1 THESSALONIANS 5:9-15 - ACCOUNTABILITY IN LOVE

1 THESSALONIANS 5:9-15

ACCOUNTABILITY IN LOVE

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Since we have been chosen by God and given the faith to trust in Jesus, we no longer fear the wrath of God.

Ephesians 3:1-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Our future hinges on our relationship with Jesus, our reliance on His sacrifice on the cross, His saving grace.  Whether a believer is awake (alive) or asleep (dead) when He returns, they will be with Jesus in the place He has prepared for His bride, the church, the Messianic community.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Paul instructed them to keep each other in remembrance of the hope and joy that is to come.  They were to encourage one another to remain steadfast in the faith, to build each other up.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

Spiritual authorities, church leadership, should be respected and treasured.  They should be esteemed, held in high regard, as God’s instruments for His purposes and glory.  There should be unity, not division or bickering within the body of believers, the church.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded³⁶⁴², support the weak, be patient toward all men.

If there are disruptive, divisive people in the congregation they should be admonished to stop “playing church” and “be the church.”  We need to be able to confront one another in brotherly love, to encourage everyone to live as God has instructed us in His word.

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

3642 ŏligŏpsuchŏs – little-spirited, i.e. faint-hearted, feeble-minded

Paul is not saying to comfort the intellectually impaired, but rather the person whose spirit has been crushed.  They need to be emboldened again.  Those who are spiritually or morally weak need to be upheld by the body.  They need a brother or sister to hold them accountable and assist them in resisting temptation.  We need to gently, patiently encourage each other in our spiritual growth. This should never be done in a brash way or in superior tones. The Bible should not be used as a billy club.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Treat people fairly, compassionately, and with kindness even when they have wronged you. This admonition applies not only within the church, among fellow believers, but also to those who are in the world, unbelievers.  Paul taught this elsewhere, and the Lord Himself gave instructions about loving enemies.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Romans 12:19-21 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:38-40 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why do believers have no need to fear Christ’s return?

2. What should be our attitude toward those who lead us spiritually, our pastors and teachers?

3. In what ways can those who are mature in the Lord encourage and guide those who are new to the faith or have strayed from a close relationship with Jesus?