First Thessalonians 5 Part 9 Test All Things With Scripture. Abstain From Appearance Of Evil.

A note about the archive index containing all Bible lessons posted on this blog since its inception in 2019. 

An index for all lessons posted from 2019 through 2021, was published on September 7, 2022.

An index for all lessons posted in 2022, was published January 24, 2023.

An index for all lessons posted in 2023 was posted on February 28, 2024. 

Each index lists lesson titles and the date each one was posted, so that you can study subjects that we have written about.

Test all things and follow that which is shown to be good.

1 Thessalonians 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

God's Spirit guided the apostle Paul to give us some very good admonition. We must exercise ourselves to prove all things.

The word "prove" is a metallurgical term referring to testing the purity of metals like gold or silver, in order to ascertain their value.

In light of Paul's warning against quenching the Spirit and his instruction to embrace prophecy, Christians still need to be discerning.

We prove or test all things that we hear taught by turning to the scriptures. 

When we determine to make a moral decision, our choice should be proven to be in accord with the will of God. Thus, we prove all things through His Word. 

When we hear God's Word preached, we must compare what we were taught with the scriptures. 

Search the scriptures each day with prepared minds. 

Acts 17:10-12  And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11)  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12)  Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 

We must be like the Bereans who honored God by searching the scriptures. Once they verified the truth of what they heard, they fully embraced the gospel.  

Let us be like the Bereans whose hearts were ready to hear from God. They worked to learn the scriptures and gave themselves to Bible study each day. 

When they discovered that the message of the gospel was in accord with the Bible, then they committed themselves to faith in Jesus Christ. 

We must search the scriptures to make sure the sermon we heard is in fact, true and accurate. 

Test the spirits because there are many false teachers. 

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 

The apostle John teaches us that we must not believe every spirit, but must try the spirits. This connects with proving all things as Paul has shown us to do. 

But when we ascertain that the message or sermon is in full accord with the Word of God, we must be committed to hearing and heeding it.  

At that point we must be settled in our heart and soul, and cleave to that good truth we heard preached or taught. 

When we are satisfied that the pastor or teachers message is right, and true, and good, we must hold it fast. 

We must not let it go, no matter what opposition or persecution comes to us because of believing the gospel of Christ. 

God's Word in our heart helps us discern truth from error. 

Hebrews 5:13-14  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14)  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  

Every Christian ought to have an ability to discern between good and evil, truth and error. 

As we fill up the reservoir of our heart with the Word of God by reading, studying meditating and memorizing His truth, we are enabled to discern good and evil.

We must not always be seekers, or fluctuating in our minds, like children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine. 

Once we prove all things, we must avoid all evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

The scriptures instruct us to abstain from all idolatry and avoid eating meats offered to idols (Acts 15:20; 29).

God tells us to abstain from sexual immorality and fleshly lusts (See 1 Timothy 4:3; 1 Peter 2:11).

To "abstain" is to disassociate one's self from anything that causes us to sin or that dishonors God.

When we abstain we are exercising restraint upon our passions or appetites. We will not indulge our "old man's" sinful lusts.

Our Bible is full of practical ways that we live out the truth of abstaining from all evil. Notice that Paul specifically instructs us to abstain from even the appearance of evil.

We must be very careful what we look at or think about. 

Psalm 101:3  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Let me illustrate this truth. The Psalmist declared his determination not to allow his eyes to be attracted to any evil or wicked sights.

Remember the sordid affair of King David with Bathsheba? He was in residence at his palace when he was supposed to be out leading troops in battle (See 2 Samuel 11). 

Instead, he wandered up on the palace roof and he "saw" Bathsheba bathing. He saw the nakedness of another man's wife which transgressed several commands in the law of God (See Leviticus 18).

What happened when King David did not abstain from the appearance of evil? He had Bathsheba brought to him, committed adultery with her, and later conspired to have her husband murdered. 

Therefore, abstaining from all appearance of evil begins with guarding what we see with our eyes. 

This truth is essential for Christians living in a depraved pornographic culture. 

Consider how social media is used. Some people begin innocently enough by talking online, and then it grows into having an affair. 

An innocent online conversation led to committing sin and shows that how we act in the digital world matters to God. 

In that context, we must abstain from saying or posting anything that implies moral looseness on our part.

In a vocational setting a Christian husband should be very careful when interacting with female co-workers. 

Connect Paul's teaching with God's sanctifying work in us. 

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24  And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24)  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.  

Take notice to whom the apostle prays, namely, the very God of peace. He is the God of grace, the God of peace and love. 

Paul prayed much for all Christians ongoing sanctification, that God would sanctify them wholly and completely as we walk thru this life with Him.

He prayed that the Lord of glory would preserve our soul in such a way that we live a holy life before our God.  

He prayed that we may be fully sanctified, and that our whole man, spirit, soul, and body, may be preserved. The most faithful Christians are those who  press towards complete sanctification. 

Where the good work of grace is begun, it shall be carried on, protected and preserved. All those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus shall be preserved to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is faithful to give all the necessary help and aid that we need in order to abstain from the appearance of all evil.

Final farewell and instructions. 

1 Thessalonians 5:25-28  Brethren, pray for us. 26)  Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27)  I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28)  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 

Paul asked that the Christians pray for God's help in preaching the gospel and planting churches. 

In like manner, we must pray for our pastors, teachers, elders that they may be able to proclaim the gospel with strength from God and clarity. 

Paul stressed that the Thessalonians love one another as Christ commands, which is illustrated by greeting each other with a holy kiss, a custom in those days. 

Paul commanded that this Holy Spirit inspired letter be read to all of the church at Thessalonica. 

We also should be diligent to read the scriptures and talk of God's truth when we gather together with other Christians. 

Finally, Paul commended them to the grace of God, the same grace wherein we stand today.

May the grace, love, mercy, forbearance and longsuffering of God toward us, be our heart toward other Christians.

Bob