Congragational ministry

Introduction

Paul is concluding the letter to the Thessalonian christians. He finished the subject of the resurrection, the return of Christ with all his people, and eased their anxiety regarding the come Day of the Lord. He reminded them Christians should be fully aware of the coming of Jesus. They should expect him, they should be about his business. They are not children of the night meaning in darkness aware of the coming events, but they are children of the day and shouldn’t be surprised when he comes.

Respect those who labor among you

The first two vs of this section address the way the congregation to relate to it’s leaders. Paul urges the congregation to respect and esteem very highly in love those whom are appointed to minister as pastors or elders in the church. Paul was concerned with appointing Elders, men who are called to serve providing pastoral care for the flock. He wrote to Titus chapter 1:5 to appoint Elders in every church. He gave Timothy and Titus very specific criteria for the office of pastor/elder, you may read those qualifications in and .

So here in vs 12 he urges the church to respect the men who are over you in the lord. This means to direct, be at the head of. Much like the office of a husband or father lovingly leading and serving his family. The term 1. respect Literally means “to know” “to identify” “take note of” meaning to appreciate and respect their work. The second exhortation 2. Esteem very highly the highest form of respect and love because of the work they are doing for God.

Be disciples of Jesus

Be at peace among yourselves- this is the 3rd exhortation in the section. This may imply there was some contention in the congregation. God give the command here through Paul to be at peace with each other. A lot of division can come to a church when people become discontent. They start arguing, belittling and running their mouth about things they have no business speaking about.

Its no coincidence Paul says to live at peace in the same section as respect your Pastors and hold them in high esteem for the work they are doing. When you don’t respect the order God has established you wont be at peace.

The command is in the imperative tense, this means its not a suggestion from God to live at peace, it is the responsibility of everyone to have a peaceful congregation.

There are a series of personal commands for the congregation that are common in Pauls writings

Admonish- “warn those” verb connotes confrontation, the idle, means “undisciplined, insubortinate”

encourage the fainthearted, “short soul” “discouraged”fainthearted due to persecution and recent deaths

help the weak, there are two types of weakness, spiritual and physical.

Be patient with everyone, refrain from emotional outburst, rash responses. Delay of coming to judgement too quickly.

No one repays evil for evil, the opposite of of being patient

seek to do good to one another and to everyone

Rejoice always, Joy is the basic mark of a Christian and fruit of the spirit

Pray without ceasing, this is an attitude of prayer. Praying whenever give a chance. The adverb is used often for a hacking cough that wont go away.

Give thanks in all circumstances; this is the will of God in Christ jesus for you

Conclusion

We have been giving the same instructions from God as the Thessalonians. These imperative commands are some of my favorite portions of scripture because its straight to the point. Not a lot of room for misinterpretation. Respect and love the Pastors God has put over you for your instruction and protection. Live a peace of you brothers and sisters. Admonish and encourage each other, help those who need help. Be patient, seek to do good to each other. All the while being full of the Joy of the Lord, continually in prayer, giving thanks. Reminding yourself the will of God for you. To do this means you need to pay attention to more than just yourself and your life. You must not isolate you little bubble and pay attention to those around you. be intentional to obey these commands. Write them out if you have too and memorize them. Check yourself and begin the ministry God has intended you for. Get of the bench, start allowing God to use you in the lives of others.

Lets pray