The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines

Edifying And Comforting One Another
1 Thessalonians 5:11
INTRODUCTION
1. To be prepared for the coming of the Lord, Paul exhorted Christians to be “sons of light and
sons of the day” - cf. 1 Th 5:4-7
a. Which necessitates putting on the armor of God - cf. 1 Th 5:8
b. Which also includes edifying and comforting one another - cf. 1 Th 5:11
2. This last charge to edify and comfort one another is just one of many “one another” passages in
the New Testament; here are some of them:
a. Love one another - Jn 13:34-35
b. Be affectionate to one another, and honor one another - Ro 12:10
c. Serve one another - Ga 5:13
d. Bear with one another - Ep 4:2
e. Submit to one another - Ep 5:21
f. Be kind to one another, and forgive one another - Ep 4:32
g. Exhort one another - He 3:13
3. These are based upon the principle that we are “members of one another” - Ro 12:5
a. Implying an interdependence where we need one another
b. An interdependence felt and expressed most keenly in the local church
[In this lesson, I wish to focus our attention upon the charge to “comfort each other and edify one
another”, especially in our relationship as members of the same congregation. We note first the
command...]
I. COMFORT EACH OTHER
A. THE WORD “COMFORT”...
1. The Greek is parakaleo
2. Lit., to call to one’s side, call for, summon
3. Hence, either “an exhortation, or consolation, comfort” (Vine’s)
-- The picture is one where someone walks alongside of another, providing comfort,
even exhortation
B. SOURCES OF COMFORT...
1. Each member of the Godhead is a source of comfort
a. The God of all comfort - 2 Co 1:3; Ro 15:5
b. The Lord Jesus Christ - 2 Th 2:16-17
c. The Holy Spirit - Ac 9:31
2. The Word of God is a source of comfort
a. Such as the Old Testament writings - Ro 15:4
Mark A. Copeland
Sermons From First Thessalonians 51