Walking With Jesus VIII.
“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and 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.” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Introduction and Context
Welcome to Part VIII of our Walking With Jesus conversations. Remember that the Epistles, as they are called, were letters Paul wrote to new churches in Gentile (non-Jewish people) nations. The purpose of all these letters was to serve to show the will of God. Those can be summarised as follows:
- To help the new and established Christians understand what they had experienced in their surrender to Christ
- Helping them stand firm in their newfound faith
- Teaching things concerning the end of the world and the afterlife
- Expectations Christ has of His church.
- Lessons on the Holy Spirit
What Paul taught in these and other scriptures regarding doctrine, corrections, and rebukes to the church of that era also applies to us today through the principle of Apostolic Succession. As Jesus chose the 12 and commissioned them, even so, He has called many today who provide continuity by succession in the church. In the 5th chapter of the second letter to the Thessalonican church, Paul, as he dials down towards closure, touches on something often overlooked in our day. He urges the followers of Jesus to “recognize those who labor amongst them.” Those who are called to labor are ensuring the Church’s continuation under the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
In verses 14-15, he instructs how the unruly, fainthearted, and weak should be handled.
“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 5:14-15 NKJV
Guided Conversations
Scripture Text: Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5:12-28. Discuss your findings using the questions in this sub-section:
- What came to mind as you were reading both passages? Did any verse or sets of verses stick out to you? What do you feel the Holy Spirit pointing out to you?
- How are those who labor in the church to be recognized? Why do you think this is important? 1 Thess. 5:12-13
- Describe in your own words from 1 Thess. 5:14-15 what an unruly, fainthearted, and weak member in a church setting looks like. What is our responsibility towards each of these categories? Read also for context: Romans 16:17, Galatians 6:2, 1 Cor. 10:31-33
- 1 Thess. 5:27-28. Discuss why you think Paul charged the church elders to read the epistle to everyone in the church publicly. What benefits, if any, do you see with this approach? Would it be a good idea to have a public Bible reading session during a Sunday service? What are your thoughts?
Summary and Conclusion
The Scriptures were written to give us a full experience of Christ’s life and comfort and hope in this world. Read Romans 15:4. Old and New Testament books all point inadvertently to Jesus Christ. The Lord Himself made a point of this truth in His discourse with headstrong Jews in John 5:39:
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
John 5:39 NKJV
Read the Scriptures and meditate on them, and you will find life. Pay attention when they are read to the whole church. The Word is Jesus!
“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.”
1 Thess. 5:27-28 NKJV
If we find Him in the Scriptures, we will receive from Him, be refreshed by His life, and have full joy.
Prayer Time
- Are there any Praise Reports or Prayer Requests to share?
- Give thanks for 2025 and prophesy amazing things over this year for the Church and yourself.
- Pray for strength, wisdom, and spiritual protection from the darts of the evil one for those who serve as leaders in Joy Fountain and other churches.
- Pray for revival in Joy Fountain Church in our City, Winnipeg, and Manitoba. Habbakuk 3:2
Announcements
- Prayer Summit March 1, 2025, from 12 to 2 pm.
- Next Small Group Meeting March 12, 2025. We continue our conversations, “Walking With Jesus IX”