Three Words of Counsel

(1 Thess.5:16.17.18)

Be Joyful. As later to the Philippians, so to these other Macedonians, Paul states the possibility of increasing joy, if it be centred in the Lord; “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil.4:4). As Paul and Silas had set the example at singing songs at midnight (Acts 16:25), so now they teach their converts to learn the Nightingale’s note—“affliction with joy.”

“Ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Thess.1:6).

Be Prayerful. Constant intercourse with God is the next rule. “Without ceasing” (adialeiptos) occurs four times in the New Testament (Rom.1:9; 1 Thess.1:3; 1 Thess.2:13, and our verse 17) and usually in a context of prayer, usually intercession. Outside the New Testament use, it frequently qualifies military attack. The true weapons of our warfare are spiritual. Persistent prayer, like a continuous bombardment, destroys strongholds.

Be thankful. There is something to praise God for in every event of life, if we could only see the direction in which it is working. We cannot always see, but we can trust, because “WE KNOW.” (Rom.8:28).

Journeying Homeward

Nothing does so establish the mind amidst the rolling and turbulence of present things, as both a look above them, and a look beyond them—above them, to the steady and good Hand by which they are ruled; and beyond them, to the beautiful end to which by that Hand they will be brought.

Bible Study Monthly October 1945