Christian Conduct

Paul concludes his first letter to Thessalonica with a list of short instructions to the church about encouraging one another – – following these instructions would eliminate the strife and division that plague so many local churches and would contribute to the growth we all desire.

I) Respect for leaders – vs.12-13

Those who diligently labor – common term from Paul to describe workers of any sort – – but next phrase have charge over you in the Lord speaks of elders –

1 Corinthians 16:16 ESV

be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.

Acts 20:28 ESV

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

Give you instruction – preachers and teachers, means to place understanding

Esteem them very highly – ; – because of their work

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1 Timothy 5:17 ESV

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.

II) Deal with little problems – vs.13-14

Live in peace –

Romans 12:18 ESV

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Admonish the unruly – – instruct those against the set pattern

2 Thessalonians 3:10–15 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Encourage the fainthearted (little breath), help the weak (no strength) –

Galatians 6:1–2 ESV

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Patient with all men – – suffer long –

1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

James 1:19 ESV

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

III) Consider your fellow man – v.15

No one repays evil – – revenge belongs to God

Romans 12:19–21 ESV

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Seek that which is good for all men – – the definition of love

1 Corinthians 13:5 ESV

or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

IV) Keep God in your life – vs.16-18

Rejoice always – – important part of Christianity, we should enjoy the path we have chosen

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Pray without ceasing (never lose the habit) – prayer is how we include God in our lives (Rita and I made the commitment to consult with each other when we make a decision to include each other)

In everything give thanks; being thankful to God

V) Be careful in all you do – vs.19-22

Do not quench, do not despise – we tend to make Christianity into a lifeless ritual, and oppose anything “new”, we also are scared of thinking about the active role of the Holy Spirit in our lives

Examine everything – test all things (do not assume right or wrong without examination)

Hold fast to good, abstain from every form (kind) of evil – if it passes the test of scripture, good; if not, bad

The only test that matters is scripture, not what we’ve always done, not the majority, or minority, not what the magazines say, not what other churches do, etc.

Concl: These wise instructions serve to make us very pleasing in the eyes of God and will strengthen this church.