THE LORD IS AT HAND.  Paul is writing to help these Christians out and so he gives them wise counsel.  He can, and they will receive it because they are: Dearly beloved  I Cor 13, [Charity edifieth]; Longed  for; his converts – his Joy and crown [I Th 2:9].

Here is the counsel:

  1. Stand fast in the Lord (v. 1)

Phil 1:27, by working together in the gospel

Eph 6:10-18, by armor

I Cor 16:13, by watching, faith, quit you like men

Gal 5:1, liberty

  1. Settle your differences (v. 2)

Matt 18, go to them with any problems

I Cor 6, take it without going to court

Gal 6, restore one another

  1. Help each other out (v. 3)

Women – Acts 18, Pricilla; Rom 16:3

With Jesus, Mk 15:40-41

“In the Book of Life,” saved

  1. Keep Rejoicing (v. 4)

Don’t get down – I Th 5:16 – one pastor who was a licensed psychiatrist put half his congregation on Prozac

  1. Be moderate in all things (v. 5) in your use of the world, in your balance of exercise, health, church, family – as a general rule, don’t overdo or under do anything