rom 12:19 Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord."

Rom 12:20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head."

Rom 12:21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

"THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS" Chapter Five by Mark Copeland

                "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS"

                              Chapter Five

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To note the unexpected nature of the coming of the Lord, and how we
   should prepare for that event

2) To see what our responsibilities are toward those who are over us in
   the Lord, and what responsibilities we have to one another

3) To appreciate what the will of God is for us as it relates to joy,
   thanksgiving, and prayer

SUMMARY

Continuing his apostolic instructions, Paul knows he does not need to
write to the Thessalonians concerning the timing of the Lord's coming,
for they know full well that He will come as a thief in the night and 
with sudden destruction catch many people unexpectedly (1-3).  Such 
should not be the case for Christians, however, for they are "sons of 
light" and "sons of the day"; therefore they should watch and be sober,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and having as a helmet 
the hope of their salvation (4-8).  Knowing that God has appointed them
to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, they know that whether dead
or alive they will live with Christ.  Through such hope they should
therefore comfort and edify one another, just as they were doing
(9-11).

A series of exhortations follows.  First, to recognize and esteem those
who labor among them and are over them in the Lord, and to be at peace 
among themselves (12-13).  Then, exhortations related to our concern 
for one another, along with a call to rejoice always,  to pray without 
ceasing, to give thanks in everything, to quench not the Spirit nor 
despise prophecies, yet testing all things, holding fast to what is 
good and abstaining from all that is evil (14-22).

Paul concludes his epistle with a prayer for their sanctification as it
relates to the coming of Christ, a reminder of the faithfulness of God,
a plea for prayer in his behalf, and final instructions concerning 
greeting one another and having the epistle read to all the brethren.  
He signs off with a prayer for grace from the Lord Jesus in their 
behalf (23-28).

OUTLINE

I. WALK IN LIGHT (1-11)

   A. FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT (1-4)
      1. Concerning times and seasons, Paul did not need to write to 
         them (1)
      2. They understood that the day of the Lord will come as a thief
         in the night (2)
      3. It will come unexpectedly upon many, and such will not escape
         (3)
      4. But they are not in darkness, so that day would overtake them
         as a thief (4)

   B. FOR WE ARE TO BE SONS OF LIGHT AND SONS OF THE DAY (5-8)
      1. We are not to be of the night or of darkness (5)
      2. Therefore we must watch and be sober, unlike those who sleep
         and get drunk (6-7)
      3. Those of the day are to be sober, and properly attired by 
         putting on... (8)
         a. The breastplate of faith and love
         b. The hope of salvation as a helmet

   C. FOR GOD HAS APPOINTED US TO SALVATION (9-11)
      1. He did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation 
         through Jesus Christ (9)
      2. Who died for us, that whether dead or alive, we should live
         together with Him (10)
      3. Therefore we need to comfort and edify one another (11)

II. WALK IN OBEDIENCE (12-22)

   A. WITH RESPECT TOWARD THOSE OVER US (12-13)
      1. To recognize those...
         a. Who labor among us (12c)
         b. Who are over us in the Lord (12b)
         c. Who admonish us (12c)
      2. To esteem them highly in love for their work's sake (13a)
      3. To be at peace among ourselves (13b)

   B. WITH CONCERN FOR ONE ANOTHER (14-15)
      1. Exhorted to...
         a. Warn those who are unruly (14a)
         b. Comfort the fainthearted (14b)
         c. Uphold the weak (14c)
         d. Be patient with all (14d)
      2. To render not evil for evil to anyone (15a)
      3. To always pursue what is good for yourselves and for all (15c)

   C. WITH JOY, PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING (16-18)
      1. Rejoicing always (16)
      2. Praying without ceasing (17)
      3. Giving thanks in everything (18a)
      -- Which is God's will for us in Christ Jesus (18b)

   D. NOT QUENCHING THE SPIRIT, BUT STILL TESTING ALL THINGS (19-22)
      1. They were not to quench the Spirit, nor despise prophesies
         (19-20)
      2. Yet they were to test all things; holding fast to that which
         is good, and abstaining from all forms of evil (21-22)

III. CONCLUDING REMARKS (23-28)

   A. A PRAYER FOR THEM (23-24)
      1. That the God of peace sanctify them completely (23a)
      2. That their whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless
         at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (23b)
      3. Reminding them that the One who calls them is faithful, who 
         will also do it (24)

   B. A REQUEST FOR PRAYER IN HIS BEHALF (25)

   C. FINAL CHARGES (26-27)
      1. To greet all the brethren with a holy kiss (26)
      2. That this epistle be read to all the brethren (27)

   D. FINAL BENEDICTION OF GRACE FROM THE LORD JESUS (28)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Walk in light (1-11)
   - Walk in obedience (12-22)
   - Concluding remarks (23-28)

2) Concerning what did Paul feel no need to write to the Thessalonians?
   (1)
   - Times and seasons related to the coming of the Lord

3) What did they already know? (2)
   - That the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night

4) What will people being saying when the Lord comes? (3)
   - "Peace and safety!"

5) What will come upon them when the Lord comes?  Will they escape? (3)
   - Sudden destruction
   - No

6) Why will the Day of the Lord not overtake Christians as a thief?
   (4-5)
   - They are not in darkness
   - They are sons of light and sons of the day

7) What is our responsibility as "sons of light" and "sons of the day"?
   (6)
   - To watch and be sober

8) What are we to put on? (8)
   - The breastplate of faith and love
   - The hope of salvation as a helmet

9) To what has God appointed us? (9)
   - To obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ

10) Why did Jesus die for us? (10)
   - That whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him

11) What is our responsibility to one another in view of such things?
    (11)
   - To comfort each other and edify one another

12) What is our responsibility to those who labor among us and are over
    us in the Lord? (12-13)
   - To recognize them
   - To esteem them highly in love for their work's sake
   - To be at peace among ourselves

13) What six charges did Paul give concerning those around us? (14-15)
   - Warn those who are unruly
   - Comfort the fainthearted
   - Uphold the weak
   - Be patient with all
   - See no one renders evil for evil to anyone
   - Always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all

14) What three things does Paul say is the will of God for us in Christ
    Jesus? (16-18)
   - Rejoice always
   - Pray without ceasing
   - In everything give thanks

15) What five admonitions does Paul give related to the Spirit and
    prophecies? (19-22)
   - Do not quench the Spirit
   - Do not despise prophecies
   - Test all things
   - Hold fast what is good
   - Abstain from every form of evil

16) For what two things does Paul pray in behalf of the Thessalonians?
    (23)
   - May the God of peace Himself sanctify them completely
   - May their whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at
     the coming of the Lord

17) What assurance is there that God will do this? (24)
   - The God who calls them is faithful (dependable, trustworthy)

18) What two final admonitions does Paul give the Thessalonians?
    (26-27)
   - Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss
   - To have this epistle read to all the brethren

19) What is Paul's final benediction? (28)
   - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.