Don't Let Up

The Church

The Description

saints

called by the will of God

sanctified in Christ Jesus

the body of Christ

Created in Christ Jesus for good works

proclaimers of the manifold wisdom of God

A pillar and buttress of the truth

a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people of God’s own possession

The People

sinners

corrupt

selfish

man-pleasers

immoral

contend with the flesh

Continue

2 fundamental commands for our sanctification (20-21)

do not quench the Spirit (19) & do not despise prophecies (20)

quench = extinguish

despise = to treat as worthless or as despicable

prophesies = most often refers to the written word of Scripture

It’s not entirely clear why Paul needed to issue this command, but given some of the pagan background of many in the church (idol worship - see 1:9), there may have been a significant reluctance to accept messages from people that claimed to be divine in origin. They were willing to hear Paul, but it would have been difficult for some to exercise that same trust towards others.

While it is good to be cautious, we cannot treat lightly the declared word of God. God has ordained to declaration of His word as one of the ways His word is conveyed to and used in the herts and minds of His people.

So instead of despising prophesies

test everything (21)

a command to carefully examine

So, not despising the declared word of God but carefully examining what is proclaimed is fundamental to continuing on the path of our sanctification. These commands guide us to God-honoring interaction with one another and lifestyle.

God-honoring Treatment of Others (12-15)

Our spiritual leaders: Not just a title (12-13)

The founders of the church (Paul, Timothy & Silas) were not present with them anymore

Other leaders needed to step in and shepherd this church

The church was to respect their leaders (12) - recognize them as legitimate leaders of the church

The spiritual leadership of the leaders is described as

laboring among them

putting forth great effort to benefit the church

who are over you in the Lord

governing but the leaders recognize that their authority is derived from the Lord

admonishing

correcting doctrinal and moral errors - counsel

Work & Esteem

Regarding or esteeming our leaders is not a mere recognition of their rank or title

Esteeming our leaders is to be done in love. This suggests a close relationship

The church’s esteem was not just title recognition also because it is to be based on their work.

This kind of relationship between the church and her leaders brings about peace among everyone.

Various Kinds of People (14)

the idle: warn them, give godly counsel

the fainthearted: comfort them

the weak: attend them (God’s people help those who can’t help themselves)

Non-retaliation Community (15)

Persecuted people may consider retaliation

The church could offend one another

strive to do each other good

God-honoring Lifestyle (16-28)

Lifestyle Exhortations

rejoice always

pray without ceasing

give thanks in all circumstances

hold fast what is good

abstain from every form of evil

A doxology to continue until Jesus returns