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The Pastoral Epistles of Saint Paul
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), part 31, 1 Thessalonians 3-5.
January 31, 2023

Topics include:
(1) If we serve God, we *will* endure afflictions ... it's a sign of God's love for us ... for our chastening and humility. We must not allow temptations to distract us. The prayers of fellow Christians are a comfort to us in such afflictions; 
(2) The Apostle, Bishop, and Priest live that their flock may stand fast in the faith; 
(3) Chapter 4:1-12 is not talking about studying the Bible or works of piety, but how we behave and treat one another. The goal is sanctification (theosis). The importance of self-control (esp. against sexual immorality), of keeping ourselves holy and not being governed by the passions; 
(4) Living quietly, minding our own business, and supporting ourselves so as not to burden others (including the state). This is a good Christian witness; 
(5) Do not fall into a worldly pattern of grief and deny the hope we have in Christ. Despite our sins and afflictions, Christians are called to joy and gratitude, not guilt and moroseness; 
(6) On the dispensational heresy and the delusion of rapture to avoid the "Great Tribulation." Orthodox Christians have been martyred for over 2000 years. Persecution and martyrdom ARE the Church's experience. We will answer before God for how we confess our faith before our torturers and murderers. Those who depend on the "rapture" heresy will not be ready. This is why the lives of the saints are read regularly in monasteries. Are we ready for persecution and martyrdom? Can we even conceive of it? 
(7) The true "woke": being sober, awake, and watchful, prepared for the imminent return of Christ, having nothing to do with works of darkness; 
(8) Testing everything without prejudging and holding on to what is good. What is unusual is not necessarily bad.