1 Thessalonians 5:11-21(CEB)
11 So continue encouraging each other and building each other up, just like you are doing already. 12 Brothers and sisters, we ask you to respect those who are working with you, leading you, and instructing you. 13 Think of them highly with love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are disorderly. Comfort the discouraged. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Don’t suppress the Spirit. 20 Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, 21 but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good.
Reflection
Paul never tired of explaining in detail, if necessary, the principles of Christian living. For him, while doctrine was profoundly important, true biblical revelation could not be embraced in a moral vacuum. Both belief and behavior were non-negotiable aspects of living a godly life until Jesus returns.
Paul discusses church leaders (5:12,13). All believers have equal spiritual privileges, but not all have the same gifts (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:28). Some believers have gifts that are to be used to build the church (Eph. 4:11–13). Second, Paul discusses those who are led, highlighting specific and special responsibilities that every follower has. The authentic follower is patient (1 Thess. 5:14).
Paul sees the church Jesus built as made up of imperfect people. Paul points out three particular groups that require patience: the “unruly” (those who are out of step with the flow of things), the “fainthearted” (those who are easily discouraged), and the “weak” (those who are morally and spiritually weak).
The authentic follower is passive. By this, Paul means that evil must not be repaid with evil. The spirit of revenge has no place in a believer’s life (5:15).
For me, probably you as well, getting away and experiencing new things can really open up your mind and give you a new perspective.
Last week Laura and I got to visit family in Middlebury, VT and Wilmington, MA for a few days. We visited the Middlebury College Museum of Art. One Terracotta figure caught my attention which was a woman from the Japan, Kofun Period, 6th century, identified as a Shaman. At that time female Shamans served as important religious, political and military leaders.
As I write this, I am reminded of Deborah who was a Jewish warrior and prophet, considered wise and courageous, who led the Israelites in battle against King Sisera as recounted in Judges 4 and 5, 12th century BCE.
It saddens me to see, in some conservative christians, a new emphasis in limiting woman and diminishing their value. How did society come to such a place? Could that happen in a church which closely follows the scripture which we have before us today?
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
How do you plan your days? Do you make a serious effort to live according to God’s blueprint?
Are you living with biblical principles in mind?
Paul’s obvious concern for the Thessalonians focused on their commitment to live life to its fullest potential according to Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the assurance of Your return and the hope of Your salvation. We pray that we may live in faith, love, and hope, and that we may be prepared to stand firm in the truth and to share the gospel with joy and perseverance. Amen
