11/19/20 THE ONE ANOTHER’S IN THE NT #31 — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (CSB) Therefore ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER and BUILD EACH OTHER UP as you are already doing.

In this chapter Paul continues to remind them (and US) that we cannot know exactly when Christ will return. Unbelievers will shout, “Peace and safety” (v.3), i.e. ALL IS WELL, when, in fact, we know better. We need to live as in the light, not the darkness and let our light shine and dispel that darkness. This is a challenging assignment, fighting a fierce battle against Satan, his demons and the ungodly influences in this world. So we need to wear our spiritual armor—faith, love and hope (v.8).

In v.11 Paul repeats his earlier command (v.4:18): Believers must CONTINUE to ENCOURAGE each other. “Encourage” is para-kaleo in Greek, literally “called alongside.” We must be constantly involved in each other’s lives, literally helping each “build our (spiritual) homes.” Even thought he knows they are already doing this, Paul thought it necessary to STRESS its importance once more. Same goes for us today.