Oct 31, 2021. I Thessalonians 5:12-13

Please click here for the audio and click here for the video of this message. Please click here for a copy of today’s bulletin.

THE HONORABLE LEADER.  I Thessalonians 5:12-13.  10/31/2021.  #14.

I Thessalonians 5:12-13 [New King James Version]

¹² And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

1. Urgent admonitions
   1. Paul uses urge (beseech, admonish) when he wants to stress that something is vital to do or act upon
      1.  Romans 12:1 urges believers to be living sacrifices
      1.  I Corinthians 4:16 after chastising the Cor. for their selfish divisive immaturity, Paul urges them to imitate (mimic) him (mentor to apprentice)
      1.  II Corinthians 2:8 Paul urges the Cor. to receive and accept the repentant sinner and reaffirm their love to him
      1.  II Corinthians 6:1 Paul beseeches the Cor. not to receive the grace of God in vain (must evaluate if they are truly saved or not!)
      1.  II Corinthians 10:1-2 Paul urged the Cor. to submit to his authority since he was bringing God’s Word to them
   1. Paul begins as list of short poignant admonitions to instruct Thess. in proper behavior as he closes the letter
2. Honor your leaders
   1. Paul urges the Thess. to recognize (honor) those who  labor among and over them (church leadership)
      1.  Recognize = lit., to fully acknowledge (epignosko) by familiarity and appreciation
      1.  Fully give distinction and respect to leaders
   1. Godly leaders are a great benefit to the congregation
      1.  I Timothy 3:1-13 fully vetted faithfully serving leaders mentor, correct, and encourage growth in the lives of believers
      1.  Hebrews 13:7, 17 leaders must give an account for the souls of those they lead
         1.  Great responsibility to teach and train
         1.  Leaders counsel, support, correct, lift up in prayer, guide, and comfort the saints
   1. Paul wants the congregation to appreciate and encourage the deacons and elders who watch over their spiritual wellbeing
   1. Paul list 3 functions of the laborers:
      1.  Labor among you (shoulder the work of the Lord side by side with those in the congregation)
         1.  They are not elitist, letting everyone else work while they watch (Matthew 23; Luke 14)
         1.  They set the example as servants
      1.  Labor over you (appoint to direct the Lord’s work and safeguard the flock and ministry)
      1.  Admonish (to warn, challenge to obey)
3. The ministry of admonishment
   1. Human nature is such that we need to be prodded, motivated, and challenged to continue to serve
      1.  Galatians 6:7-10 we often slack off, become weary, and are distracted from our calling
      1.  Leaders are to stay motivated and then to motivate others to faithfulness
   1. Admonishment is a key aspect of advancing the kingdom
      1.  Hebrews 10:19-25 – we are to provoke one another to love and service
      1.  Colossians 1:28 Paul warned (admonished) every man so that he might present them mature in Christ
      1.  Colossians 3:16 admonish one another in psalms, songs, hymns, and spiritual psalms
      1.  Romans 15:14 admonish one another to be full of knowledge (of Christ) and goodness
   1. Admonishment is a difficult calling
      1.  Not an easy task to challenge others to do what is right or to correct others when they are wrong
      1.  Highly regard those who admonish you for the Lord’s sake; love the work that they do for good
   1. Those who obey godly leaders will be at peace (blessed)

Key verse: Hebrews 10:19-25¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.