One of the themes in the book of Thessalonians is about the rapture that Jesus Christ will get us as He comes back (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). At that coming day we will behold the Lord Jesus face to face. As of now, while we are still waiting for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the Lord Jesus, the question now is what is church supposed to be like? What should be the testimony of the church as waiting for soon coming back of Jesus Christ. As we are waiting for the coming of the Lord, what is our reputation as a church? As we wait for Jesus coming back to get us, what is the reputation that we want to have as a church? As we wait for soon return of Jesus Christ to get us, what is the church proper attitude towards leadership? How the people of God treat the leaders of their local church? That is the main subject that Paul addresses in these final verses of I Thessalonians 5.

PROPOSITION: WHILE WE ARE WAITING FOR THE SOON RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST TO GET US, WE AS THE CHURCH NEED TO MAINTAIN PROPER ATTITUDES TOWARD LEADERSHIP AND TOWARD EACH OTHER.

God wants to maintain three specific areas in the church as we wait for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Three areas in the church God wants us to maintain while waiting for the return of Jesus Christ:

(We will just discuss the two areas on this sermon, and the third areas we will discuss on the next coming sermon)

I – MAINTAIN PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARD LEADERSHIP – v.12-13

We can observe in this epistle that God requests His people in the church to maintain proper attitudes toward leadership.

Although there are things here that God will demand here this proper attitude towards leadership is requested by God. It is not good for every leaders of the church to go around and demand that his people in the church must have the proper attitude toward them, but request for proper attitude of his people for them is perfectly fits to it. Requesting not demanding.

Most of those who came to faith in Jesus Christ and got saved at the same time when the apostle Paul first went and preached the Gospel of salvation in Acts 17:4. During that time of evangelization there was “great multitude” of Jews, Greeks, and leading women who responded to the gospel salvation. Therefore, what we have are people who are newly converted as believers who just newly got saved through faith in Christ at the same time. There were leaders who were selected out of that group. God in His sovereignty had chosen certain men to lead this Thessalonian church and some of the people who had not been chosen as leaders had that feeling that were belittled, insignificant or have no value. Imagine, one person who got saved on the same day as another person, then eventually one became a leader and the other one was not a leader. There is so much confusion and opposition in the Thessalonian church which had been so lately planted by Apostle Paul. Did you see the problem situation? That causes problem in the church. Moreover, those men who are chosen leaders had not received more theological training than the other people. They all had been involved in the same intense teachings that had been given them by the Apostle Paul. So, are you now vividly seeing the problem situation in this church? It is no wonder that there should be several disorders within the church. Besides there is the possibility that some people in this church of Thessalonica do not have proper attitude toward leadership whom in charged in the church overseeing, instructing, directing, and admonishing them particularly the regulating of other public worship. The apostle Paul, therefore, exhorts them to a due regard to these, I Thessalonians 5:12-13 on which Paul concludes his epistle to the Thessalonians by giving them practical directions.

When it comes to leadership in the church, we should all be aware of the reality that every leader differs in various ways from other leaders of the church; that some leaders seem to gain more affection than other leaders. Some leaders are seemingly more loveable and admirable that other leaders. Some leaders seem to manifest the firmness, honesty and sincerity with the qualities of humble leader more than other leaders. But never forget that all leaders are to be biblical and respectable and if they are that kind of leaders, they should and must have the respect of believers in the church. The flock of God should demonstrate proper attitudes toward leaders.

Three proper attitudes toward leadership that we need to maintain:

A. Recognize proper church leadership - v.12

I Thessalonians 5:12 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;”

I Tesalonica 5:12 “Subalit hinihiling namin sa inyo, mga kapatid, na inyong igalang ang mga nagpapagal sa inyo, at namumuno sa inyo sa Panginoon at nagtuturo sa inyo; FILIPINO VERSION

The word “Beseech” or “request” (NASB); or “ask” (ESV) or “urge” (NKJV) means "exhort" in 1 Thessalonians 5:14; and here in verse 12, "we beseech," as a personal favour of the Apostle Paul (Paul is making the cause of the Thessalonian presbyters his own).

Paul is requesting, urging, or asking that God’s people are to know and appreciate proper church leadership.

What are those things that we need to recognize in order for us to have a proper attitude toward leadership?

1. Recognize those who labour among you – v.12a

I Thessalonians 5:12 “to know them which labour among you”

I Tesalonica 5:12 “na inyong kilalanin ang nangagpapagal sa inyo” FILIPINO VERSION

The word “know” in Greek (ειδεναι) eidenai means to know, remember, appreciate. The word was translated “respect” (ESV); “recognize” (NKJV) “acknowledge” NLT; “appreciate” (NASB). The word “appreciate” is perhaps not the best translation of the word. The Greek word (ειδεναι) eidenai means to visually look at someone and recognize him as a leader. The clear implication of this word is that the leaders will be at the services, ministering where you can see them doing their duties and responsibilities as God called man.

The words “to know them,” means to act kindly towards them; acknowledge them as the messengers of Christ; and treat them with tenderness and respect. This is a frequent meaning of the word “know him” it was used for Jesus Christ in (John 1:10 “…and the world was made by him, and the world knew Him not”). Christian brethren here, are urged to know them or respect them as ministers in the church.

The reasons for knowing, recognizing, respecting, appreciating leaders are described by the three present tense participles. The action must be continual action as indicated because it is in the present tense. Don’t just respect them not if you are only in good mood, not because you are not been hit by the truth preached from the pulpit. It is a continual action, “to know them.” Not only one time but in all season.

There must be structured leadership and legitimate spiritual gifts to have a true church of God. People in the church must first got saved through repentance from sins and faith toward Jesus Christ to have the solid foundation and then by the grace of God, He called them and enabled some of these young men to become particularly leaders and teachers of the church of God. It is only through the will of God, that God saves them then used them as leaders in the church. These ministers did not put themselves in the ministry, it is not their self-ambition, neither own plans, but it is only God who called them in the office. Biblical leadership have the right structural leadership.

No officers and ministers are mentioned in this epistle, but verse 12 implies that the Church had leaders. The ministers of the gospel are described by the work of their office, which is to serve and honour the Lord.

The words “to know them.” Regarding who were they is not mentioned. However, it is evident that the church was not left by some who pioneered or by some church planter like Paul without appointed persons to minister to that certain church when its founder should be away. We know that there were presbyters ordained over the church at Ephesus (Acts 20:7), and over the churches in Crete (Titus 1:5), and also there were bishops and deacons at Philippi (Philippians 1:1), and there is always strong reason to believe that similar officers would be appointed in every newly organized church like the Thessalonians church.

There were novice ministers in Thessalonian church being newly planted, which may result for the people treating them with less respect. (I Timothy 3:6“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”). Paul's practice was to ordain elders in every church soon after its establishment (Acts 14:23“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”).

The word “Know” means to have respect for their office as God called man: So, people in the church must treat the Pastors accordingly (I Corinthians 16:16-18“That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. ¹⁷I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. ¹⁸For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.”) and treat them with reverence and liberality in supplying their needs (1 Timothy 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”).

The word “know” means this Thessalonian believers were not to make themselves strangers to them, not to be cold and distant toward them, not to be ignorant or have callus of their needs and not to be indifferent as without concern to them. Church members in the church are not obstrusively to intermeddle with the duties and responsibilities of a minister, yet there are things regarding the minister or leader with which they should be acquainted. The church should seek and desires to be personally acquainted with their Pastor or leader of the church, and make him their confidant and counselor in their spiritual problems. Church members should seek the minister’s friendship, and determined to maintain all proper contact with him. Church members should not regard the minister as a distant man, or like a stranger among them. Church member so far understand his circumstances as to know what to do to make their leader comfortable and they should be readily and cheerfully provide what he needs. The text says “know” or regard the man of God as their spiritual teacher and overseer; not to be someone who is a stranger to the place where he preaches the Word of truth, the Holy Word of God. They must not listen to minister’s admonition, correction, and reproofs like treating them as a stranger, but they must listen to their Pastor with an open heart and mind like as a Pastor and friend.

After we biblically learned that we it was requested to “know”, “recognize”, “respect” or “appreciate” those God called man in the office of the Bishop, and now the next is why?

Knowing them is hardly to be limited either to the sense of recognizing their position by not ignoring them or to the sense of being on good terms of communication, in dealing with them. The Greek word indicates “appreciation” (NASB) or “respect” (ESV) “recognize” (NKJV) so these brethren Thessalonians are bidden or urge to acquaint themselves thoroughly with the presbyter and his work, and to be determined or have an effort to understand the bishop teaching and to value his example. The logical connection of verse 12 with the preceding verse 11 is that the main endeavors to “edify” brethren were made by the presbytery and the command to “edify one another” involves the command to accept edification through challenging, strengthening, encouraging, motivating preaching of the Word of God.

There was rule in the church as there should be rule in the church now; that when the apostle Paul speaks of this individual edification, this instruction to edify one another, it does not forget to notice those were the pastors of the flock as God instrument for edification. That is one reason why Paul says, “Know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.” Amen!

The phrase “which labour among you,” shows that the ministry at Thessalonica was a ministry of service. it seems that the words have appeared as expressing for those ministers who had laboured among them as clearly stated it is the participle of the present tense. That is not referring to labouring among fellow church members of the flock. Both the words “them which labour among you” and the word the superintendents, refer to persons who were actually employed in the work of God. “Them which labour among you” were all admonishers, teachers, and instructors of the people of God in the church, who devotes their time and talents to this important work.

We do not have reason to suppose like what many believed that the Apostle Paul here referring to different classes of ministers. Actually, when Paul had said “which labour among you”, he rather refers to different parts of the work in ministries which the same ministers perform. Notice, first is, that they “labor” which means evidently, he labor in preaching the gospel. In order for us to use the word “labour”, please look at John 4:36-38 “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. ³⁷And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. ³⁸I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.”, the word “labour” occurs twice; I Corinthians 15:10 “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” I Corinthians 16:16 “That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.” The word “labour” is properly expressing weariness toil, and implies that the office of preaching of the Word demands someone must be industrious constantly (palagi). Laboring for the preaching of the gospel to the Lost and laboring for the exhortation, edification and building the faith of the believers in Christ through preaching of the Word of God.

Being a leader in a church is an honorable work, but it is also hard work. Now the word “labour” (G2872 kopiōntas “κοπιῶντας”) means to work hard to the point of growing tired and weary. Church leadership is draining and at times it is fatiguing. Paul urged “to know them which labour among you,” this is a command to enter into the spirit of ecclesiastical discipline. The persons that Paul is referring here are not simply the hard-working laity, contrasted with the idlers of I Thessalonians 4:11 and II Thessalonians 3:11, but Paul refers to those who performed the laborious office of the bishop. Beware of idleness, laziness, in the work of ministering the Word of God, and tending the flocks of God. Every leader who faithfully performs his leadership responsibilities confirms that reality. It is not just having physical things to do but it is facing that spiritual war. It requires honest work and hard work.

There are times when the minister call and conduct meetings with some trusted team leaders and workers in different task and responsibilities in the church, but there is some negligence of duty that had done and some responsible people have abandoned their assigned ministries and some did not care anymore if their responsibilities are going on and still operating. Plus, those hearers and church goers that attend the worship services without intention and desires for the precious milk of the Word, no cares to themselves to grow, plus those long-time attendees who used to just sit down for long years doing nothing but busy living like the world. Plus, those disobedient, worldly compromising, rebellious members, lukewarm attendees, and many more. This burden truly adds weight of fatiguing, tiring, weariness to the work of preaching and teaching of the Word. But those ministers or Pastors who faithfully stick to it and patiently labor are worthy to be recognized, respected and appreciated as leader of the church.

  - - Continuation - Part 2 - -November 7, 2021

2. Recognize who are over you in the Lord. – v.12b

I Thessalonians 5:12 “and are over you in the Lord,”

I Tesalonica 5:12 “at nangamumuno sa inyo sa Panginoon” FILIPINO VERSION

The words are clear “are over you in the Lord,” They are not over you in every area of your personal life. This is important because cult leaders try to get charge over every area of a person’s life including their financial and material through their so-called prosperity gospel approach, mental blindness to the truth, and sexual life being abused. That is not biblical leadership; that is satanic deception and abuse of power of darkness.

There are two senses in which the ministers are “over you.” The presbytery are not only organizers, managers of the corporate affairs of the Church, but he is also spiritual guides to give practical advice to individual Christians. Hear them therefore, and obey them (Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves”). Don’t act as you are “over them” or you are dictating, demanding your Pastor of what you want to do, just because you give lots of your money to support the church, or just because you have prominent personality in the community or because you have a high level of position in your employer.

Notice the phrase “in the Lord.” The charge for the leaders is over you “in the Lord.” Everything must be connected to the Lord and the Word, that is why the leaders are to be recognized as being over you in the Lord. Put in mind, that it is only “in the Lord” that the presbytery is over men, that is, over in spiritual matters. The minister’s rulership or presidency “over you” is not in worldly affairs, but in things appertaining to the Lord.

There is a God-ordained leadership in church life. The words “are over you” or “have charge over you” (NASB) means to have charge in the sense of presiding over, ruling, governing, directing, and maintaining. It is the minister’s responsibility to watch over the flock as a leader and see to it that it is protected and moving in a biblical direction.

Faithful and true ministers of God are concerned about the accurate preaching of the Holy Scriptures, concern of the church that must be Christ-centered, and spirit-led, must also cares for the people of God’s spiritual growth. Overseer’s job is to see the development in the Lord.

Notice, Paul’ statement “and are over you in the Lord,” that is, by the appointment of the Lord, or under the Lord’s direction. The minister of God or those God called man of God are not absolute sovereigns, but this church of Thessalonians members subject to the one who rules over them, none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Interestingly, the word used here “are over you” in Greek (προΐσταμένους proistamenous). It is translated “ruleth” in Romans 12:8 “he that ruleth, with diligence.” The duty of this man of God is not only to give good counsel, but also to warn the flock of dangers, and reprove for whatever may be amiss.

The words “are over you in the Lord,” is the primitive idea of the priest in the Church: the man that Paul is referring here is not a member of a sacerdotal caste (priest class order), that is ministering to an outer unbelieving world or unbelieving religious group, but Paul here is referring to a person as a superior officer in a spiritual society consisting of nothing but refers to all believers in Christ as priests (Revelation 1:6 “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father;”), where the right reading is “made us a kingdom of priests.”. Did you get the very important point on this? It is specially interesting to notice how much power and privilege is given to the presbytery in this earliest writing of the New Testament, and how carefully the Apostle Paul seems to have organized the churches he planted, and especially at the very foundation of those newly found churches like the Thessalonian church.

3. Recognize those who admonish you – v.12c

I Thessalonians 5:12 “and admonish you;”

I Tesalonica 5:12 “at nangagpapaalaala sa inyo;” FILIPINO VERSION

The Greek word [nouthetountas (G3560)] used here is rendered “admonish,” and “admonished,” in Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16; I Thessalonians 5:12; II Thessalonians 3:15 and also rendered “warn” and “warning” in I Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28; I Thessalonians 5:14. That word “admonish” does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. The word means, to put in mind; and then to warn, entreat, exhort. These things are a part of the duty of a minister to put his people in mind of the truth; to warn his people of danger; to exhort his people to perform their duty; to admonish his people if they go astray.

The word “admonish” (KJV; ESV; NKJV or “instruction” (NASB) is very important and very interesting word that means to exhort by challenging a person’s mind and reason. The word “admonish” emphasizes that the true leadership is working continually to challenge the mind of the hearers with the truth of God and the Word of God. Therefore, the leader’s responsibility in the church is to instruct the believers about the Word of God so that the minds of the church members are repented from sins, renewed in the spirit, rejoiced in his salvation, refresh in the Scriptures, revived in service, and restored in stand.

Giving and challenging people of God through God’s Word is the kind of leadership that is to be appreciated, to be recognized to be respected. Listen, when a man stands up in his pulpit and give excuses that says, “I did not have time to prepare because of…” or sometimes a man stands up in the pulpit and shares some personal stories or tells jokes or stands up in his pulpit and some ministers shares some things that everybody already knows, that is not the kind of instructor or admonisher that should not be worthy to be recognized and respected and appreciated. People of God should not bother themselves to get in their car and take time of their lives, if their mind is not going to be challenged and encouraged and motivated to something from God’s Word.

The God called man was given a gift by God to be able to teach what God wants Him to teach to the church. When Paul wrote his epistle to young Pastor Timothy, he says in I Timothy 5:17 “they who labour in the word and doctrine.” Or translated “those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” NASB; “those who labor in preaching and teaching.” ESV

We must therefore assume, that the minister or church leader or Pastor is gifted by God so he is able to give the admonition or instruction as God leads him.

Let us always put in our mind that this is not arbitrary or unreasonable authority, but gentle, though faithful, admonition (2 Timothy 2:14 “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.”; 2 Timothy 2:24-25 “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men”, ²⁵In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves”; 1 Peter 5:3 “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.”). You are in danger, and these ministers are appointed and directed by God to rebuke and warn you of the dangers in your life, so they admonish you.

The word “admonish” or “instruction” would open the eyes of many because it clearly indicates that whenever we go to church, we should go with an expectation that our mind is going to be challenged and motivated by an accurate preaching and teaching of the God’s Word. The main concern of those preachers of the Word is not to attack anybody in the church but the build their faith, and revive those dying cold heart, renew the spirit, and to lead those disobedient, and self-centered Christians to repent of their sins and go back to their first love, Jesus Christ. Do not misinterpret and hate, if the preachers hit you with bullseye in your heart, for it is the loving and omniscient God who speaks in your heart, who know you more than you know yourself, who knows what is the best for you more than you know what is better for you. God is using and leading those who labor for the Word and doctrine, and faithfully preaches the Word no matter what. The main concern of the faithful minister of the Word is to faithfully preach the whole counsel of God.

If we read all the statements of verse 12 it says again “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” Why? The bible tells us in Hebrews 13:17 “for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…”

This exhortation in verse 12 is primarily founded on three considerations:

1. Ministers labour in the word and doctrine. – “which labour among you”; I Timothy 5:17

2. Ministers are over you and they stand before you in the Lord – “and are over you in the Lord”

3. Ministers admonish you in the Lord – “and admonish you”

These are not three classes, but only one, as in Greek there is one article common to the three.

1. “Labour among you” – expresses their laborious life

2. “are over you” – expresses their pre-eminence as superintendents

(“bishops” that is overseers – Philippians 1:1)

(“them which have the rule over you” – Hebrews 13:17 [proistamenous (G4291), that is leaders])

(“pastors” – Ephesians 4:11)

3. “admonish you” expresses their duty being warner, exhorter, encourager

B. Esteem proper church leadership – v.13a

I Thessalonians 5:13a “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.”

I Tesalonica 5:13a “at lubos ninyo silang igalang na may pag-ibig dahil sa kanilang gawain.” FILIPINO VERSION

The words “esteem them very highly in love.” The original here is difficult; but it seems best, with most good ancient and modern commentators, to presuppose “in love” with “esteem,” and to make “very highly” (a very enthusiastic word in the Greek) an expletive attached to “in love,” implying “hold in a most extraordinary degree of love.” The word “esteem” means to make a mental calculation. The adverb “highly” (υπερεκπερισσου) means to make a mental calculation of considering someone at an above the norm way. God wants faithful leaders in the church to be calculated by his flock at a super-abundant, above measure way. The phrase “Very highly,” [huperekperissou (G5228)] that means 'exceeding abundantly.' God wants faithful leaders esteemed and loved. However, Paul is very careful to qualify the perimeters of this calculation. They are to be loved highly because of the leadership work they are doing the under-shepherd responsibility in watching over the flock and instructing the flock, which is the body of Christ, the church.

The bond which binds the Christian community to their church leaders or overseers is not to be one of “recognition” and obedience only (1 Thessalonians 5:12), but of holy affection above all. Leadership is to be highly considered or calculated highly and deeply loved.

The words “esteem them very highly.” Literally, more than abundantly, in love. The inexpressible sympathy between true ministers or Pastors and their flock is intimated, not only in this verse, but also in various other portion of this epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians (I Thessalonians 2:7-8 “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: ⁸So being affectionately desirous of you, 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.”).

When Paul says, “them” this refers to those God called man, who preaches the whole truth, and labour in the Word and doctrine (I Timothy 5:17), they are entitled to more than respect.

Some ministers or Pastors are esteemed for the wrong reasons. Some statements that we heard from some people in the church that says, “Oh, our Pastor is a nice guy, a pro family man, a good dresser, he loves to travel, he is musical inclined and can play the piano, guitar and organ excellently, he is friendly with the teens and youth, is funny man and everyone enjoys happy moment, and he is so personable to deal with.” Of course, there is nothing wrong with any of those comments and statements, except for one thing, that is not the reason why a leader should be highly esteemed. The Bible is clear, a leader should be esteemed highly in love because of his work as he labors hard in teaching and preaching of the Word and admonishing each believer. But how are we to esteem those ministers who do not work at all?

Notice again the words, “And to esteem them very highly in love.” It means to cherish for them an affectionate regard. The office of a bishop demands respect. They who are faithful in that office have a right to claim on high regards from their fellowmen. The nature of the office of the bishop requires to do good to others in the church, and there is no benefactor who should be treated with more affectionate regard than he as God’s instrument who determined to save us from ruin and to impart to us the consolations of the gospel when we are in sorrow and difficulties of life and also to bring us and our families to heaven.

The apostle Paul commands the Thessalonians to be esteemed “υπερεκπερισσου”, (G5228 - hyperekperissou) abundantly, and superabundantly; and this is to be done in love. As people of God in the church delight to serve those whom they love, and it is necessary that these brethren should provide that for these church leaders, and see that these ministers want neither the necessaries nor conveniences of life. We do not say comforts, although these also should be furnished; but, regarding these the genuine messengers of Christ are frequently destitute. However, the ministers of God in the church should have food, raiment, and lodging for themselves and their family. These God called men ought to have for their work’s sake, those who do not work should not eat (II Thessalonians 3:10). The ministers of Christ are not unworthy either of respect or support “for their work’s sake.”

While a good person is providing for his household, he should sometimes cast a glance on his minister, and make an estimate on the status and needs of his family. If the people in the church will combined their efforts, the God called man as ministers should have food and raiment. If the man of God, be a studious servant, perhaps he suffers for want of books, which he can neither borrow nor buy and if acquired will impart sufficient wisdom and knowledge that he might share to those whom he ministered to. These things must be provided “for their work’s sake.”

The words “for their work’s sake,” is not primarily as a personal matter of the minister, or on Pastor’s own account, no, but on the account of the work of God in which they are called and put them by God in the ministry. The work in the ministry whose only tendency, when rightly performed is to do good. It is a work injures no man, but it is a work that could contribute to the happiness of everybody. A man of God who sincerely devotes himself to such a work has a right to claim on the kind of respect from his fellow men. For their work's sake it is the principal ground of their vast regard for their leaders. That prepositional phrase “for their work’s sake” or “because of their work” (NASB; ESV) (δια το εργον) gives us an idea of specific work of biblical leadership. The specific work of the minister is seeing to it that the church is moving in direction where the church is carefully and accurately instructed in the Word of God. That kind of leadership is to be esteemed and loved.

We support them out of love not because of social influence or of intelligence ability they possessed in themselves but for their work’s sake. It is the work of God which the ministers have to do that should attract our sympathy. The original in Greek text seems to mean that we are to love them, not only because they perform such work, but also “for the sake of their work,” means to help the work to move forward in a way to give glory to God.

Think of the high nature of the work alone, and think of the furtherance of our salvation and welfare of the kingdom of Christ, these things should give us sufficient motive to claim our reverential love for the ministers that God is using. The term “for the work’s sake” teaches every minister that while they are claiming the reverence due to their office, it is not a sinecure, but is a “work” or “labour” that leads to weariness and fatigue.

C. Believers must be at peace concerning leadership – v.13b

I Thessalonians 5:13b “And be at peace among yourselves.”

I Tesalonica 5:13b “Magkaroon kayo ng kapayapaan sa isa't isa.” FILIPINO VERSION

Proper attitudes toward leadership and peace among the flock is definitely connected and inseparable. To have peace among people of God in a church, there must be leadership. You cannot allow every time that everybody doing and saying what they want. There must be some type of authority in the church of God.

Notice the last part of verse 13, “be at peace among yourselves.” How can a church prosper if it is not having peace among themselves? Having “peace among yourselves” is the discipline to be observed towards equals, as well as superiors. The word “and” is not in the original text. Let there not only be peace between ministers and their flocks, but also there must be peace in rivalry of parties among themselves, that is when one contending in behalf of one favorite minister, another contending in behalf of another favorite minister ((Mark 9:50; I Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 4:6; II Corinthians 13:11). Ministers and members of the true church must be at peace concerning leadership.

 - - - Continuation on - Part 3 - - -November 14, 2021

Three areas in the church that God wants us to maintain while waiting for the return of Jesus Christ:

The second area is…

II - MAINTAIN PROPER RELATIONSHIPS WITH ALL MEN – v.14-15

I Thessalonians 5:14-15 "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. ¹⁵See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

I Tesalonica 5:14-15 "Mga kapatid, aming isinasamo sa inyo, na inyong pangaralan ang mga tamad, palakasin ang mahihinang-loob, alalayan ang mga mahihina, at maging matiisin kayo sa lahat. ¹⁵Tiyakin ninyo na ang sinuman ay huwag gumanti ng masama sa masama, kundi lagi ninyong naisin ang mabuti para sa isa't isa at sa lahat.” FILIPINO VERSION

We read in the opening of verse 14, “Now” it is rather “and” than now.

The word “exhort” translated in other versions “urge” (NASB; ESV) is stronger than the word “request.” The word here “exhort” that is “beseech.” This is an exhortation to “warn” [noutheteite (G3560); "admonish," as in verse 12.

The word “brethren”, not only referring to those Pastors and rulers, but also to those who are private members of the church. This earnest entreaty is evidently addressed to the whole church, and not to the ministers of the Gospel only. The duties here enjoined are such as pertain to all Christians in their appropriate spheres, and should not be left to be performed by ministers only. Although, it seems that the writer turns to the presbytery, and explain their duty in the administration of discipline to the flock. The flock will be more apt to receive the discipline when they see with what apostolic authority their pastors are armed.

There are three different classes of people enumerated here who are needed of our special attention because they are part of the church. The first class of people mentioned is disorderly.

A. Be an Admonisher of the unruly – v.14a

I Thessalonians 5:14a “warn them that are unruly,”

I Tesalonica 5:14a “na inyong pangaralan ang mga tamad,” FILIPINO VERSION

The words “warn them,” as we have said previously that this is the same word in verse 12 that is rendered “admonish” (KJV) and selected for that very reason. The word “admonish” (NASB; ESV) is the word that means to challenge a person’s mind with the truth of God. It is the duty of every church member, as well as of the ministers of the gospel, to gently and patiently admonish or stimulate each other’s minds with true biblical knowledge those unruly, whom they know to be living contrary to the requirements of the gospel. One reason why there is so little piety in the church, and why so many professing who go astray, is, that the great volume of church members feels no responsibility on this subject of warning fellow church members. They suppose that it is the duty only of the officers of the church like Pastors and deacons to admonish an erring brother, and hence many become careless and cold and worldly, and no one is sincerely caring to utters a kind word to rebuke them, to recall them, to return to a holy walk with God. Part of the responsibility of the flock is to put in the minds of those getting out of line the need for them to get back into line. Now one of the big problems in Thessalonica is that some of the people refused to get jobs and work and become busy bodies, and walk disorderly for they are just expecting and excited for return of Jesus (II Thessalonians 3:6, 11, 14-15). Part of the job of the church is to challenge one who refuses to work that and that church member is out of line.

Paul said, “them that are unruly,” in Greek [ἄτακτος - ataktous (G814)] that is disorderly, refers to a person not keeping the ranks like of soldiers. The unruly or disorderly refers to those insubordinates in discipline or those who violate or meddle good discipline like those soldiers who leave their ranks (I Thessalonians 4:11). The whole phraseology of this verse is military for it is a military term. This refers to them that stand as it were out of their ranks in the spiritual warfare, and are neither in a disposition nor situation to perform the work and duty of a soldier. This expresses the character of soldiers who break their ranks, deserts their posts, or will not know their colors, and therefore cannot perform their duty as soldiers or will not do the work prescribed because they neglect the proper duty of their office or station, and they will meddle with what is not commanded. There are many such in every Church that is needed important attention. The reference here is to the members of the church who were irregular in their Christian walk. Many people of God in a church are like an army where half the soldiers are out of the line; where there is entire insubordination in the ranks, and where not half of them could be depended on for efficient service. Indeed, an army would accomplish little if a large proportion of it were irregular, idle, remiss, or pursuing their own aims to the neglect of the countrymen and his country, likewise there are members of the church who can never be depended on in accomplishing the great purpose for which it church was organized.

The disorderly are probably those who had abandoned their regular ways of life and even would not work, because of fanatical expectations and excitement of the second coming of Christ (II Thessalonians 3:11 “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”). This admonition is an insistence upon the maintenance of discipline to them that are unruly or those who walks disorderly.

There are three different classes of people enumerated here who are needed of our special attention because they are part of the church. The second class of people mentioned is the faint-hearted.

B. Be an Encourager of the faith – v.14b

I Thessalonians 5:14b “comfort the feebleminded,”

I Tesalonica 5:14b “palakasin ang mahihinang-loob,” FILIPINO VERSION

Paul continues, “comfort the feebleminded,” The original expression ολιγοψυχους, [oligopsuchous (G3642)]: ready to sink 'without hope' in bereavements. Whose courage and resolution are ready to fail them under the difficulties they meet with. The “feebleminded” refers literally to and properly means those of little souls, such as have no spiritual courage; the faint-hearted who are weak and little and small in their emotions, faith and development; those who are on the eve of a battle, and because of the number of the enemy, and their own feeble and unprovided state, so they are dispirited, disheartened, and downcast. These people do not have strong emotions, strong minds, or strong faith. They are discouraged and timid. Such persons, as were overburdened with sorrow for the dead, or afraid of the persecutions, or the like. Let us tell them so they would know that the battle is not theirs, but the Lord’s and that those who trust in God shall conquer and become victorious.

To “comfort the feebleminded” is also the duty of each church member. There are brethren in Christ in the church who almost always are in dispirited condition, they try all their effort to do good but they are opposed so become disheartened, they engage in battling with their spiritual foes but are almost overcome, they try to walk and wear the shades to be spiritual but find no comfort. These feebleminded needs comfort to feel that they are not alone. They need encouragement. There are some people in the church who need more encouragement than others. Part of the job of the flock is to spot those people and encourage them. Every Christian, especially those who has same conflicts and has triumphed, and those who has been long in the service of their King and Master, they may be valuable for those who are now struggling in the midst of many embarrassments along the Christian way. Those who has that experience should help a weak and sinking brother, he should make his own experience the efficacy in his trials and conflicts in life, the means of sustaining others especially the faint-hearted in their struggles. How can we imagine critical situation of a child borne down rapid stream, and there is no one who would not reach out his hand to save that child drowning? Yet, how often, long time experienced and strong men in the Christian faith which is the property of the church, guilty of pass by those who are struggling in the deep waters where the proud waves have come over their souls.

There are three different classes of people enumerated here who are needed of our special attention because they are part of the church. The third class of people mentioned is the weak.

C. Be a helper of the weak – v.14c

I Thessalonians 5:14c “support the weak”

I Tesalonica 5:14c “alalayan ang mga mahihina” FILIPINO VERSION

The word “support” [antechesthe (G472)] - lay fast hold on or keep hold firmly of them, to hold out against so they don’t fall down, to help them on, to support. The word “support” is translated “help” (ESV, NASB), and “uphold” (NKJV).

The person that we need to support are the brethren who are the infirm, whether in soul or body. We may assume, in view of verse 23, this could refer to body, soul or spirit. However, this seems primarily refers to those who are spiritually “weak”. Those who are weak don’t have the strength they need to stand on their own. They need some help. Paul practiced what he preached (1 Corinthians 9:22 “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak:”). The “weak” are not quite the same as the “feebleminded,” but based from Romans 14:1 “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations,” the weak rather are those who have not attained the robust common sense and breadth of conscience which distinguish or see the difference between truths and superstitions, necessities and expediencies; or this weak refers to those who are not yet ripe enough Christians to be sure of standing in persecution and trials. Let us put in our mind that these Thessalonians are newly converted believers in Christ, they were saved at the same time when Paul evangelize in their areas. They are weak for they are young Christians. Believers are weak because they lack knowledge of God’s Word, because they lack courage, because they are legalists who don’t use their liberty in Christ. Some are weak and can’t endure persecution or criticism or fiery trials, some are weak in controlling their bodily appetites or mental impulses.

Paul says, “support the weak,” shore up, prop up them that are weak. Like a bird, we need to strengthen their wings that are likely to be most exposed, that they be not overloaded and broken in the day of battle. Support the weak as in Romans 15:1 “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Stronger believers are to help hold up the weaker believers. Whatever the weakness, whether spiritually, physically, emotionally or mentally, we are called to help, to uphold and to give support. We must bear another’s burden and forbearing one another.

In the second areas of our proper attitude toward leadership and brethren relationship is to maintain proper relationships with the brethren stated in verse 14-15 which we need to admonish the unruly, to encourage or comfort the feebleminded and the support the weak but we also need to.

     - - Continuation on - Part 4 - -November 14, 2021

D. Be patient toward all men – v.14d

I Thessalonians 5:14d “be patient toward all men.”

I Tesalonica 5:14d “at maging matiisin kayo sa lahat.” FILIPINO VERSION

The phrase “Be patient toward all,” [makrothumeite (G3114), the opposite of oxuthumein].

Paul exhorts, “be patient toward all men.”. All the church members who were enumerated by Paul namely the disorderly, feeble minded and the weak, will exercise your patience, and try your temper. Example, if the soldiers become irregular, and cannot in every respect be returned to proper order and discipline, let not the ministers or even church members lose their temper nor courage. Let the Pastors and every brethren in the church do the best they can to be patient and God will be with them, and a victory will give confidence to their troops. We have often seen that the Christian life is compared to a warfare, and that the directions given to soldiers are in proportion; allowing for the different systems, suitable to Christians. This subject being patient toward all men has been largely treated by Paul in his epistle on Ephesians 6. The ministers of Christ, the Pastors should acquaint themselves with their duty. The Pastors, or overseers of the church who has the direction and management of a Church of God will need all the skill and prudence he can get.

The words, “Be patient toward all men” explained in I Corinthians 13:4 “Charity suffereth long”; Ephesians 4:2 “with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.”; Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,”; Colossians 3:12 “Put on therefore, as the elect of God,..longsuffering.”

Paul says, “toward all”. There is no believer who needs not long suffering (I Corinthians 13:4) so patience is to be exercised “toward” him. There is none to whom a believer ought not to show patience or longsuffering. Many believers, many church members show patience or longsuffering more to strangers than to their own families, show it to the great than to the humble, but the bible says we ought to show longsuffering or be patient “toward all men”. We are to patiently give each other time to respond and adjust. Let us compare the longsuffering of our Lord Jesus Christ in II Corinthians 10:1 “I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ”; II Peter 3:15 “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation,” We likewise, must be long-suffering, and keep down anger, and this to all men like Jesus Christ. Think for a moment the patience God demonstrates toward every one of us. Whatever man do to us, we must do good to others. Being patient toward all men means bearing with the weaknesses of the children of God, and exercising meekness and gentleness even toward the perverse, obstinate, and ungrateful. In any dealing with anyone, we need patience. Church leaders including all church members are not to be rendered impatient by the defects, errors, weakness, stupidity, unbelief of any one, catholic, heretic, or heathen.

This is what Paul exhorts to this church of Thessalonians “be patient toward all men.” Any church that will be honorable when Jesus Christ returns has to have this quality.

E. Be sure you do not render evil for evil – v. 15a

I Thessalonians 5:15a “See that none render evil for evil unto any man;”

I Tesalonica 5:15a “Tiyakin ninyo na ang sinuman ay huwag gumanti ng masama sa masama,” FILIPINO VERSION

Paul said, “See that,” This exhortation has been given also to those who have the authority to oversee the Church in (Acts 19:28; 1 Peter 5:2).

The words “See that none,” that means to watch over both yourselves and each other, and whatever injury any of you may have received, whether from professed friends or from avowed enemies, there should not retaliation of evil for evil.

Please think of this phrase “See that none render evil for evil.” Every temper contrary to love is contrary to Christianity. A peevish, fretful, vindictive man may be a child of Satan; that man certainly is not a child of God.

We are commanded not to pay back evil for evil. We can see Matthew 5:39 “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”, Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”. The meaning here is, that we are not to take vengeance (Romans 12:17 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men"; Romans 12:19 “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”). We observed that this law is positive, and is universally binding. The moment we feel ourselves acting from a desire to “return evil for evil,” that moment ourselves are acting wrong. It may be right to defend our lives and the lives of our friends, family and relatives; to seek the protection of the law for our persons, reputation, or property, against those who would wrong us; to the assaults of calumniators and slanderers, but we must see to it that our motive is not to do wrong because of the evil which the wrong doers had done to us. Like the prohibition of fornication, getting away from revenge is practically a new thought for Greeks, among whom feuds were frequent and undying. (Romans 1:31 “Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:”; Titus 3:3 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”)

The man of the devil returns evil for good, and the man of men returns good for good, evil for evil, but the man of God returns good for evil (Romans 12:17 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men"; I Peter 3:9 "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing." Whatever man do to us, we must do good to all men.

Notice Paul says “unto any man” means we are not to take vengeance, whether unto a Christian or a pagan who do some evil against us, however the provocation is great.

There are at least six several retaliatory options in view of return of Jesus Christ:

1. We can be thankless - paying back nothing to those who do good for us.

2. We do not retaliate – paying back nothing to those who do evil against us.

3. We retaliate evil – paying back evil to those who do good for us.

4. We retaliate normally – paying back good to those who do good for us.

5. We retaliate legally – paying back evil to those who do evil for us. (Getting even. One of the strongest impulses we all have. This is the mentality of eye for an eye).

6. We retaliate remarkably – paying back good to those who do evil for us. (This is the Christian that will be rewarded when Christ returns).

F. Be follower that which is good – v.15b

I Thessalonians 5:15b “but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

I Tesalonica 5:15b “kundi lagi ninyong naisin ang mabuti para sa isa't isa at sa lahat.” FILIPINO VERSION

The Apostle Paul says, “follow,” as a matter of earnest pursuit.

Then Paul refers to, “that which is good” that which is kind (1 Thessalonians 3:6 “But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:”); which is benevolent, kind, just, generous (Romans 12:20-21 “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”). This duty is to be “followed,” made a goal to be pursued eagerly, “toward all men.” There is not one standard of morals towards the brethren and another towards the world. When we “follow that which is good” we need to do it resolutely and perseveringly. You may profit your brethren and your neighbors, whether Jews or Gentiles, when you follow that which is good.

The word “good” – means that which is for the good of others.

The last phrase says, “and to all men.” This is not exempting your enemies and persecutors. The phrase “to all men,” does not refer exclusively to the number of brethren in the church, but it has reference in avenging injuries might be allowable also toward their enemies outside of the church. Therefore, Paul is saying that the rule in following that which is good is universal. It relates and includes the pagan, the infidels, sceptics, and persecutors, as well as to the members of the church. In other words, Paul is saying to every man we are to do good as we are able, no matter what they do to us. To follow that which is good toward all men is the rule which God Himself observes toward the evil and unthankful (Matthew 5:44-45 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; ⁴⁵That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”), and is one of the original and beautiful laws of our Christianity and holy relationship with God

Our aim as Christians is to always pursue and follow that which is good toward all men, with both believers and unbelievers. We should avoid ourselves to be involved that which is bad or evil with others.

Let us meditate for a moment about the good deeds that our Lord Jesus has done for us especially at the cross of Calvary to show His love for us and pay all our sins and redeem us from the curse of the law, forgiven our iniquities and then promised us eternal life in spite of our evil deeds as sinners. Now, Jesus Christ is coming back to get us, and while we are waiting for His soon return, what is our reputation as a Church of God? When Jesus comes back, we will behold Him face to face, what He would say unto us, how do we exercise proper attitudes towards church leaders and how’s our attitude toward all men? All of us as Christians have some duty to do in our proper attitudes toward leadership and our personal attitudes toward our brethren relationship and toward all men. Amen!