At this point in the letter, Paul quickly runs through a list of exhortations. John Stott understands it to be directed to the whole church, writing:
“At first reading one might not think that this section relates to the nature and conduct of public worship. But there are clear indications that this is primarily what Paul had in mind. All the verbs are plural, so that they seem to describe our collective and public, rather than individual and private, Christian duties.”
This perspective does not alter the meaning or value of each instruction to the individual, but it could affect how we apply the lesson. Certainly each action done privately is beneficial. Yet adding the word “together” now works toward building up the body of Christ (His Church).
Simply then (but maybe not so easily): always rejoice(verse 16); unceasingly pray(verse 17); and in everything give thanks(verse 18). Many books have been written on each of these, and we could discuss endlessly “how,” but look at “why” (verse 18): “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Dr. Morris comments:
“The addition in Christ Jesus is characteristically Pauline. The will is made known in Christ, and it is in Christ that men are given the dynamic that enables them to carry out that divine will.”
Paul continues with two more instructions: don’t quench the Spirit(verse 19) and don’t despise prophecy(verse 20). In the original Greek this is not merely a warning, but a command to cease from doing something. The verb “quench” signifies putting out a fire. In our church, are we guilty of trying to dampen the Spirit, or resenting and resisting the proclamation of truth? If so, then Paul says stop it! He finishes urging discernment (verses 21-22). We are told to “prove” (examine, test) everything, and then “hold on” to the good while abstaining from evil.
Next week to support our church “Global Missions Celebration” we will hear about Samaritan Ministry, and then we should complete I Thessalonians the following week.
On a journey! 