What is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:11? Therefore “Therefore” ties the verse to what Paul has just said about our sure salvation in Christ: “For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ… so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). Because our eternal future is secure, here’s the logical next step: • Move from doctrine to action—Romans 12:1 shows the same pattern. • Receive truth, then live it—James 1:22 urges us to be doers, not hearers only. • Let hope overflow into daily relationships—1 Th 4:18 encouraged believers with the same “Therefore” after teaching on Christ’s return. Encourage “To encourage” means coming alongside a brother or sister to supply courage, comfort, and vision. Practical expressions include: • Speaking words that remind others of God’s faithfulness—Hebrews 3:13. • Stirring up love and good deeds by meeting together—Hebrews 10:24-25. • Sharing Scripture that lifts weary hearts—Romans 15:4-5. Encouragement is not mere cheerleading; it’s rooted in the unchanging promises of Christ. And build one another up The picture shifts from comforting to constructing—a steady, intentional edification of Christ’s body. Ways we “build”: • Use words that “build others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29). • Serve with spiritual gifts so “all may be built up” (1 Corinthians 14:26). • Pray together, “building yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 20). Like skilled builders, we place stone upon stone: truth, love, accountability, and shared mission. Just as you are already doing Paul isn’t scolding but applauding a pattern already visible among the Thessalonians (compare 1 Thessalonians 1:3, 8). His affirmation teaches: • Ongoing obedience pleases God—1 Th 4:1. • Perseverance guards against fatigue—Galatians 6:9. • God finishes what He starts—Philippians 1:6. Keep at it; don’t coast. What began well must continue until the day of Christ. summary Because our salvation is settled, we respond by encouraging and purposefully building one another up. This is an ongoing, community-shaping ministry grounded in God’s promises, practiced through words, deeds, and shared life, and continued with the confidence that we’re already on the right track. |
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