Verses 1-7
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We can rejoice in the truth that, because of Jesus, we are not appointed to God's wrath any longer but instead to salvation in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
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He has revived and restored us by giving us His Spirit to dwell within us (Ephesians 2:4-7, Romans 8:10-11).
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Verses 8-9
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Now, even though we have peace from God, this does not mean we have permission to turn back to foolish and sinful behavior.
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Use your freedom in Christ to do what is right. Before you were a slave to sin, and you could not change (Romans 6:18); but now you are a slave of righteousness. So, your freedom from sin should mean that you are always compelled by the Spirit to do what is right.
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Serve others, and never think yourself free to continue in sin simply because you're “forgiven” (Galatians 5:13).
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Salvation belongs to those who fear God. If you use this time of peace as a chance to keep sinning, you do not fear God, and remember, for that there will be judgment.
Verses 10-13
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The truth and righteousness that demanded our death, and the mercy that begged for our forgiveness, do not seem compatible. However, they have met together perfectly in the person of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:26, John 1:14,17).
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Jesus' death satisfied the demand for righteous judgment for our sin, and it granted us forgiveness at the same time. And so mercy and truth, righteousness and peace, have kissed. Such is the beauty of the gospel.
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Remember that the gospel is a perfect union of God's wrath and His grace. We must be mindful of both if we are to honor the gospel.
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Yes, God will give us what is good, and that is His peace. But we must still follow His righteousness. Jesus' footsteps—His way of life—must be a pathway that we follow—a lifestyle that we always seek to emulate (1 John 2:6).
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