Paul’s Epistles to the ThessaloniansPaul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians

Lesson 10:Lesson 10:

Paul’s Final WordsPaul’s Final Words

1 Thessalonians 5:23-281 Thessalonians 5:23-28

August 29, 2010August 29, 2010

I. Introduction to Lesson 10A. Last words*

1. Churchill2. William Somerset Maugham3. Murderer before a firing squad4. General John Sedgewick

B. Last words are important, and telling.C. These are not Paul’s dying words (2 Timothy)D. It may appear that Paul is winding down here.E. I believe Paul is actually winding up.

1. Here we are told Paul’s primary purpose for writing this epistle.

2. Paul gives several final commands.3. His strongest words are found in verse 27.

http://users.belgacom.net/gc674645/grave/lastword.htm

c. The first key: peace = shalomd. The second key: parallelism + word play

23 Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be

kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2.Another reference (8th) to Second Coming3.The direct involvement of the Father (vs. the “arm’s length” ‘gods’ of paganism).

B.The faithfulness of God and the certainty of sanctification (verse 24) -- The reason for Paul’s prayer in verse 23.

C. Paul and associates: standing in the need of prayer (verse 25).

1. “Too” (textual issue – NET Bible, CSB)2. No specific prayer request – a general

needIII. Pucker up? The dilemma of the holy kiss

(verse 26)A. It is a commandB. It is repeated (1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12;

Rom. 16:16; 1 Peter 5:14 (kiss of love).C. It unifies the church: “All” the brothersD. It distinguishes the church from the worldE. So, should we “pucker up”?

IV. Read this letter to all the brethren (vs. 27).A. The most solemn command in this epistle.

1. As seen in the translations:“I adjure you by the Lord” (NASB)“I call on you solemnly in the Lord” (NET)“I put you under oath before the Lord” (ESV)“I charge you by the Lord” (CSB)

2. As seen in the use of the term:Mark 5:7 (demons)Acts 19:13) (casting out demons)Matthew 26:63 (putting Jesus under oath)

B. Why is this so important? (see 1 Tim. 4:13)1. No printing press2. Illiteracy (Afghanistan this week)3. The importance of God’s Word

C. Let’s not miss the application to Christians today. If knowing Scripture is so important to the Thessalonians, should it not be important enough for us to read?

V. Grace be with you (verse 28)

VI. ConclusionA. SanctificationB. SovereigntyC. SupplicationD. Standing: Together and apartE. Second ComingF. ScriptureG. Sustaining grace