Daily Bible Plan

18. July 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Living your Faith in the Public Sphere

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

Daily Devotion — 1 Thessalonians 5:12–28

Theme: Living Prepared, Blameless, and Grateful in the Last Days

⸻

Wow — the week is almost ending, and so is the first half of July!

It’s such a blessing to see so many of you working with these devotions, taking them seriously, and meditating on them daily. I truly believe that the Word we share each day is helping some of you grow in your understanding of Scripture and giving you the strength to reflect on God’s Word personally.

The book of 1 Thessalonians has been an amazing study. These are part of the epistles of Paul, and as I’ve said before, we’re going to journey through all his letters so that we can understand the foundation of Christian life and doctrine.

⸻

🔁 Recap from Yesterday (1 Thess. 5:1–11):

We looked at the theme of the Lord’s return — how sudden and unexpected it will be, like a thief in the night. Whether Christ comes in the morning, at midnight, or at dawn, we must be found ready.

We were reminded to stay sober and watchful, because those who sleep and get drunk do so at night. But we are children of the day.

Verse 8 told us to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation. We live out our faith publicly. Yesterday, I shared what true faith really means — and I believe it blessed many of you.

⸻

📖 Today’s Study: 1 Thessalonians 5:12–27

As Paul wraps up this letter, he gives us practical instructions for Christian living — a beautiful guide for how to relate with our leaders, with one another, and with God.

⸻

1. Honor Those Who Lead You (Verses 12–13)

Paul urges us to recognize those who labor among us and are over us in the Lord and admonish us.

These are your pastors, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders. God has placed them in your life for your growth and protection.

That’s why, in Fortified City Church, we always take time to recognize and honor our leaders — not to exalt them above measure, but because the Bible says we should esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.

🗣 Have you ever said “thank you” to your leader? Have you ever honored them publicly among your friends or in school conversations?

If not, this is your reminder to do so.

⸻

2. How to Treat One Another (Verses 14–15)

Paul gives us beautiful and practical instructions here:

• Warn those who are unruly

• Encourage the fainthearted

• Support the weak

• Be patient with everyone

• Never repay evil for evil

• Pursue what is good for all

The Christian life is not just about attending church or praying — it’s about how we treat one another. Even those who oppose you or act divisively must be treated with love and patience, though we must also be bold to warn and correct in love.

⸻

3. God’s Will Is Clear (Verses 16–18)

Many people ask, “Pastor, what is God’s will for my life?”

Paul gives three clear answers:

✅ Rejoice always

✅ Pray without ceasing

✅ Give thanks in everything

This is God’s will for your life. Let it be your daily lifestyle.

I shared recently that depression and anxiety are not always caused by lack, but sometimes by a lack of appreciation and thanksgiving.

Gratitude is powerful. Start thanking God even for what doesn’t make sense — it aligns your spirit with His peace.

⸻

4. Do Not Quench the Spirit (Verses 19–22)

Paul warns us:

• Don’t quench the Spirit

• Don’t despise prophecies

• Test all things

• Hold fast to what is good

• Abstain from every form of evil

There are people today who mock prophecy or spiritual gifts. But Paul makes it clear — when you despise prophecy, you quench the Holy Spirit.

Instead of mocking, test what you hear, and if it aligns with Scripture and glorifies Jesus, hold on to it.

We must be spiritually discerning in a world filled with all kinds of voices.

⸻

5. Sanctified Completely (Verses 23–24)

Paul prays a powerful prayer:

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This is deep.

He doesn’t just say “sanctify you” — he breaks it down into three:

• Your spirit — the God-given core of your being

• Your soul — your mind, emotions, and will

• Your body — your temple, your physical vessel

Let me ask you:

• Have you contaminated your spirit through occult practices, ungodly meditation, or rebellion?

• Have you polluted your soul through sin, pornography, sexual immorality, or bitterness?

• Have you dishonored your body through uncontrolled desires, laziness, or unhealthy habits?

Paul says all three — spirit, soul, and body — must be preserved blameless for the coming of Jesus.

This is not just a spiritual matter — it’s a holistic call to holiness.

This is why I often teach the youth about the three-part nature of man. God wants to sanctify every part of you — not just your Sunday life, but your whole life.

⸻

6. Final Instructions (Verses 25–27)

Paul closes with a humble request:

“Pray for us.”

Even as leaders, we need your prayers. Let’s continue praying for one another.

He also says to greet one another with a holy kiss — showing love and unity.

Then, he commands that this letter be read to all — because the Word is not for private knowledge alone, but for building the whole church.

⸻

🙏 Prayer:

Father, thank You for this timely Word. Help me to honor my leaders, to be patient with others, and to live in joy, prayer, and thanksgiving. Sanctify me completely — spirit, soul, and body — and preserve me blameless for the day of Christ. Let me not quench the Holy Spirit, and help me to hold fast to what is good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

⸻

📌 Final Thought:

We are not just reading the letters of Paul — we are becoming living epistles, written by the Spirit of God.

Keep growing, keep watching, and keep living for the glory of God.

With love and purpose,

— Pastor Joseph Antwi

Fortified City Church | Love City Church | Global Prayer Hub