EVERY COMMAND PAUL GIVES IS CONNECTED IN SOME WAY TO RELATIONSHIP
- HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND TO OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS?
- HOW SHOULD WE ACT TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER?
- HOW SHOULD WE HONOR GOD?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 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.
1) HOW WE RESPOND TO OUR SPIRITUAL LEADERS?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 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.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 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.
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
2) HOW WE ACT TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER?
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 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.
Paul gives 5 basic commands to their relationships:
- Admonish the idle
- Encourage the fainthearted
- Help the weak
- Be patient with everyone
- Refuse to retaliate when mistreated
Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor z and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
- HOW SHOULD WE HONOR GOD?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Rejoice always
- Pray without ceasing
- Develop a grateful spirit
- Do not quench the Spirit and do not treat prophecies with contempt
- Abstain from every form of evil
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
Final notes:
- Respect your spiritual leaders
- Esteem them in love
- Be at peace among yourselves
- Admonish the unruly
- Encourage the fainthearted
- Help the weak
- Be patient with everyone
- Refuse to retaliate when mistreated
- Always seek to do good to one another and to everyone
- Rejoice always.
- Praying without ceasing.
- Have a grateful spirit.
- Don’t quench the Holy Spirit.
- Do not despise prophecies.
- Hold fast to what is good.
- Abstain from every form of evil.
A – Excellent – “I could mentor others in this area.”
B – Above Average – “Room for improvement, but doing well and making progress.”
C – Average – “Not completely healthy in this area.”
D – Below Average – “This needs attention in my life.”
F – Terrible – “I need to repent!”