Practice the Future Kingdom
October 25 | Donavon Hintz
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1 Thessalonians 5:12–28
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, 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.
[23] Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
[25] Brothers, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
[27] I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
The promise that Jesus will return is meant to shape how we live today. As Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians, he moves from discussing Christ’s return to ordinary matters like relationships, patience, encouragement, prayer, gratitude, and peace. These instructions show us what readiness looks like. Waiting for Jesus means learning to live out His Kingdom values now. Christ’s followers are called to practice today the life God has promised for tomorrow, giving the world a glimpse of His coming Kingdom.
Kingdom Life
The life Jesus calls us to starts with how we treat each other. Paul tells us to respect our leaders, work toward peace, and look out for one another. Sometimes someone needs loving correction. Other times, they need encouragement or someone willing to come alongside them. Loving people well means taking the time to understand what they’re going through. As we give each other room to struggle and grow, we begin to show what life in God’s Kingdom looks like.
Jesus calls us to forgive, stay humble, and keep looking for ways to do good. And that includes everyone—our neighbors, coworkers, strangers, and even people who are against us. How we treat people says something about the King we follow.
Kingdom Presence
It means learning to pay attention to God in everyday life. Paul tells us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in every circumstance. That doesn’t mean pretending life is easy or that everything happening to us is good. We can find joy because we belong to Jesus. Prayer reminds us that we need Him, and gratitude helps us notice His faithfulness, even when life is hard. We can be honest about our grief and pain while trusting that God is with us and still at work.
What we practice shapes who we become. As we keep turning to God in prayer, giving thanks, and finding reasons to rejoice, we begin to notice His presence in moments we might have overlooked. Paul also encourages us to stay open to the Holy Spirit and be thoughtful about what we hear. Listen carefully, compare it with Scripture, hold on to what is good, and turn away from evil. Through it all, the Spirit is helping us become people who show the world what God’s coming Kingdom is like.
Kingdom Come
Finally, Paul reminds us that we can count on God to be faithful. After telling us how to live, he prays that God would make us holy in every part of our lives and keep us until Jesus returns. We have a part to play as we follow Jesus and obey Him, but we don’t have to make all this happen on our own. God is the One changing us and giving us the strength to keep going. Our hope rests in this promise: “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.”
As we wait for Jesus to return, we can trust Him to finish what He has started in us. His grace has welcomed us into His Kingdom, and that same grace helps us live together as His people. This is how we live ready for Jesus—by letting His promised future shape our everyday choices. Together, we practice today the life He has promised for tomorrow.
Discussion Questions
How can we recognize when someone needs correction, encouragement, or practical help?
Which practice - rejoicing, praying, or giving thanks - is most challenging for you right now? How could you practice it honestly amid your circumstances?
How does God’s faithfulness encourage you in an area where growth feels slow?