Sharper Iron — Christ is Surely Coming: A Catechism of Christian Living

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Rev. Adam Koontz, assistant professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22.

Paul’s instructions to church in Thessalonica concludes with a series of memorable one-liners intended to encourage these young Christians to live in Christ in the midst of persecution. He begins with the relationship between pastor and people, moves to the interactions within the Christians in the congregation, and finishes with the Christian life before the world. Both pastor and people must see the other in light of the holy work that is given to them by God of proclaiming the Word and hearing the Word. The work of admonishment is given to pastor and people together. Within the congregation, there are different spiritual needs with different spiritual responses, even as patience overarches all of it to keep the congregation together in repentance and faith. A list of wrongs has no place and will only destroy; forgiveness as it is seen in the life of Christ must rule the day. His gift of life fills the Christian’s life in the world with joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. By holding fast to this right teaching that brings right living, the Spirit’s work within the congregation is not quenched. True proclamation, always tested against the Word of God, will lead the congregation to hold fast to what is good and abstain from all evil.

“Christ Is Surely Coming” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that journeys through the two epistles to the Thessalonians. Through these two letters, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy encouraged the young church in Thessalonica to stand firm in the midst of persecution as they eagerly waited for Christ’s second coming. This Word of God still strengthens the Church today to live now with faith, hope, and love, even as we long for the Day of Christ’s return, the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

Final Instructions and Benediction

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,[a] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Footnotes:

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Or disorderly, or undisciplined

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.