People of the World where are you going? Turn back to God! Back to your faithful principles!
A LIFE PLEASING TO GOD CALLED TO SANCTIFICATION
Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God
PAUL’S LONGING TO SEE THEM AGAIN
For this reason, when I could no longer endure the suspense, I sent someone to find out about your faith [how you were holding up under pressure], for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our work [among you] would prove to be ineffective.
THE APOSTLE’S GLORY AND JOY
And we also thank God continually for this, that when you received the word of God [concerning salvation] which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its inherent, supernatural power in those of faith].
PAUL’S MINISTRY TO THE THESSALONIANS
But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children.
GREETINGS- THE THESSALONIANS’ FAITH AND EXAMPLE
We give thanks to God always for all of you, continually mentioning you in our prayers;
recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith, and your service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ.
OUTLINE OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS
Building Up One Another
FINAL CHRISTIAN GREETINGS
When this letter has been read among you, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans; and also that you in turn read my letter [that is coming to you] from Laodicea.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS ON PRAYER AND DAILY LIVING
Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.
RULES FOR CHRISTIAN HOUSEHOLDS
Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. And, masters, remember your Master.
PUT ON THE NEW SELF-FULL OF LOVE, PEACE, AND PRAISE
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.