Understanding Christian Principles And Helping Believers On How To Live While Waiting for Christ
Bible Study Guide
Sound Christian Principles Lead to a True Church (1 Thessalonians 5:12-15)
(Verses 12-15) In order to have a solid community of believers in Christ, there must be a strong leader. A spiritual leader whose feet are firmly planted in the word of God. Leading a church of believers is a great responsibility that can’t be taken lightly. It can be most rewarding while at the same time bares a heavy burden.
This is why Paul encourages the believers to love and support their leaders. These leaders he mentions would’ve been the elders and deacons among the Thessalonian believers. We as church members often don’t fully understand the Christian principles that go into leading a body of believers.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians not to be the disruptive type, but encourage and be patient with one another. Help those who are weak and always do good toward one another. Just as we seek the favor of God, offer favor to one another.
Paul’s List of Christian Principles for Believers In a True Church
- Acknowledge spiritual leaders who care for and admonish you.
- Hold them in high regard through love, and pray for them.
- Love one another and live in peace with all brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Do not shy away from warning those who are idle and disruptive among you.
- Encourage and edify the disheartened.
- Help the weak.
- Be rich in kindness, slow to anger and patient with everyone.
- Do not pay back wrong for wrong.
- Rejoice always in the Lord Jesus.
- Pray continually.
- Give thanks in all circumstances.
These things are all pleasing to the Lord our God.
How Do We Pray Continually?
(Verses 16-18) Does this mean we should be in our room, on our knees and praying without stopping? No. Prayer comes in many forms. It begins with our minds focused on the things of heaven and not of this world.
A moment of thanks, a moment of praise, a moment of acknowledgment and asking questions or seeking guidance and directed to God throughout your day or all forms of prayer. Reading the Bible and memorizing Bible verses are all forms of prayer. Always keeping the line of communication open between you and God is essential to being in a continuous state of prayer.
All of these strengthen our Christian principles.
Paul Gives Four Important Christian Principles/Commands
(1) Do Not Quench the Spirit
(Verses 19-28) The power of the Holy Spirit is alive in us as true believers in our Blessed Hope and Savior. In other words, don’t let false prophecy deceive you. We must live our lives in accordance with the guidance of the Holy Spirit who continually sanctifies us on our journey as Christians. Do not hinder the work of the Holy Spirit within you!
(2) Do Not Treat Prophecies with Contempt
Prophecy represents approximately 28% of the Bible. It is just as important as God’s fulfilled words.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God reminded us in Isaiah. Remember what I did but look forward to what I’m about to do.
“Remember the former things, those of long ago;
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me.
I make known the end from the beginning,
from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10)
False prophecy was a major concern for Paul. This is an even greater concern today.
(3) Test All Words of Prophecy
In other words, test the validity of what is being told to them. How would a true Christian with strong Christian principles go about heeding Paul’s advice of testing the gospel?
Who Were the Berean’s?
If we remember, Paul was snuck out of Thessalonica under the cover of darkness sooner than he wanted to leave. His followers thought it to be the right thing in order to avoid persecution that was aiming for him. They brought Paul to Berea. In Berea, Paul encountered a much more welcoming group of Jews who were interested in hearing his message of Christ.
These were called Berean’s.
Once the Berean’s heard Paul’s preaching, they immediately went to test his message against the scriptures written in the scrolls they had in their possession. This was a common practice among the Berean’s. It’s likely this is where Paul was influenced to command the Thessalonians to test everything they heard against what Paul preached.
(4) Hold on to What Is Good, Reject All Evil!
Once the word was tested, they could make the determination to reject it if it didn’t align with scripture or they could embrace it as the truth of God’s word.
Finally, Paul petitions God for their continued sanctification. Then asks that they continue to pray for him, Timothy and Silas.
Paul is a constant encourager of edification among all sisters and brothers in Christ. Let it serve as a wonderful reminder of our own daily walk with Christ. As the worldly troubles increase so should our edification of one another increase through love, support, prayer and encouragement. Always making certain that our Christian principles and unification of the church of Christ grows stronger as the world falls further.
Closing Reflection on Christian Principles
Friends, following sound Christian principles is not about rule-keeping—it is about readiness. Paul’s final instructions remind us that how we live together reveals what we truly believe about Christ’s return.
Respect for leadership, patience with one another, joy in all circumstances, prayer without ceasing, and discernment in truth all shape a life that is watchful and prepared. These principles form a steady rhythm of obedience that keeps the heart alert and the faith grounded.
When Christian principles guide our daily walk, we are not distracted by the world or shaken by uncertainty. Instead, we grow in holiness, unity, and endurance. A life ordered by God’s truth is a life ready to meet the Lord, confident and unashamed when He comes.
Browse Every Thessalonians Bible Study Passage
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the wisdom You have given through Your Holy Spirit. Help us to walk faithfully in the Christian principles You revealed through Paul. Shape our hearts to love truth, pursue holiness, and live in obedience as we wait for the return of Your Son. Guard us from compromise, strengthen our discernment, and unite us in peace and humility. May our lives reflect Your will and bring glory to Your name until the day we stand before Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.