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.