Page 38 - Pauline Epistles Student Textbook

supposed to be progressively sanctified for completeness in readiness for the second manifestation
of Jesus Christ at the Parousia. The ground for the attainment of this sanctification of the whole
personality is God’s faithfulness. God can bring to completion what He begins (cf. 1 Cor. 1:8-9). The
progressive exercise of trust in God by the believers at Thessalonica and every Christian today is
strongly recommended.

Paul requested their prayers for them and greetings to all God’s people with a holy kiss on their
behalf (vv25-26). Greetings with a holy kiss appears to have been very common in the first century
(cf. Rom 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Pet 5:14). Holy should simply indicate that it was of
religious significance. But Wanamaker and many other scholars suggest that the kissing of the
opposite sex was discouraged in the “Apostolic Constitutions 2.57.17.” Today some people still do
65
that to show love, respect, reconciliation, etc. In v27, Paul commanded solemnly under the oath
before the Lord to have that letter be read to everyone probably because Paul thought that its
contents were of great significance.

7.4. Let’s Practice this Lesson…

1. In what practical ways should we demonstrate the acknowledgement our church
leaders (1 Thess. 5:13)?

2. Briefly explain to what extent should we be patient with our cautioned brothers and sisters (1
Thess. 5:14)?

3. In what ways today do we put out the Holy Spirit’s fire and what measures should we put forward
to address that sin?

7.5. Let’s Personalize this Lesson…

Activity: Do you rejoice always? Do you give thanks in every circumstance? These are
God’s commands to us and are VERY DIFFICULT to apply in our lives. A person who
rejoices in everything and gives thanks is considered an optimist. A person who is
discouraged and gripes about things is considered a pessimist.

Did you hear the story about two farmers meeting in the field. One farmer said to the other, “Sure is
a pretty day!” The other farmer replied, “Yea, but it’s going to rain later.” The first farmer said,
“Great! We need the rain for our crops!” The second replied, “We probably will get too much rain
and my seeds will get flooded out.” The optimistic farmer commented, “Hey, I got a new dog. He is

65 Ibid., 208.

37