Pastor Appreciation: Respect Those Who Labor Among You
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV)
Always Seek to Do Good to One Another
14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (ESV)
10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (ESV)
Hold Fast to What Is Good!
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (ESV)
“Rejoice always” because of:
- God’s righteous character
- Christ’s redemptive work
- The Holy Spirit
- Our spiritual blessings
- God’s providence
- Heaven
- Prayer
- God’s Word
- Do life together
- The Gospel
Big Idea: Do good to one another; hold fast to what is good!
A Prayer of Hope
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV)