Studies in 1 Thessalonians #7- Where Can We Find Harmony Among Us?

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

It's good to be here at the West Side Church of Christ with God's children as we sing the praises of our God & His glorious Son Jesus the Christ.
Turn in your Bibles to 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 and read with me…

We have come to the conclusion of this great book where we have read together an apostle's message of concern to a dear group of people who love Jesus but are going through a hard time.
We understood when we looked at Acts 16 & 17 that some freshly beat missionaries had arrived in their town and for three weeks preached the invigorating gospel truth and a great church was born. But as soon as this church was brought into being, persecution had arisen and the planters of this church had to leave and an infant church would be thrown into chaos. (Acts 17:5-9, 1 Thessalonians 1:6)

What do you tell a church that doesn't have any real problems with doctrine or lifestyle?
You tell them to keep on with what they are doing and don't forget when the real prize comes! You encourage them to simply add to the foundation that has been laid.

We have seen some great things in this church and we really need to try to copy these things here in our day:

They received God's message with great joy despite the heartache.

They were well known for their dedication throughout the world because they turned from idols to serve the living and true God and they waited for Jesus to return from heaven.

They were not used by Paul & Silas and remembered that now that God's truth was preached to them, they had to live lives worthy of God.

They were not to think Paul had forgotten about them, but to see that he truly did care for them, but was hindered from being with them.

They were to increase their love towards each other so that their hearts could be established for Christ's coming.

They were to live holy lives and avoid any kind of sexual sin.

They were to look ahead to the coming of Jesus with hope and realize that God's destiny for His children is glory and not wrath!
So, where do we go from here?
From our reading it would almost appear to be some sort of hodge-podge last minute advice on Christian living. Maybe that's what it is, but there is actually the best kind of advice for harmony among the heirs of heaven in a local congregation.

Let me tell you the story of the Don't-get-along's!
They are a family of 9 whose home base you might say is in the city of "Nothing-to-do-but-farm- dirt". Now, of the couple's 7 children, 6 went as far as they could away from this terrible land and ole' mom & dad. All but the middle one named "No-fair".
Now, the 6 come home about once every two years and when they do they have a great time for the week they are there and they travel to all the old spots with their mom & dad. Family is important and they love spending time with their family.
"No-fair" however has a different perspective on things. He farms the family farm and ends up seeing his mom & dad every day. He doesn't see being around them as a treat, but actually has to deal with all their health problems, has to take care of them in every way possible.
Well, when any of his siblings come home, They just can't understand why "No-fair" doesn't just live with one big happy smile all day long!

This is one of the hardest things to come to terms with in church life. For many of us, we are like the six siblings. We go to different churches and different events and we just think that everything is so great. But, the church we belong to, well that's the one that we have to take care of. That's the one that we have to deal with all the problems in and because of that, we can have more harmony with the brothers and sisters who are far away, than we can with the family of God that is right in our midst.

How can we have harmony among the heirs of heaven that we see almost every week?
This is Paul's final concern for this great church!
How important is a local church's harmony? Psalms 133:1f.
What do we do Paul?
Vs.12-16- Well, it begins with knowing or recognizing the people who lead you! Now, in what way?
I want you to notice, Paul is not about to say, to recognize those who simply make decisions. Making decisions is the lamest leadership among the people of God! What type of leadership is he going to talk about here?

Those who labor among you!
Here is that word again, and Paul seems to be commanding this church to recognize those among them who give a weary work for the church! All Paul is asking here is to simply give honour to whom honour is due! 1 Corinthians 16:15- Stephanas- KJV- addicted themselves to the ministry.

Those who do this and are over you in the Lord!
Now, this is strong language for elders here, but there is a possibility it may not be elders seeing they were such a young church! They are not simply over them as authoritarian dictators, but gently protecting this church from the onslaughts of Satan.

Those who admonish you!
These men who are to be recognized are the ones who are warning you about the proper ways to live. They are teaching you how to be Christians in a daily setting. This is at times a very thankless job, but it shouldn't be in the church.
Why should they be recognized?
Not because of who they might be, but because of what they do!
"Esteem them very highly in love".
Listen, when a church has leaders who labor hard, see to it to protect the flock and seriously teach the flock and then the flock responds with loving recognition-
we have peace in the flock.
Look at some practical applications-
to the unruly we are to warn. To the fainthearted we are to comfort and to the weak we are to uphold. We are to help bring the unruly in line.
Like a soldier who has broken rank, we warn them to get back in. We are to tell the person who is fearful of losing it all that it can be all right. We are to look to the ones who at this time are more susceptible to falling and carry them along.
How do we do this?
What should be our spirit through this all?
Paul says, be patient with these people. How we (I) need more patience! Don't quickly condemn these people, or write them off or look down on them. Hold out with them. Galatians 6:1,2
As you are dealing with this, avoid the temptation to repay someone with evil. Oh, that's so easy at times to want! Pursue what is good for yourself and for all! Paul, I got to look out for myself, yes but also for your brother and for your brother who might not be as 'great' as you.
What's the goal Paul?
Harmony among the heirs of heaven!

Vs.16-22- 7 quick instructions now that every Christian needs to remember to do in this life:

Rejoice always. We as saved ones can always find something to be glad in:
there is a Saviour, there is that kind of a Saviour & He is our Saviour!

Pray without ceasing. Have a constant time of your life in communication with God. Keep the phone lines busy with heaven.

Give thanks in all things. As we rejoice and pray, there can be something to tell God thank you for. This by the way is God's will. Don't forget to be a thankful people.

Don't quench the Spirit. This probably has to do with the gifts of the Spirit as seen in vs.20, but it can be applied to today. Allow His work to blossom - Galatians 5:19-26.

Don't despise prophecies. Don't stop the teaching of God's word and don't count it as nothing. If you hear God's word, don't shut it out because you don't agree with it or it's too hard too bear!

Test all things; hold to what is good. Now, as we hear the teachings, test it all. 1 John 4:1. Be careful, use a proper standard. Not, well who is the teacher, but what is the teaching. How do we know when to raise a stink?
I mean, there are some things that are in the realm of human judgment and then there are more important issues. When do we contradict?

is it a matter of salvation?

does it teach a lifestyle different than the New Testament pattern?

Abstain from every form of evil. Don't engage in anything less than godly! If the teaching is wrong, don't follow it. We're not playing a game here; it's life and death, heaven and hell!
What's the final goal Paul?
23-28- that the God of peace Himself will sanctify you completely. Basically, I want every one of you to be totally devoted to God (to be made holy and separate from the world). Your spirit, soul & body be preserved blameless for the coming of the Lord! The most important thing in the world is this:
that when Jesus comes, we will be found blameless!
Now, don't doubt God's ability- God is faithful and He will do this! Philippians 1:6.
I leave you my friends with this- love each other and pray for us!

What about us?
Are we ready, are we going to be found blameless at the coming of Jesus?
Is there going to be nothing blameworthy attached to any part of our being?
The only way that can be possible is to be found faithful in Jesus. Are you in Jesus?
Would you like to be? Galatians 3:26,27

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