Paul’s Audience
… you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
– 1 Thessalonians 1:9 (NIV)
…for our gospel (euaggelion) did not come to you in word only, but also in power (dunamis) and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; – 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NASB)
dunamis: force – specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself) (Strong’s)
…the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles (dunamis) which they had seen – Luke 19:37 (NASB)
So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles (dunamis) among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? – Galatians 3:5 (NASB)
Emphasis: The Church is a (vv.12,14,25,26,27)
This family is going through
Context: severe suffering (NIV) much tribulation (NASB)
1 Thessalonians 1:6
…you also endured the same sufferings, – 1 Thessalonians 2:14
Be joyful always (v.16)
We give thanks because (v.18)
…give thanks (eucharisteo) in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (v.18) (NIV)
…we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NASB)
…(put on) the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; – Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)
Every stroke the Lord lays on them with his punishing rod
will be to the music of tambourines and harps, as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm.
– Isaiah 30:32
To the Church in the Last Days (vv.19-21)
(Peter) …AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,’ God says,
‘THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, …
BEFORE THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY OF THE LORD SHALL COME. ‘AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’
– Acts 2:17 & 19-21 (NASB)
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; (v.19) (ISV)
despise: exoutheneoo – to make of no account, to despise utterly (Thayer’s)
But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.
– 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (NASB)
How to Examine Prophecy: (v.21)
Does it align with ?
Is this prophecy or ?
Is the Lord giving ?