DO's and DON'T(s)

1 Thessalonians 5:15-22

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

Always be joyful.

Never stop praying.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

Do not scoff at prophecies,

but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

Stay away from every kind of evil.

There is a misconception of the law and grace, we could very well miss it, if we don't walk in knowledge and wisdom. There is something common between the two - DO's and DON'T(s)!

Our opening verses are from Paul's letter to the church in Thessalonica and to all churches in general. Actually all his letters are for all churches.

(For those who would want to argue this, please read:

Colossians 4:16

After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.)

There is no way you will have a nation or kingdom without dos and don't(s). There is always a way of life of a people, the same way, there is a believer's lifestyle.

Let us look at some dos: 

* patience

* be good to believers and everyone else

* be joyful

* be thankful in all things

etc

We see that they are what happens to a Spirit regenerated man.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

It was what Christ preached - read Mathew chapters 5, 6 and 7.

Let us look at the don't(s):

* don't pay evil for evil

* don't stifle/quench the Holy Spirit

* don't stop praying

* don't scoff at prophesies

* stay away from every kind of evil

etc

We see that the don't(s) are the contrary of the dos.

Why should they be preached consistently?

 It is because it is something you do consciously. The spirit of man is regenerated at the new birth but the flesh must be brought under the submission of the spirit.

Romans 12:2

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

James 4:7-8

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

We must understand the dos and don't(s) of the kingdom else we will live like strangers.

Being a part of royalty means you leave a life of honour, the same way, being a part of God's family means you live a life of holiness.

Matthew 5:48

But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

1 Peter 1:15-16

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.

For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

O Dear Heavenly Father transform us by the renewal of our minds, even as we submit totally to You. That we may please You in all things.

We are of Your kingdom Lord, help us live Your kingdom life here on earth.

Glory to God forevermore.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher