Returning to Ancient Paths: Living Righteously Together

Summary

Today’s gathering was a call to return to the “ancient paths”—to seek out what is good, to walk in it, and to find rest for our souls, as Jeremiah 6:16 urges. In a world that mirrors the bustling, progressive, and often distracted city of Thessalonica, we are reminded that our calling is to live righteously while we wait for Christ’s return. The culture around us may be wealthy, busy, and ever-changing, but our identity and purpose are rooted in Christ, not in the shifting sands of society.

We reflected on the early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, especially as we shared the Lord’s Supper. This tradition is not just a ritual, but a living reminder of Christ’s sacrifice—His body broken and His blood shed for our forgiveness. It is a call to examine ourselves, to come to the table with humility, gratitude, and a spirit of reconciliation with God and one another.

Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 was at the heart of our time together. The church is called to warn the idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. These are not mere suggestions, but urgent, up-close confrontations meant to motivate us to action. Exhortation is about loving one another enough to challenge, encourage, and even confront when necessary, so that we all grow in Christlikeness.

We are not to be idle or passive in our faith. Every believer is called to serve, to use their gifts, and to be productive in the body of Christ. Comforting the discouraged and helping the weak are not optional; they are essential to the life of the church. We are to move from idleness to activity, from discouragement to courage, and from weakness to strength—always together, always patient, always pursuing what is good.

Finally, we are reminded not to repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good. Our love for one another should be deep and unending, honoring each other and living at peace as far as it depends on us. In all things, we are to pursue what is good, to exhort one another, and to be the church Christ has called us to be—active, loving, and set apart for His glory.

Key Takeaways

- Exhortation Is a Loving Confrontation for Growth
True exhortation is not just encouragement, but a loving, up-close confrontation that motivates us to action. It means holding each other accountable, challenging one another to live out our faith with passion and conviction. This kind of exhortation is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity, and it reflects a deep love for the body of Christ. [01:06:31]

- Idleness Is Spiritual Danger—Every Believer Has a Calling
There is no room for laziness or passivity in the Christian life. Each believer is called to serve, to use their gifts, and to contribute to the life of the church. Idleness is a form of idolatry, and we are called to repent of it, rise from our pews, and become active producers of good fruit for God’s kingdom. [01:13:39]

- Comforting the Discouraged and Helping the Weak Is Essential
The church must be a place where the discouraged are comforted and the weak are lifted up. This requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to come alongside those who are struggling. Sometimes the answer is not easy, but the presence and encouragement of a brother or sister in Christ can be the very means God uses to restore hope and strength. [01:18:12]

- Patience and Pursuing Good Over Evil Mark the Christian Life
Patience with one another, especially as we grow and struggle, is a fruit of the Spirit and a mark of true Christian community. We are called to “see to it” that we do not repay evil for evil, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. This is not weakness, but strength—choosing to overcome evil with good, even when it is difficult. [01:21:49]

- Deep, Enduring Love and Honor Within the Church
Our love for one another should be without hypocrisy and should go deeper than surface-level kindness. We are to outdo one another in showing honor, to dig endlessly into loving our brothers and sisters, and to live at peace as far as it depends on us. This kind of love is the evidence of Christ at work in us and is essential for a healthy, vibrant church. [01:23:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:06] - Baptism Announcements & Vision Conference
[16:40] - Church Purpose and Pillars of Success
[18:53] - Ministry Updates and Greetings
[26:36] - Missionary Focus and Prayer
[28:17] - Psalm 23 Reading & Offertory
[53:10] - The Lord’s Supper: Remembering Christ
[55:51] - Communion and Reflection
[58:08] - The Cup of the New Covenant
[01:01:00] - Living Righteously in a Modern Culture
[01:04:34] - Paul’s Exhortations to the Church
[01:09:20] - Called to Action: No Idleness
[01:14:51] - Comforting the Discouraged
[01:18:12] - Helping the Weak and Restoring Strength
[01:20:13] - Patience and Pursuing Good
[01:23:57] - Deep Love and Honor in the Church
[01:30:31] - Responding to God’s Call
[01:35:41] - Welcoming New Members
[01:37:41] - Prayer for Healing and Farewells
[01:41:09] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Returning to the Ancient Paths

---

### Bible Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (ESV)
> And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
> Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

Romans 12:9-10, 17-21 (ESV)
> Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor... Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

---

### Observation Questions

1. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15, what four specific instructions does Paul give to the church about how to treat one another?
2. According to Jeremiah 6:16, what does God promise to those who seek out and walk in the “ancient paths”?
3. In Romans 12:9-10, what does Paul say about the kind of love we should have for one another?
4. The sermon described the city of Thessalonica as wealthy, busy, and distracted. How did this context shape Paul’s instructions to the church? [[01:01:00]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul puts such a strong emphasis on exhortation—“up-close confrontation”—rather than just encouragement? How does this reflect love within the church? [[01:06:31]]
2. The sermon said, “Idleness is a form of idolatry.” What does that mean, and why is idleness spiritually dangerous for believers? [[01:13:39]]
3. Why is comforting the discouraged and helping the weak described as “essential” and not optional for the church? What might happen if the church neglects these responsibilities? [[01:18:12]]
4. According to Romans 12 and 1 Thessalonians 5, what does it look like to “overcome evil with good” in real life? Why is this so challenging? [[01:21:49]]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to move from being “pew sitters” to active producers of good fruit. What is one area in your life or in the church where you have been idle? What is one step you can take this week to serve or get involved? [[01:13:39]]
2. Think of a time when you were discouraged or weak. Did someone in the church come alongside you? How did that impact you? Is there someone you know right now who needs comfort or help, and what could you do for them this week? [[01:18:12]]
3. The sermon described exhortation as “loving confrontation.” Is there someone in your life who needs you to lovingly challenge or encourage them to grow in Christ? How can you do this in a way that is both truthful and loving? [[01:06:31]]
4. Are there situations where you have been tempted to “repay evil for evil” or hold a grudge? What would it look like for you to “overcome evil with good” in that relationship? [[01:21:49]]
5. The early church was devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Which of these do you find most challenging to practice regularly? What is one practical way you can grow in this area? [[53:10]]
6. The sermon called us to “outdo one another in showing honor.” Who in your church or life could you intentionally honor or thank this week? How will you do it? [[01:23:57]]
7. The culture around us is busy, wealthy, and always changing. What is one way you can keep your identity and purpose rooted in Christ instead of being shaped by the world? [[01:01:00]]

---

Close in prayer, asking God to help you walk in the ancient paths, to serve actively, to comfort and help others, and to love deeply and genuinely as Christ has loved us.

Devotional

Day 1: Seek the Ancient Paths and Find Rest
God calls His people to pause, reflect, and intentionally seek out the ancient, godly paths that lead to what is good, promising rest for those who choose His way. In a world full of distractions and new trends, it is easy to lose sight of the tried and true ways of faithfulness, obedience, and trust in God. The invitation is to stand at the crossroads, ask for the ancient paths, and walk in them, knowing that God’s ways bring true peace and rest to our souls. [00:10]

Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

Reflection: What is one “ancient path” of faith—such as prayer, Scripture reading, or gathering with believers—that you need to intentionally return to this week to find rest for your soul?

Day 2: Live Righteously While Awaiting Christ’s Return
Believers are called to live set apart from the culture, pursuing righteousness and Christlikeness as they await the return of Jesus, rather than blending in or becoming complacent. In a world much like Thessalonica—prosperous, busy, and often at odds with godly values—followers of Jesus are exhorted to look different, to forgive, to love, to be kind, and to be generous. This is not about perfection, but about daily striving to reflect Jesus, producing good fruit and resisting the pull to be idle or to mirror the world’s ways. [01:02:02]

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (ESV)
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you most need to stand apart from the culture and intentionally pursue Christlike righteousness today?

Day 3: Comfort the Discouraged and Help the Weak
The church is called to be a place where the discouraged are comforted and the weak are lifted up, moving one another from despair to courage and from weakness to strength through genuine support and prayer. Life’s hardships can leave anyone feeling frightened, discouraged, or defeated, but God’s design is for His people to come alongside each other, offering encouragement, practical help, and the reminder that with God, all things are possible—even when it doesn’t feel easy. [01:18:12]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Reflection: Who in your church family or circle is discouraged or struggling right now, and how can you intentionally reach out to comfort or support them this week?

Day 4: Conquer Evil with Good and Pursue Peace
Followers of Christ are not to repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good, striving to live at peace with everyone and to honor others deeply, even when wronged or hurt. This radical way of living—detesting evil, clinging to what is good, and leaving vengeance to God—sets believers apart and reflects the heart of Jesus, who calls His people to love without hypocrisy and to outdo one another in showing honor. [01:23:18]

Romans 12:9-10, 17-19, 21 (ESV)
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you or whom you find difficult to love—how can you take a concrete step to honor or do good to them this week?

Day 5: Every Believer Is Called to Serve and Not Be Idle
There is no room for idleness in the Christian life; every believer is called, gifted, and purposed to serve God and others, using their unique abilities to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom. Whether through prayer, acts of service, encouragement, or generosity, each person has a vital role, and the church flourishes when everyone moves from being a “pew sitter” to an active participant in God’s work. [01:13:39]

Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can step out of idleness and actively serve in your church or community this week, using the gifts God has given you?

Quotes

We need to live righteously while we wait on the return of Jesus Christ. So I know, who wants Jesus to come back? Alright, I want Jesus to come back. Guess what? It doesn't matter what we think about that. We will have no influence over that at all. You can say, Jesus, I want you to come now. Okay. Until the Father says it, it ain't happening. So here's the deal. Then what should we do? We live righteously. We keep doing the right things. We keep believing. [01:01:21]

Every single one of you in here, me included, we set ourselves apart from the culture to live for Christ. We should not look like the culture. Unless the culture looks like Christ, which here's a newsflash for you. It doesn't. So we need to look like Christ. We need his righteousness. We need his ways and we need to live them truly in our lives now. [01:02:19]

Are you forgiving? Are you loving? Are you loving? Are you loving? Are you kind? Come on, sister. Are you generous? Are you trying to look more like Jesus each day? If you aren't, you're not living righteously. [01:02:48]

Bad fruit versus good fruit. Are you disgruntled in your spirit? Are you angry? Are you unforgiving? Is there resentment? Is there jealousy? Is there all these things that are unreconciled with God? Then you're not living righteously. Go ahead, say well. Look, let that hit you right between the eyes. Let a two-by-four just hit you right now in the head. [01:03:11]

Exhortation means up-close confrontation to motivate. Ever seen a football coach? When I was at Kent State University, I would see Coach Martin grab somebody by the football helmet and go, son, he would say some other adjectives. I told you to run that play. We've gone over it a thousand times. Why didn't you do it? And then the guy would usually find himself on the bench. You do what God tells you to do. You get in each other's face if you need to. You get up in them. It's not to be ugly or to put somebody down. It's like, dude, you got to do this. You got to be serious about your faith. [01:05:42]

Exhortation implies an expectation. Exhortation implies an expectation. Yeah. So part of the problem is I know that many pastors don't expect, I actually expect you to do things. [01:06:55]

We should all have this driven passion to serve God without compromise. Listen, we should all be energizer bunnies. [01:08:30]

God never called you to be comfortable. God called you to live in danger in a culture that would reject you. In a church, by the way, Jesus talks about wolves in sheep's clothing. Jesus talks about persecution and trials and tribulations. Prisonment. Go to Hebrews. People got their head cut off. People were martyred. People were eaten by lions. Go sign up for that and sell that for Christianity. [01:09:20]

Don't be idle. Don't be lazy. There should be no such thing as a lazy Christian, and there's no such thing as a retired Christian. You can retire when you get to heaven. [01:10:37]

If you're sitting in the pew, and that's all you do, that's idle. I know, I just lost about half of you, didn't I? 62% of you serve in some ministry. You're like, how does he know that? We're going to talk about that tonight, the vision conference. [01:12:13]

Every person in here is a minister, and every minister has a ministry. Every one of us. It never stops. We're not to be idle. We're not to be lazy. [01:12:31]

Do you know your spiritual gifts? Do you know your calling? Calling is not just for pastor. Pastor, you are called to something. What is it you're called to? If you're lazy, will you repent today? If you're a bench warmer, pew sitter, will you get up out of the pew and do something? Will you start to serve the Lord with passion? No idol, because idol is idolatry. [01:13:36]

We are to comfort those who are discouraged. And the word discouraged there actually means frightened. I'm afraid to live. I'm afraid to do what I should live my faith by. But listen, throughout scriptures, the one word that's used more than almost any other word is fear not. Fear not. Do not be afraid. Be brave. Be courageous. [01:15:30]

We are to help comfort one another in time of need. So if you're in here today and you're discouraged, I asked you to raise your hand. I'm going to ask you to raise your hand and keep it up. Got a couple people around the side, up front. Got somebody over here, somebody over here, somebody in the middle. Oh, Phil, we're going to have to exhort you later on, brother. Yes. Yes. Yes. All right. Look at those hands. And I want us to pray for those people right now. [01:16:09]

We are to encourage those. We are to help the weak. We are to lift up one another. Has anybody messed up this week? Raise your hand. If you don't have your hand down, I'm going to come get you and exhort you right now. Now, I'm going to get some up-close personal time with PC. [01:17:23]

When we mess up, we pick each other up. We don't beat each other down. Now, we hold each other accountable. I want to make sure we understand this. Your weakness that's self-inflicted might be brought upon yourself. I still have sympathy for you, but you need to get your act together. You need to walk like Jesus. [01:17:55]

Sometimes we need a brother or sister come alongside and say, I'm here with you. I'm here for you. I'm here to help you. I know you're struggling. Thank you for sharing that with me. Now, how can I help you and be there for your brother or sister in Christ that is broken and weak and restore them so that they can become strong again? [01:18:46]

Notice in all of this that he's talking about, Paul is wanting them to move from idle to activity, productivity, right? He's wanting them to move from discouragement to good courage. And he's wanting them to move from this place of weakness where they're just down to a place of strength. We are never to settle for weakness, idleness, or discouragement. That's not how God's called you to live, Christian. [01:19:06]

We are not to fight evil with evil. We are to fight evil with good. Say that again. We're to fight evil with good. [01:22:07]

We should not be spiteful people. We should not be vengeful people. We should not wish ill on any person. We should desire to work alongside each other like the Scripture just told us to do and exhort each other. [01:22:39]

If you're in here and you're a Christian and you're not clinging to good and you're not detesting the evil, something's wrong. Love one another deeply. I don't know how deep, but deeply. To me, I think he's meaning without end. Dig a hole that never ends. Keep loving more. Love deeply as brothers and sisters. [01:23:19]

There is no end to our love for one another in this room. Period. We will keep digging and digging and digging and digging and digging and going deeper and deeper in our love for one another. [01:23:57]

If you're not living this out, are you really a Christian? Just sit in that for a minute. This should be natural for us. If God has replaced that old man with this new man, these things should be happening. These things should be coming. Now, it doesn't mean we're not going to mess up. [01:25:09]

Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good. So, God's word tells us, always pursue what is good. Always pursue these things that God has asked us to do in Thessalonica, but also in Romans, and all the fruit of the Spirit, and all the things that God's called us to live by. May we live by what is good. [01:27:44]

People will do ungodly things, people will do evil things, and people will pursue evil instead of good or God. Don't let that be you. I said don't let that be you. Amen? Make sure you're pursuing the things of God. [01:28:07]

You and I are called to live differently. You and I are called to live like Christ. You and I are called to bear the good fruit. You and I are called to be different than the world. Listen, the world's got all that stuff. Just go listen to the news. It's nauseating. Just go look at what people do to each other. We should not be like that. Amen? [01:28:36]

In the church, we exhort each other to be all that Christ has called us to be. We should have these expectations. We should confront people with exhortation to do the right things. I'm going to say that again. We should confront each other with exhortation to make sure that we're doing the good, right things with God. [01:28:58]

I exhort you, church, be productive, not idle. Be encouraging, not discouraging. Be uplifting to those that are weak so that they can be strong. Pursue good always. And that is what the church in Thessalonica was called to do. And that is what the church in Thessalonians is called to do. And guess what? That's what you're called to do. [01:29:22]

Chatbot

What does living righteously while waiting for Jesus entail?

How should Christians respond to evil and conflict?

What is the significance of the Lord's Supper tradition?