“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves” (vs12-13).

Peace reigns in God’s church. We have peace through the gospel - peace with the Father by the death of Christ and peace with one another by following God’s rules. We do not live for ourselves, but peace results as the King of Peace, the rightful Lord, sits upon the throne and directs our steps. We follow Him in forgiveness, and we show the same towards one another. We are not bound by the flesh, warring for position and power, but the gospel reigns as our rule of life, and our peace is real. We esteem pastors for their work’s sake, we honor our parents, we submit to one another, and we do all things in obedience to Christ, having peace within and amongst each other.

Secondly, God wills that we give thanks always, in every situation, because of Jesus Christ (vs14-16). He says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. We have disappointments and heartaches… we have sin to deal with and troubles… but the Lord has given us EVERLASTING life in the Son – the forgiveness of sins, acceptance in the Beloved, and sure and powerful promises that we shall be with Him forever. So, whatever we’re praying about, let us be thankful. Philippians 4:6-7, says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Let us rejoice in what we have, even as we bemoan what we do not have! Let us look to God’s gift of grace, even as we ask for more grace. He will not withhold any good thing, having given us the Son (Rom 8:32). Never forget that Jesus is yours, and He is the most precious. Never forget - no matter how much you suffer on earth - that you are ASSURED of heaven through the finished work of Christ, promises of God the Father, and redeeming and delivering power of the Spirit, freely. You have done nothing and have everything. Remember that you are a saved person, instead of one that’s sure for hell. Remember Jesus Christ and be thankful for Him, even if you have nothing else.

Finally, Grace is the hope of obedience (1 Thess 5:23-28). We read, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us… the grace of our God Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” 1 Thessalonians calls us to live the Christian life patiently, wholeheartedly, and we are to please God in all that we do (1 Thess 4:1). Do not to go backwards but forward, and grace is the power to improve. We haven’t come to Christ to forget about Him like the nine lepers who were healed and walked away, but we’ve come for spiritual cleansing that produces praise and worship (Luke 17:11-19). We’ve been called to a new life of holiness, and the devil attacks and discourages us, so that wanting to do good is not enough; we must look to God to bring our goodness to pass. Grace is the hope (1 Thess 3:11-13). Grace will give the Spirit’s power, continually, and grace will make us do what we cannot, which is abound in holiness, more and more (1 Thess 4:1-8). If the bible were a rule book only, then we couldn’t obey. But by grace, we can improve and do what He commands.