What Relationships Should Look Like in the Church

What Relationships Should Look Like in the Church 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 November 8, 2020 The Big Idea: Jesus’ saving work should transform everything about us. In his continuing instruction on sanctification (the Holy Spirit’s internal work of making us holy), Paul describes the radical nature and characteristics of Christ-centered relationships in the Church. 2. The Church Leaders Do These 3 Things “labor” among the people è strive, toil, work, struggle to the point of absolute fatigue Those who “are over you in the Lord” è lead the church o Elders don’t ask for their positions, they are chosen by God and recognized by the church. “admonish” when needed è counsel; correct; exhort o Verbal correction with the idea of getting someone back on the right path 1 Thessalonians 5 (ESV) We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 12 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 14 IN A CHRIST-HONORING CHURCH 1. The Church Members Do These 3 Things “respect” è the word is really “know” them. When you know a man, you can then acknowledge him for what God called him to be and do. “esteem them very highly in love” è value who they are and what they do; appreciate their calling, gifts, service “Be at peace among yourselves” è refuse to create unrest; never participate in factions 3. Everyone Does These 5 Things - Please note that these responsibilities are put on all in the church, not just the pastors! admonish the idle, fundamental sense of “undisciplined, irresponsible, disorderly” encourage the fainthearted, includes worried, discouraged, fearful, inadequate, lacking in confidence, despondent, sad, and weak. help the weak, è lit. “the small-souled” “support, supply, help,” or even “defend,” while the “weakness” can involve moral temptation, spiritual shortcomings, physical weakness, or economic need. be patient with them all. è a part of the expression of the fruit of the Spirit This is the willingness to keep trying with another person. Peace must be pursued, chased after, and repeatedly practiced in our lives and relationships. Seek the good of all è first, by refusing to strike back Echoes of Romans 12:17-21