1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 – Circumspect Living

Verses 16-18 stressed on the spiritual life of believers as individuals. These next four verses describe the life of believers in corporate worship. Here we will see five injunctions – two are put negatively and three positively.

Do not quench the Spirit (v.19). Flame is one of the Biblical symbols of the Holy Spirit. He works in the lives of believers. He enlightens the minds, warms their hearts and empowers their lives. Like fire, the Holy Spirit could be snuffed out and doused. When the Holy Spirit is quenched, the believer’s life will be devoid of warmth, power and passion. Therefore, believers should not resist the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Do not despise prophetic utterances (v.20). Prophetic utterances are messages given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They could be messages foretelling the future or forth-telling the present. Some believers then, could have minimized the messages and did not take them seriously. Paul told them not to disparage those prophetic words but to discerningly honor them as God’s given words.

Examine all things carefully (v.21). Unlike us, they did not have the canon Scriptures. Thus, it was even more necessary to examine all things carefully. In our days and age, we can always measure the things we have heard against the Word of God. But the early believers did not have such privilege. They have to measure it against their sound spiritual and godly judgment.

Hold fast to what is good (v.21). To hold fast to what is good refers to those things that could stand sound spiritual judgment. It implies that one should reject those things that could not measure up against the standard of sound judgment. But those that could bear up to the standard must be retained.

Abstain from every form of evil (v.22). The believers were strongly encouraged to reject and avoid what is spurious and counterfeit. Everything that characterized evil should be repudiated.

The fallen nature of man had never changed. We are living among people with all kinds of standard, many of which contradict sound Biblical living. Many a times we are unwittingly influenced by their negativity. It’s time we discern between what would please the Lord and what would not. Thankfully, we have the Word of God, our road-map for life. Let’s go to it daily to know the things that would delight the heart of God and then obey them as we journey with God.