1 Thessalonians 5:16-23

Final Instructions and Benediction

¹⁶ _v Rejoice always, ¹⁷ _w pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ _x give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ¹⁹ _y Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise _z prophecies, ²¹ but _a test everything; hold fast what is good. ²² Abstain from every form of evil.

²³ Now may _b the God of peace himself _c sanctify you completely, and may your _d whole _e spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at _f the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Cross References
   Philippians 4:4
   Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
   
2. Cross References
   Luke 18:1
   And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
   
3. Cross References
   Ephesians 5:20
   Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
   
4. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 14:30
   If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent.
   Ephesians 4:30
   And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
   1 Timothy 4:14
   Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
   2 Timothy 1:6
   For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
   
5. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 11:4
   Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head.
   
6. Cross References
   1 John 4:1
   Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
   Job 34:4
   Let us choose what is right; let us know among ourselves what is good.
   Ephesians 5:10
   And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
   
7. Cross References
   Romans 15:33
   May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
   
8. Cross References
   Exodus 31:13
   You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, 'Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.
   John 17:17
   Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
   
9. Cross References
   2 Peter 3:14
   Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
   Jude 1:1
   Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
   
10. Cross References
    Luke 1:46 - 47
    And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord.
    Hebrews 4:12
    For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
    1 Corinthians 14:14
    For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.
    
11. Cross References
    1 Thessalonians 2:19
    For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?