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1Thessalonians, Chapter Five, Lesson Four

GOD'S GIFT OF SANCTIFICATION            Page 3

V.21 ** In verse 21, how does exhortation number fifteen on our list relate to the one we have just seen?

By using the connector "but", Paul is saying that we have an obligation to be overtly careful.

15) "...examine everything carefully..." While not despising the truth, we are to be careful that it is the truth! cf. Revelvation 2:2 and 1John 4:1

** What do we use to determine what is true?

The word of God itself! We either verify what has been said by the use of another supportive passage, or we dig deeper into the original language to help us gain a better understanding.
cf. Acts 17:10-11

** Still here in verse 21, what does exhortation number sixteen tell us to do with God's precious truth?

16) "...hold fast to that which is good..." As soon as we get the test results, we are to cling to it for our very lives! cf. Romans 12:9 and Luke 11:28

V.22 ** If we are successful in our attempts to cling to that which is good, this next exhortation will be easier. What is Paul's next command?

17) "...abstain from every form of evil." Obviously, if we are in God's word and holding fast to its truth in our lives, the natural fruit of that kind of life would be to stay away from evil.
cf. 1Thessalonians 4:3, 2Tim.2:19, 1Peter 2:11

V.23 ** As Paul comes up for air in the middle of giving us these wonderful exhortations, he bursts forth with prayer on behalf of these Thessalonians. As he does, Paul displays for us "God's Gift of Sanctification" which will enable us to perform all that he has instructed us to do. Let's look closer at this prayer, what is it that Paul wants God to do for us?

"...sanctify you entirely..." cf. 1Thessalonians 4:3 again

** Because we have "God's Gift of Sanctification", what is the impact upon our future?

"...[our] spirit and soul and body [are] preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

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