Today’s Bible meditation is from 1 Thessalonians 5. Revelation: the whole spirit and soul and body of a Christian require to be kept complete and [be found] blameless when Jesus returns. Even our spirit can be vulnerable like our body and soul parts.How can that be? I ask and recall the teaching of Paul. He has warned and taught on this subject in 1 Corinthians 6:15-20. He warned Christians not to contaminate their bodies by having sex with a harlot (woman having or characterized by many transient sexual relationships). Then he spoke on an important spiritual issue: because by joining their bodies they join their spirits (thereby joining with unclean spirits), so their own spirits will be contaminated too. (verses 17, 20) Christian spirits can become contaminated too if they do not guard their bodies. The Holy Spirit similarly warns this in Hebrews 13:4, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Also refer to the list of behaviors that prevent people from entering into the Kingdom of God: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
This is a relevant issue in today’s prevailing social behavior of the world. What was considered taboo in our godly forefathers’ days, has become an acceptable norm for the society at large today. However, an Individual Christian may consider oneself as too insignificant to live a counter-culture and make an impact, but believe me, it shall make a difference in the spiritual realm when we live our lives aligned with the words of God and God’s will for us on earth as it is in heaven. The Lord’s prayer has taught us that the God’s will can be lived on earth as it is in heaven in the Kingdom of God.
Bible Verses from Amplified Bible (AMP) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 20 Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test [a]all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].
Footnotes:
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Or everyone, that is, anyone claiming to be a prophet.
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer; 18 in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. 20 Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. 21 But test [a]all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].
Footnotes:
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Or everyone, that is, anyone claiming to be a prophet.
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