The Apostle Paul closes his first letter to a fledgling church with these final exhortations. This letter was written after Timothy returned with mostly good news about their spiritual growth in the Lord. It is full of thanksgiving to God for the faith, love, and hope of the new church. It also contains things he didn’t have time to teach them. It answers their questions about the future resurrection and rapture. And, it contains strong rebukes against sexual immorality and unruliness.
These final exhortations are probably the most compact teaching on godliness to be found anywhere in the Bible. I think I could spend the rest of my life mining the important instructions and trying to implement these principles in my life without ever exhausting this rich vein.
Exhortations to honor leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Individual Christians are exhorted to respect and esteem those who are leading the church. This isn’t a recipe for totalitarianism. This isn’t permission for overlordship. These exhortations are a prescription for peace among yourselves.
But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect [1492 eídō] those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem [2233 hēgéomai] them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 NRSV)
- 1492 eídō (oida)
- Properly, to see with physical eyes (cf. Ro 1:11), as it naturally bridges to the metaphorical sense: perceiving (“mentally seeing”). This is akin to the expressions: “I see what You mean”; “I see what you are saying.” — (“seeing that becomes knowing”) then is a gateway to grasp spiritual truth (reality) from a physical plane
- 2233 hēgéomai (from 71 /ágō, “to lead”)
- (“an official who leads”) carries important responsibility and hence “casts a heavy vote” (influence) – and hence deserve cooperation by those who are led (Heb 13:7; passive, “to esteem/reckon heavily” the person or influence who is leading).
I once knew of a well-meaning, but shallow-minded man, who often taught small Bible studies in his home, and always closed every study by quoting 1 Thessalonians 5:13 from the King James, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour 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.” Don’t be that man. You cannot put yourself over other people. You cannot force people to esteem you. That kind of behavior violates almost every Biblical precept on leadership.
- A form of godliness (show of religion, piety, holiness, outward righteousness)
- Do you have Religious Trauma Syndrome?
On the other hand, it’s easy to honor godly leaders that are described in these verses. They work long and hard, giving appropriate Bible-based (nouthetic) counseling, which accomplishes its purpose. These exhortations should motivate men and women who feel called of God into leadership to aspire to be like this…
Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show your appreciation for those leaders who work [2872 kopiáō] among you and instruct [3560 nouthetéō] you. We ask you to love them and think very highly of them because of the work [2041 érgon] they are doing. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thess 5:12-13 GWT)
- 2872 kopiáō (from 2873 /kópos, “exhausting labor”)
- To labor until worn-out, depleted (exhausted). See 2873 (kopos)
- 3560 nouthetéō (“admonish through instruction”)
- properly, to place the mind, i.e. reasoning with someone by warning (admonishing) them — especially appeals to the mind, supplying doctrinal and spiritual substance (content). This “exerts positive pressure” on someone’s logic (reasoning), i.e. urging them to choose (turn to) God’s best.
- 2041 érgon (from ergō, “to work, accomplish”)
- A work or worker who accomplishes something. 2041 /érgon (“work”) is a deed (action) that carries out (completes) an inner desire (intention, purpose).
Exhortations to warn unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Dear brothers and sisters, the responsibility for the moral condition and growth of a congregation does not rest solely with the leaders. (1 Thes 4:18; 1 Thess 5:11) Paul urged the church, that’s you and me, to handle these situations without dragging pastors, elders, and leaders into the problem. This is consistent with the decision in Acts 6, when seven men who were confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom were appointed to be responsible for the daily distribution of food, so the Apostles could spend time in prayer and teaching the word of God.
Warn those who are (idle, unruly, and disruptive) lazy [813 átaktos] (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
- 812 ataktéō (verb)
- properly, to be out of proper order (arrangement), i.e. breaking rank (disregarding commands, authority). See 813 (ataktos)
- 813 átaktos (an adjective derived from 1 /A “not” and 5021 /tássō, “draw up, arrange”)
- properly, out-of-line (“without order,” M. Vincent); (figuratively) out of God’s appointed (proper) order; unruly, refusing to observe God’s guidelines (live in faith). Accordingly, faith (4102 /pístis) and 813 (átaktos) are directly associated (see 1 Tim 5:12-14)
- 814 atáktōs (adverb)
- properly, disorderly (“breaking rank”); insubordinate to God’s Word and hence fruitless (unproductive) – because lacking proper order (discipline). See 813 (ataktos)
This refers back to 1 Thess 4:9-12 mind your own business work with your own hands (similar to 1 Timothy 5:8 if anyone does not provide for his own household, he has denied the faith)
It builds upon previous paragraph (v.12-13) about honoring leaders, receiving spiritual guidance, showing respect, loving them because of their work, and living peacefully…
- As opposed to 1 Cor 6:6 brother goes to law against another
- As opposed to 1 Tim 5:8 those who won’t care for their own household have denied the faith and are worse than unbelievers
- As opposed to 2 Tim 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power
- As opposed to Titus 1:16 they profess to know God, but they deny Him by their actions
Apparently, these exhortations weren’t enough, so in the next letter, the Apostle Paul had to become more stern against them…
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess 3:6…
- Stay away from all believers who live idle [814 atáktōs] lives and don’t follow the tradition they received from us (2 Thess 3:6)
- You know how you ought to imitate us, we were not idle [812 ataktéō] when we were with you. (2 Thess 3:7)
- We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. (2 Thess 3:8)
- We worked hard day and night we we would not be a burden to any of you (2 Thess 3:8)
- Remember, we commanded you, those who are unwilling to work should not eat (2 Thess 3:10)
- Command them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living (2 Thess 3:11-13)
- If they won’t obey what we say, then stay away from them so they will be ashamed (2 Thess 3:14)
Encourage those who are timid (faint-hearted, feebleminded) [3642 oligópsyxos](1 Thessalonians 5:14)
- 3642 oligópsyxos (from 3641 /olígos, “little in quantity” and 5590/psyxē, “soul”)
- properly, an undeveloped soul, lacking in personhood (without a healthy identity, developed individuality).
Take tender care of those who are weak [772 asthenḗs] (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
- 772 asthenḗs (an adjective, derived from 1 /A “without” and sthenos, “vigor, strength”)
- properly, without vigor, living in a state of weakness (depletion). 722 (arotrióō) refers to a lack of necessary resources (“insufficient”) – literally, “without adequate strength” and hence “frail, feeble (sickly).”
This is a purely Christian perspective. The animal kingdom culls the weak and beggarly animals out of the herd to keep it strong. Most societies throughout history have done likewise. But, Jesus Christ instituted an example of love and tender care for those who are weak.
Be patient [3114 makrothyméō] with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
- 3114 makrothyméō
- properly, long-tempered (to defer anger), refusing to retaliate with anger, because of human reasoning. [The literal sense if the term is “extending a long time (way).”] 3114 /makrothyméō (“showing divinely-directed patience”) is “longsuffering” because it only expresses anger as the Lord directs (i.e. is the opposite of being “quick-tempered”). See 3115 (makrothymia).
We all need patience to be exercised towards us. Therefore, we should obey the golden rule (Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you) and exercise patience towards everyone else.
Exhortations against revenge (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
Never pay back evil for evil to anyone (Christian or heathen, however great the provocation), but always try to do good to each other and to all people
- Luke 6:29 Turn the other cheek vs. gird on the sword
- Rom 12:17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.
- 1 Pet 3:9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.
- Psa 34:12-16 Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days … Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it
- Lev 19:18 (LAW) You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD
- Exhortations about God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Since I know that nobody escapes the judgment of God, and I know it’s not my job to judge, I can gladly turn the other cheek instead of retaliating. Note: this is different than when someone compels you to violate your conscience as a prerequisite to salvation (Gal 1:8-9; 2:4; 5:10-12)
Exhortations of God’s will for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
- Always be joyful. Rejoice evermore. Literally, to experience God’s favor.
- Pray without ceasing. Pray without intermission. This is required to be joyful.
- Be thankful in all circumstances.
- Eph 5:20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything
- Rom 8:28 all things work together for good
- Gal 1:6 (contrast) how quickly you are deserting the One who call you
I need to pray more for God’s will in my life because it will bring joy despite the circumstances.
Exhortations about the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
Don’t stifle the Holy Spirit by scoffing at prophecies (1 Thess 5:19)
- Do you have itching ears? Some of the Thessalonians had apparently fallen into the trap of looking for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears wanted to hear (2 Tim 4:3)
Test everything that is said (1 Thess 5:21)
- Contrary to common opinion Christians are supposed to judge.
- Prov 8:15-16 by wisdom kings reign, and rules decree justice. By wisdom princes rule, and nobles. All who judge rightly
- John 7:24 Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging righteously
- 1 Cor 10:15 judge for yourselves, decide if what I am saying is true
- Abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22) Examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing be genuine or not); to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy.
- Rom 12:2 that you may prove what is the will of God
- 2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves
- Gal 6:4 Each one should test their own actions
- Eph 5:10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord
- Eph 1:10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent
- 1 John 4:1 do not believe everyone, but test … whether they are from God
- 2 Tim 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
- 2 Tim 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Learn the scriptures better to be able to examine, prove, and scrutinize what is true.
Greek definitions – Copyright © 1987, 2011 by Helps Ministries, Inc.
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