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Message Notes
“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” —I Thessalonians 5:12-13
How should we respond to our spiritual leaders?
Respect your spiritual leaders.
Esteem them in love.
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” —1 Timothy 5:17
“Be at peace among yourselves.” —I Thessalonians 5:13
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” —Romans 12:18
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” —Ephesians 4:3
How should we act towards one another?
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 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
- Admonish the unruly
- Encourage the fainthearted
- Be patient with everyone
- Refuse to retaliate when mistreated.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” —Matthew 5:43-44
“But always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.” —1 Thessalonians 5:15
How should we honor God?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Rejoice always.
Praying without ceasing.
“The only way to have a heart full of authentic joy is to have a heart that’s free of the overwhelming burdens of life – that is, a heart that prays.” —Chuck Swindoll
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6-7
Develop a grateful spirit.
Don’t quench the Holy Spirit.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” —Matthew 7:15
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” —1 John 4:1
“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. How do you test the spirits?” —1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
How do you test the spirits?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” —2 Timothy 3:16
- Abstain from every form of evil.
Slide #1
- 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.
Slide #2
- 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!”