Attitudes of Respect, Encouragement, and Worship in Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. Today, we conclude our journey through the first letter to the Thessalonians, focusing on Paul's final instructions. Over the past several weeks, we've explored various themes such as joy, genuine ministry, love, perseverance, holiness, and hope. Today, we delve into Paul's closing remarks, which emphasize the importance of our attitudes—towards our leaders, each other, and our corporate worship.
Paul begins by urging the church to respect and acknowledge their leaders, not for their titles but for their hard work, care, and admonishment. He emphasizes that leaders labor tirelessly, carry burdens, and care deeply for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Respecting them in love is crucial for maintaining peace and unity within the church.
Next, Paul addresses the church's attitude towards each other. He calls for mutual encouragement, support for the weak, and patience with everyone. Importantly, he highlights that these responsibilities are not just for the leaders but for the entire congregation. We are all called to warn the idle, encourage the disheartened, and help the weak, fostering a community of mutual care and accountability.
Finally, Paul turns to the church's attitude towards worship. He instructs us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. These actions are to be collective, reflecting a joyful, prayerful, and attentive church. Paul warns against quenching the Spirit and treating prophecies with contempt, urging us to test all things and hold on to what is good. This attentiveness to the Spirit ensures that we remain sensitive to God's guidance and maintain a healthy, vibrant church community.
In closing, Paul prays for the sanctification of the church, asking God to keep our whole spirit, soul, and body blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This prayer serves as a reminder of our ultimate hope and the faithfulness of God, who will accomplish His work in us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Respect for Leaders: Paul emphasizes the importance of respecting church leaders not for their titles but for their hard work, care, and admonishment. Leaders labor tirelessly, carry burdens, and care deeply for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Respecting them in love fosters peace and unity within the church. [01:05:13]
2. Mutual Encouragement: The responsibility of warning the idle, encouraging the disheartened, and helping the weak is not just for the leaders but for the entire congregation. We are all called to foster a community of mutual care and accountability, ensuring that everyone is supported and encouraged in their faith journey. [01:07:10]
3. Joyful Worship: Paul instructs us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. These actions are to be collective, reflecting a joyful, prayerful, and attentive church. Joyful worship, even in hard times, is a powerful testimony of our faith and hope in Jesus Christ. [01:10:18]
4. Attentiveness to the Spirit: Paul warns against quenching the Spirit and treating prophecies with contempt. We are urged to test all things and hold on to what is good. This attentiveness ensures that we remain sensitive to God's guidance and maintain a healthy, vibrant church community. [01:13:04]
5. Sanctification and Hope: Paul's closing prayer for the sanctification of the church serves as a reminder of our ultimate hope and the faithfulness of God. He prays that our whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God will accomplish His work in us. [01:09:49]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[58:08] - Recap of Thessalonians
[01:00:05] - Final Instructions Overview
[01:00:36] - Respect for Leaders
[01:02:30] - Attitude Towards Leaders
[01:03:25] - Personal Reflection on Authority
[01:05:13] - Characteristics of Leaders
[01:07:10] - Attitude Towards Each Other
[01:08:42] - Warning the Idle
[01:09:15] - Attitude Towards Worship
[01:10:18] - Joyful Church
[01:12:01] - Prayerful Church
[01:13:04] - Attentive Church
[01:14:08] - Testing Prophecies
[01:15:27] - Quenching the Spirit
[01:17:51] - Response and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three characteristics Paul uses to describe church leaders in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13? [01:05:13]
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, what responsibilities does Paul assign to the entire congregation, not just the leaders? [01:07:10]
3. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, what three actions does Paul instruct the church to practice continually? [01:09:15]
4. What does Paul mean by "quenching the Spirit" in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, and how does he suggest the church should handle prophecies? [01:13:04]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize respecting church leaders for their hard work and care rather than their titles? How might this approach affect the unity and peace within the church? [01:05:13]
2. How does mutual encouragement and support within the congregation contribute to a healthy church community, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15? [01:07:10]
3. What is the significance of rejoicing always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all circumstances for the church's corporate worship? How do these practices reflect the church's faith and hope in Jesus Christ? [01:10:18]
4. How can the church test prophecies to ensure they are from God, and why is this important for maintaining a vibrant church community? [01:13:04]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your attitude towards church leaders. Do you respect them for their hard work and care, or do you focus more on their titles? How can you show appreciation for their efforts this week? [01:05:13]
2. Think about a time when you were encouraged or supported by someone in the church. How did it impact your faith journey? How can you be a source of encouragement and support for someone else in the congregation this week? [01:07:10]
3. How often do you practice rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to incorporate these practices more consistently, both individually and as part of the church community? [01:10:18]
4. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt the Holy Spirit was being "quenched" in your life or in the church? What changes can you make to be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance? [01:13:04]
5. Paul urges the church to hold on to what is good and reject every kind of evil. Identify one area in your life where you need to let go of something negative and embrace something positive. How can you take a concrete step towards this change? [01:14:08]
6. How do you handle warnings or admonishments from others in the church? Are you open to receiving constructive criticism? What can you do to foster a more receptive and humble attitude? [01:06:13]
7. Reflect on Paul's prayer for the sanctification of the church. How does this prayer inspire you to pursue holiness in your own life? What specific actions can you take to align your spirit, soul, and body with God's will? [01:09:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Respecting Spiritual Leaders
Respect for Leaders
Paul emphasizes the importance of respecting church leaders not for their titles but for their hard work, care, and admonishment. Leaders labor tirelessly, carry burdens, and care deeply for the spiritual well-being of the congregation. Respecting them in love fosters peace and unity within the church. This respect is not about blind obedience but about recognizing the dedication and sacrifices made by those who shepherd the flock. When we honor our leaders, we contribute to a harmonious and effective church community.
Respecting leaders also means supporting them in their ministry. This can be through prayer, encouragement, and practical help. Leaders often face spiritual battles and personal challenges, and knowing that their congregation stands with them can be a tremendous source of strength. As we respect and support our leaders, we create an environment where they can lead with joy and not with a heavy heart. [01:05:13]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV): "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show respect and support to a church leader this week. Can you offer a word of encouragement, a prayer, or practical help?
Day 2: Mutual Encouragement
Fostering a Community of Care
The responsibility of warning the idle, encouraging the disheartened, and helping the weak is not just for the leaders but for the entire congregation. We are all called to foster a community of mutual care and accountability, ensuring that everyone is supported and encouraged in their faith journey. This mutual encouragement helps to build a strong, resilient church where each member feels valued and cared for.
Mutual encouragement involves being attentive to the needs of others and being willing to step in and help. It means being patient with everyone, recognizing that we all have different struggles and challenges. By creating a culture of support and accountability, we help each other grow in faith and maturity. This collective effort strengthens the church and makes it a place where people can thrive spiritually. [01:07:10]
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV): "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
Reflection: Identify someone in your church who may be struggling or feeling disheartened. How can you offer them encouragement and support this week?
Day 3: Joyful Worship
Rejoicing Always
Paul instructs us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. These actions are to be collective, reflecting a joyful, prayerful, and attentive church. Joyful worship, even in hard times, is a powerful testimony of our faith and hope in Jesus Christ. It shows that our joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God.
Joyful worship involves a heart attitude of gratitude and praise. It means finding reasons to rejoice even when life is challenging. This kind of worship is contagious and can uplift the entire congregation. When we come together to worship with joy, we create an atmosphere where God's presence is felt, and His Spirit can move powerfully among us. [01:10:18]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Reflect on a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you choose to rejoice and give thanks in the midst of it?
Day 4: Attentiveness to the Spirit
Testing and Holding On
Paul warns against quenching the Spirit and treating prophecies with contempt. We are urged to test all things and hold on to what is good. This attentiveness ensures that we remain sensitive to God's guidance and maintain a healthy, vibrant church community. Being attentive to the Spirit means being open to His leading and discerning His voice amidst the noise of the world.
Testing all things involves a careful examination of teachings, prophecies, and spiritual experiences. It means holding everything up to the light of Scripture and seeking confirmation from the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we protect the church from false teachings and ensure that we are following God's true guidance. This attentiveness helps us to grow in spiritual maturity and keeps the church aligned with God's will. [01:13:04]
1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV): "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."
Reflection: Think about a recent teaching or prophecy you have heard. Have you tested it against Scripture and sought the Holy Spirit's confirmation? What steps can you take to be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance?
Day 5: Sanctification and Hope
Blameless at His Coming
Paul's closing prayer for the sanctification of the church serves as a reminder of our ultimate hope and the faithfulness of God. He prays that our whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, emphasizing that God will accomplish His work in us. This prayer highlights the importance of living a holy and blameless life as we await Christ's return.
Sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes. It involves a daily commitment to living according to God's standards and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. Our hope is not in our own efforts but in God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in us. This hope gives us the strength to persevere and the assurance that we will be found blameless when Christ returns. [01:09:49]
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV): "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. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
Reflection: Reflect on your own journey of sanctification. What areas of your life need to be more fully surrendered to God's transforming work? How can you actively participate in this process today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Having a bad attitude not only affects your life, but it affects other people as well. And I'm aware that bad attitudes are often formed by bad experiences in life. But your attitude is often a reflection of our character and where we're at in life, and very often directs our life." [01:02:00] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And then I encounter Jesus. He takes his rightful place as the ultimate authority in my life. And guess what happens? Things began to change. It's funny that, isn't it? God began to guide me by his word and his spirit. And guess what else he done? He put people in my life. And guess what else happened? I was able to accept what they were saying to me." [01:04:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all. Hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil." [01:09:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The reason for rejoicing is simple, really, is God's people will receive salvation through Jesus, we have good reason to rejoice. We should always have reverence for God in how we worship him, but it doesn't mean to say it needs to be boring. And Adel's always reminding me of that. Following Jesus is no boring." [01:10:56] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A prayerful church is a powerful church." [01:12:01] (2 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul doesn't describe the leaders in our church by their title, but by three characteristics. Those who work hard amongst them, those who care for them, and those who admonish them. The first one to work hard in the Greek translates to, labor or toil. It describes a leader as someone who carries burdens, who exhausts themselves, and who toils for those that are overseen." [01:05:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you were to ask most church congregations, who's responsible for warning the idle, encouraging the disheartened, and helping the weak, they'd probably say the pastor, the leadership team, the ministry team. But Paul says to the church in Thessalonica that it's everybody. It starts with the leaders, but it spreads into the congregation." [01:07:10] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And when the church was first established in Acts 2 prayer was at the heart of it along with apostles teaching the breaking of bread and the fellowship with one another. And so I want to encourage us this morning to get involved in the prayer meetings there's a prayer meeting on a Monday evening there's a prayer meeting on a Thursday morning a Friday afternoon plus there's one's own zoom in a Monday and Wednesday and Friday morning at half past six." [01:12:01] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to be in a healthy place of no completely dismissing and ignoring prophecy but also testing and measuring it but as we bring it to a close I want to focus on verse 19 do not quench the spirit as I mentioned already this was happening to the church in Thessalonica because how they were treating prophecy but what does it look like for us today at Parkhead Nazarene the word quench means to suppress or stifle it creates this picture of starving a fire of oxygen suppressing it and stifling it." [01:14:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we're to be a church that welcomes the Holy Spirit and is open to the spirit moving in our lives to create a culture of love forgiveness and compassion for each other because as I've already mentioned we can have an impact of how the spirit moves in our church and that really challenges me I'm aware that through my own actions personally I can affect how the spirits at work in my life but it's really challenged me that my actions my attitudes my behaviors can affect how the Holy Spirit moves here as a whole." [01:15:27] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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