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Daily Devotion: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-16

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1 Thessalonians 5:12-16    "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour 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. And be at peace among yourselves.  (14)  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  (15)  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  (16)  Rejoice evermore."

As we are coming to the conclusion of this book, Paul is taking these last pages to exhort the people to continue in their walk of faith. He commended them in the first chapter of their "work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." (Chapter 1:3)  He also exhorted them "to possess (their) vessel(s) in sanctification and honour." (Chapter 4:4)  Now he is leaving them with some very specific instructions for their daily walk with Jesus Christ.

Notice these are not reproofs or rebukes; rather they are simple instructions as to how not only the Thessalonians, but we all should live our lives each day.  He begins by strongly encouraging them, and us, to acknowledge those who work among them in bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  In doing this, he is stating the importance of God's Word. Back in Chapter two, Paul had revealed his heart (as well as Timothy, Silas, and all the others), "We were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."  Their hearts were set upon these people. In this study of the book of 1 Thessalonians, it has become so evident to me just how much Paul loved these saints of God. But even more than that, He loved the Lord and the Word of God. Let us be reminded of Paul's humility concerning preaching the Word of God. "We were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel" (Chapter 2:4)  May this be the approach of every God-called man of God.  We have been ALLOWED OF GOD to preach the Word of God.  And may every congregation of God's saints realize the importance and blessing of receiving the Word of God.

We come to the next exhortation of being at peace among ourselves.  This can be somewhat of a problem, if personalities get in the way of worship. But when the focus is to honor Jesus Christ, then peace will flow like a river. Jesus Christ is our peace!  For God's people to be at peace, not only in the church but also in all aspects of life, we must be focused on our precious Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Verse 14 speaks of specifics concerning the responsibility of each church member. Its to be done in both a God-honoring manner and to be uplifting to one another. When all these things are followed, there is rejoicing in the heart and rejoicing among church members.  Worship becomes a time of rejoicing and gladness in the Lord and with one another.  We are glad to see one another, glad to be able to sing praise unto our Lord, and glad to hear the Word of God.  Service unto the Lord becomes a joy in our hearts.  

I pray you are getting a blessing out of this study. I surely am.

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