And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and who are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
If you are attending a church, where the pastor is all about teaching the whole counsel of God’s Word, then this word of exhortation is for you. Paul, a man chosen by God, a man who at one time was a persecutor of the early church, yet now is recognizing, or in this case, teaching others to recognize the efforts of their pastor teachers in their church’s. That they ought to esteem them very highly in love, as they learn to know them well enough to appreciate and value their labor in first knowing, then teaching them sound doctrine. The work of Pastors can be summarized by three character traits: 1st.) Laboring in the Word of God, both to know it’s content, but also to know to whom it is being addressed to, and finally to make others understand their need of it in their own lives. 2nd) Overseeing—Literally standing before the congregation and leading them forward in righteousness both in word and deed. And 3rd.) Admonishing — To instruct in truth the whole counsel of God’s Word, from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, all of the Bible is to be taught, and adhered to it’s warnings, as well as to it’s promises. The church body is to think rightly about their pastor teachers, not because of charm or by their personalities, but because God has chosen and ordained them to feed His sheep, and it’s their obedience to God by the congregation to submit to his authority, since he too, is under submission to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. And which will also promote peace among it’s members. Paul, wrote this epistle to show how the pastors are to serve the people and show the Christian how to respond to their pastors. Because there will be unruly members, The Lord showed through Paul’s admonishing that they are to be warned and taught to be submissive to the authority of God’s Word. The fainthearted must be encouraged to remain steadfast in Christ. The weak, those without spiritual or moral strength, must be held up firmly in prayer. These acts should be promoting patience, forgiveness, and good works between all the body of believer’s.
Beloved friend, Paul has written for us a summary of the Christian virtues to provide solid foundations not just for the early church, but for us as well. Always pursue what is good, for others first, then yourselves. You will be a influencial member of your church that is about glorifying God the Father, through Christ our Lord, and the Holy Spirit working in you!
May the Lord bless your walk with Him.
Ron I know you didn’t write this with yourself I’m mind but you are that man! I can’t tell you how blessed we are to be the recipients of your labor in the word every day. I can tell it’s a labor of Love and the perfect fit for your gifting. Thank you for employing it the way you do!!!
John
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