Jesus Came so We Could Have Abundant Life: 1 Thess. 5

Jesus came so that we might have life, and have it abundantly, in all its fullness (John 10:10). This abundant life is not the absence of problems, struggles, or difficulties, but rather a different way of living within them.

The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28, reveals gifts from God to help believers live this abundant life on earth:

1. God's Will for You (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18): God's will for believers in Christ Jesus is to:

• "Rejoice always."

• "Pray without ceasing."

• "Give thanks in all circumstances."

2. God's Word to You (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22): God's Word guides us, instructing us not to quench the Spirit or despise prophecies, but to "test everything; hold fast what is good." This testing involves:

• The Scripture test: Does it align with God's written Word?

• The Jesus test: Does it honor and magnify Jesus Christ?

• The grace test: Does it promote God's grace?

• The character test: Does it build godly character?

• The edification test: Does it build up and encourage others?

3. God's Work in You (1 Thessalonians 5:22-24): Believers are called to "abstain from every form of evil." God himself, the God of peace, promises to "sanctify you completely," keeping "your whole spirit and soul and body... blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." The faithful God who calls us "will surely do it.