12 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. 14 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. —I Thessalonians 5:12-15

The waiting church is to live out the

The most powerful way for the waiting church to witness to our culture is through

I. Responsibility to leaders 5:12-13

12 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. —I Thessalonians 5:12-13

• A. Appreciation for their work 5:12

  1. Their labor – “great effort and exertion”
  2. Their leadership – “to stand before, preside, lead, direct authoritatively”
  3. Their admonishment – “instruct to correct/change”
     

• B. Appreciation for their person 5:13 (I Corinthians 16:10-11; I Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7,17)

  10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. —I Corinthians 16:10-11
  17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. —I Timothy 5:17
  7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. … 17 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. —Hebrews 13:7, 17

  1. Esteem them highly
     a. Esteem – “to know deeply and respectfully”
     b. Highly – “beyond measure”
  2. Love them – “selfless, sacrificial service for others
     

The waiting church is not to

II. Responsibility to the body 5:14-15

14 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. —I Thessalonians 5:14-15

• A. Spiritual care 5:14

  1. Admonish the idle
  2. Encourage the faint-hearted
  3. Help the weak
  4. Patience with all
     

• B. Spiritual modeling 5:15

  1. Deal biblically with disputes (Romans 12:17-21; Ephesians 4:25-27)

     17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 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.” 20 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. —Romans 12:17-21
     25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. —Ephesians 4:25-27

  2. Seek to do good to all
     

It takes a

Small Group Questions

1. What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.

2. What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.

3. How can we show love and esteem for our leadership?

4. What does it look like to have relationships that are transformed by the Gospel? How would this impact our relationships with believers and unbelievers?

5. Why is it important for every member of a local church to understand that the spiritual well-being of the membership is their responsibility, not just the pastors?