The Elements of Worship
August 17, 2019
Commentary
Notice how many times prayer is mentioned. Paul prayed that the God of peace will keep them from profane things, make them pure and consecrated to God and completely blameless at the coming of Christ (vv 23-24). He also requested that the Christians pray for him (v. 25). After the worship services are over, the Christians minister to one another. It was common in Paul’s culture as in some cultures today to greet friends with a holy kiss (kiss on the cheek) (v. 26). This was not a sensual thing. Usually the men kissed the men and the women kissed the women (See Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 16:20 and I Peter 5:14). Such a kiss communicated personal affection and not romantic love. A comparable jester in Western culture today might be an embrace, a pat on the back, or a handshake.
I have been in churches today where after the final benediction the congregation runs like rats leaving a sinking ship. They have no time to stay around and fellowship which is a part of worship. Usually the pastor of the church sets the pace in this matter. If he enjoys staying around and talking to various individuals so will many of the people. If he doesn’t then probably the people won’t either. An important part of the service is missing.
The final exhortation is that this letter is to be read to the whole church (v. 27). In the words “I charge you” to do this, suggests that God will discipline them if they disobey. It was really a reminder that the Word of God is an important thing in the local church. It is the Word of God that governs our conduct and guides our lives. It is really sad that in so many churches today, music, poetry, current events etc. have replaced the Word of God. He ends the book by saying, “I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you” (v. 28).
Application
Am I studying the whole council of the Word of God and teaching it to my family or is it just a few issues that are brought out over and over? If I’m not receiving a balanced diet what do you think will happen to me spiritually? Read Joshua 24:15.
1 Thessalonians 5:23– 28 (NET)
23 Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this. 25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us too. 26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I call on you solemnly in the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.