“So highly does the Lord esteem the communion of His church that He considers everyone a traitor and apostate from religion who perversely w/draws himself from any Christian society which preserves the true ministry of the word and sacraments”

Paul commends Lord’s church at Thessalonia But they were not perfect  1 Th.3:10  1 Th.5:12-15 Potential people problems Surprised? Potential people problems Surprised?

I. Follow The Leaders, 12-13

1 Who are these leaders? Timothy, others sent from Paul? (3:1-6) Zealous Christians? Prophets? (1 Th.5:19-20) Elders? Ac.14:23 Romans 16:1-2 1 Co. 16:15-18

2 How to react to these leaders? Proper attitude: do not take for granted  Recognize, 12 (respect, honor)  Esteem, 13 (respect) Very highly, 13 (beyond all measure) Proper actions:  Love, 13 (the soil of growth)  Peace, 13 (Ja.3:14-15; 5:9)

3 Why give them so much respect? Hard work. Ec.12:12  “Because of their work” (13) Over you. Rule, superintend. Admonish you Its natureTheir labor 1 T.3:4-51 T.5:17Hb.13:17 1 Sm.2:14; 3:13Tit.3:10-11

I. Follow The Leaders, II. Fortify The Brethren, 14

A job for every Christian (14) – 1. Warn unruly, 2 Th.3:6, Comfort fainthearted. 2:11-12 (4:13-18; 5:1-11). Dt.1:28 3. Uphold weak. Hold on to, Mt.6:24 4. Patient w. all. 2 T.4:2 Ga.6:1 Ja.5: Th.3:3-5 1 Th.4:3-8

I. Follow The Leaders, III. Forsake All Vengeance, 15 II. Fortify The Brethren, 14

Odds against them Young Christians 2. Just leaving worldly ways 3. Would see many offenses, hurt feelings 4. Seasoned veterans failed (Mt.5:38-42) 5. Society no help 6. One of strongest impulses

Evil for evil Ro.12:17-21; 1 Pt.3:9 Pursue good Follow in haste; opposite of half-hearted Always look for “kind” opportunity Jn.8:32-34 Whenever you can To as many as you can As long as you can