.jpg)
Articles
Imitators of the Churches of God: Gospel Discernment; I Thessalonians 5:20-23
"For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus…” I Thessalonians 2:14
The church in Thessalonica was a group of Christians who demonstrated what it means to be transformed by the gospel of Christ. As Christians, the gospel transforms the way we live, the way we treat others, and even our overall outlook on life. The gospel also makes us wise to practice better judgment. In I Thessalonians 5:21-23, Paul concludes his instruction to the church in Thessalonica with some very practical advice regarding the use of discernment in a world full of deception.
“But examine everything carefully;” (I Thessalonians 5:21a). Christians are called to evaluate everything through the lens of the gospel. While we may not have to deal with false prophets as they did in the first century (I Thessalonians 5:20), false teachers certainly still abound. Truth is not relative. Feelings do not change facts, no matter how strong those feelings are. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” The truth of God’s word has the power to sanctify us. A wise man examines everything according to God’s word, as it has the final say in all matters.
“Hold fast to that which is good;” (I Thessalonians 5:21b). Upon honest examination of a matter according to the truth of God’s word, we must unwaveringly cling to that which is good. In a world that sees truth as relative, we’re always being tempted to compromise. “Did God actually say…” is Satan’s age-old lie, echoing to all of us ever since that day in the garden (Genesis 3:1, ESV). Our reply must be, “YES! God did really say!” To whatever God has said, we will hold fast to it! We will all be judged according to our own deeds, after all (Romans 2:5-9).
“Abstain from every form of evil.” (I Thessalonians 5:22) When transformed by the gospel of Christ, a Christian should want nothing to do with sin. Galatians 5:9 says “A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” Get that leaven out of the kitchen! When you reject something, you don’t want anything to do with it. Remember, God has called us to “sanctification,” not “impurity” (I Thessalonians 4:7). That means I’m going to do my best to keep anything impure at a distance. I don’t want anything to do with evil! I will not support it with my money, I will not laugh at it, and I will not do anything to encourage others to engage in evil either. In fact, it’s impossible to engage with evil when you “hold fast to that which is good” I Thessalonians 5:21).
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thessalonians 5:23). When we practice the discernment Paul instructs us to in the previous verses, Jesus will find us blameless upon His return. In the meantime, just as the church in Thessalonica, we too will become “imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 2:14).
