Introduction:

     Paul’s letter to the Christians in Thessalonica was drawing to a close.  Recall these Christians had been “in the faith” a year or even less.  In our text, he instructs them as to how to “be at peace among yourselves.”  All who were a part of the body of Christ had a responsibility, for this would not happen by accident.  Several years later Paul exhorts the Christians that they need to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  Ephesians 4:3

 Text:  I Thessalonians 5:12-15

 Body:

  I. Elders Must Be Leaders (Verses 12-13)

     While it is unlikely that this young congregation had elders yet, the application today would be for elders.  Paul mentions three specific areas in which elders must show themselves to be leaders.  This is especially true if peace is to reign in the church.

1. Must Labor – The eldership is a work!  When done scripturally, it is hard work.  The Greek word used means to describe working so hard that one gets exhausted.  “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you.”  I Peter 5:2 A shepherd works hard to care for the flock.  So must elders.  Visiting the members, helping the sick, restoring the fallen, evangelizing the lost, . . . Note Ezekiel 34:1-4
2. Must Lead – “are over you” – The Greek word means one before you, stand in front of you.  The idea is leading! Leading the way!  One must set the example for members to follow.  I Peter 5:1-3 “The congregation will never rise above its leadership.”
3. Must Admonish – This must be in both a positive and a negative sense.  Teach or instruct are very important duties.  Elders are to be teachers.  Also, they must warn those who may harm the flock by their false teachings.  Titus 1:9-11

  II. Every Member Must Respect the Eldership (Verses 12-13)

     This also includes the elders.  Each of them must respect the eldership.  This is essential for peace in the congregation.

1. Must Recognize – Each one must have regard for and respect each elder.  Their authority comes from God.  Acts 20:28
2. Must Esteem in Love – This esteem does not arise because of the elder’s personality, but because of his work.  I Timothy 5:17   When elders carry out their responsibilities as leaders and when members respect and follow them, a God-approved harmonious church will result.

 III. The Unruly Must be Warned (Verse 14a)

     The disorderly is one who breaks rank; one who is out of order; insubordinate, or idle.  This would apply to anyone who steps out of line or does not follow the pattern for Christian living in the New Testament.  The unruly follows his own wants and desires instead of God’s.          Note: Philippians 3:16-17 This would include the following:

1. Those who neglect their duty as Christian soldiers.  We must “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” II Timothy 2;3
2. Those who cause divisions because they teach doctrines contrary to God’s Word.  Romans 16:17-18
3. Those who practice sin are unruly. “He who sins is of the devil. . . “       I John 3:8
4. Gossips, busybodies, and such like – I Timothy 5:13 All of the above keep the congregation from experiencing peace with each other and with God.  Sometimes strong measures must be taken by the elders and the entire church against the unruly to insure peace.  I Timothy 6:3-5

  IV. The Strong Must Help the Weak (Verses 14b-15)

1. Comfort the fainthearted - the fearful, despondent.  ”Strengthen the hands which hang down and the feeble knees . . .” Hebrews 12:12
2. Uphold the weak.  Include the weak in faith.  “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2 Christians care for and support one another.
3. Be patient with all – Be long suffering.  “. . . Is patient in bearing offenses of others; slow to anger; is not easily irritated;”    Ephesians 4:1-2
4. Pursue what is good for all – Vengeance and retaliation are never to be practiced by God’s people.  They belong to God alone.  Romans 12:17-19

 Invitation:

     All of us must endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  This requires effort.  Do you have peace with God?

 Bobby Stafford

August 7, 2011

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