Rev. David Holwick A
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
January 2, 2000
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
|
I. Integrity counts for something.
A. Ray Stedman's example:
"The most important thing in learning to relate to others
is personal honesty.
Once you learn to fake that, everything else is easy!"
B. One of discouraging aspects of modern life is low ethical
behavior, even in people we look up to.
1) Even in church, many let Jesus down.
a) Adultery, cheating, lying, laziness all abound.
b) The mark of true Christian faith is that it changes
everything you do and say, every area of life.
2) In this final passage, Paul gives practical guidelines on
how to live like a Christian.
II. How to act toward leaders of a church.
A. "Over you" or "in front of you"?
1) Traditional interpretation is "over you."
a) Leaders have domination, hierarchical authority.
2) Egalitarian interpretation is "in front of you."
a) They are in front leading worship.
b) They are not dominating the church members.
c) Jesus gives clear instructions that leaders are to be
servants and not tyrants who are "over" people.
d) The context of this verse shows that the task of the
leader is in large measure that of pastoral care.
The emphasis is not on rank or authority but on the
leader's efforts to help those who follow him.
Bibliotheca Sacra, vol. 144, Jul 87, p. 317
Distinctives of Christian Leadership
by William D. Lawrence
3) Leaders are servants, but humans need structure.
a) The need for leadership and hierarchy cannot be evaded.
b) We just have to always remember to lead like Jesus.
B. Three things members must do regarding leaders:
1) Respect them.
a) Stedman - better, "know them."
b) Be aware of them and do not take them for granted.
c) Many pastors feel used and abused.
Letter from Baptist email circuit, Dec. 6, 1999:
[name of author removed]
After a 2 year interim [where the church had no pastor], a
fine clergywoman followed me as Pastor.
She is single and gave her full attention to the ministry
of the church.
Another segment of the "clergy killers" in the congregation
have pushed her out.
The problem makers pushing me out of the pastorate and
American Baptist ministry have won again; catered to by
ABC leadership afraid to confront blatant abusers.
I have seen more people leave churches because members do not
look to the Bible as the guide for Christ-like behavior.
Power and Control freaks leave no room for God and the power
of the Holy Spirit.
2) Hold them in highest regard in love.
a) Value them and their work.
1> Express it in a practical manner.
2> Worthy of double honor. 1 Timothy 5:17
b) My churches have always respected me and shown me love.
1> Pastor Appreciation month showers us with attention.
2> One family is even re-caning our dining room chairs!
3> People drop stuff off for us.
4> Best of all - encouragement and friendship.
A> It all makes a big difference.
3) Live in peace with each other.
a) Context deals with leadership issue, but applies to
everyone. [and hints they didn't always have peace]
b) Don't create factions based on personalities.
c) Don't play favorites and attack others.
d) Only criticize if you can back it up with two or three
witnesses.
C. Three reasons for this care of leaders.
1) They work hard among you.
a) Contrary to expectations it is more than one day a week.
b) Difficulties pastors run into...
2) Leaders are sent by the Lord. "in the Lord"
3) They admonish you.
a) Involves instructing and inspiring.
III. How to live with other believers. 5:14
A. Special behavior toward three distinct types of people:
1) The idle.
a) In Thessalonica, those who had quit working because
Jesus was supposed to come back so soon.
b) They were sponging off of others.
c) Warn them - they cannot keep doing this.
Possible to change people with words? (No, Jesus can)
Manager talking to Alice in cubicle...
"Alice, I've been asked to counsel you about your
abuse of co-workers.
"The theory is that I can alter your personality by
talking to you.
"If you feel a tingle, that's probably your DNA
changing."
Dilbert Dec 18, 1999
2) The timid.
a) Literally, "small souled" people.
1> Inadequate and ungifted.
2> They feel they are not part of body of Christ.
b) Encourage them. All Christians have something to offer.
3) The weak.
a) In Romans 14, those who don't know much about the faith
and have not gotten rid of old baggage.
b) Paul says give them extra help.
1> An encouraging phone call.
2> Patient instruction.
B. Three special attitudes are required.
1) Be patient with everyone.
a) The willingness to keep trying over and over again.
2) Make sure no one pays back wrong for wrong.
a) You do not strike back but "turn other cheek."
b) Even if they hurt you when you tried to help them.
3) Be kind to everyone.
a) Continually try to make a situation better.
b) Be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
IV. How to live God's way, in any circumstance he puts you.
A. Be joyful always.
1) Don't let things get you down but have a positive attitude.
2) Christians have an inner resource.
a) As in James 1:2, we consider it joy when we face trials.
b) Don't say, "What have I done to deserve this?"
c) Rejoice because it will turn out good for you.
B. Pray continually.
1) Draw on the inner strength that God provides.
2) Even if everyone else fails you, God is still there.
C. Give thanks in all circumstances.
1) When facing a trial you have an opportunity to glorify God.
2) This is God's will for you...
a) The will of God is not a dramatic display of power.
b) It is the quiet response you make to the daily trials
and circumstances in which you find yourself.
c) No combination of happenings can be termed "bad" for
a Christian because God is constantly watching over
us. (Rom 8:28)
d) We need to recognize that what seem to be aggravations
are but a temporary part of a larger plan for our
spiritual well-being.
=======================================================================
This sermon borrows heavily - very heavily - from a sermon by Rev. Ray
Stedman called, "Living Christianly," in his "Studies in First Thessa-
lonians" series, message #8, catalog #4096, preached on January 31, 1988.
=======================================================================
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
Created with the Freeware Edition of HelpNDoc: Full featured multi-format Help generator