The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines
The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines
The First Epistle To The Thessalonians - Executable Outlines
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
B. THOSE WHO ARE OVER YOU...<br />
1. “In the Lord”<br />
a. This has particular reference to the elders (pastors, bishops)<br />
b. <strong>The</strong>y are the only ones given authority “over” us in the Lord - Ac 20:28; 1 Pe 5:1-2;<br />
cf. He 13:7,17<br />
2. “And admonish you”<br />
a. <strong>The</strong> duty of elders often require them to admonish and warn - Ti 1:9<br />
b. That is why they must be qualified to teach - 1 Ti 3:2<br />
-- Any congregation with men qualified to serve as elders should certainly be careful<br />
to recognize them as such, and respect their God-given duty<br />
[While the context may have special application to our duty toward those who serve as elders, I believe<br />
we are not amiss to apply it toward those who serve in other capacities as well. Certainly it is<br />
appropriate regarding those who serve us in any role...]<br />
II. TO ESTEEM THEM<br />
A. VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE...<br />
1. <strong>To</strong> hold them in high regard, to honor them<br />
a. We are to prefer all brethren in honor - cf. Ro 12:10; Ph 2:3<br />
b. How much more those who expend their time and energy in serving us!<br />
2. <strong>To</strong> do so in love<br />
a. We are to love all brethren - cf. 1 Pe 2:17; Jn 13:34-35<br />
b. How much more those who expend their time and energy in serving us!<br />
B. FOR THEIR WORK’S SAKE...<br />
1. Certainly the work of elders is worthy of high esteem<br />
a. <strong>The</strong>y feed us, they watch over us, they provide examples for us - 1 Pe 5:1-3<br />
b. <strong>The</strong>y must give an account for our souls - He 13:17<br />
2. So also the work of all who serve their brethren<br />
a. <strong>The</strong> work of deacons is worthy of high honor - 1 Ti 3:13<br />
b. Indeed, those who are serve are to be considered great in the kingdom of God! - cf.<br />
Mt 20:25-28<br />
[We have a duty to esteem those who serve, to hold them in high regard. Not just because of who they<br />
are, but what they do! Do we both recognize and esteem our brethren for their work? Finally, note<br />
that in “Our Duty <strong>To</strong> Those Who Serve” we are...]<br />
III.TO BE AT PEACE<br />
Mark A. Copeland<br />
A. AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES...<br />
1. Peace among brethren, like unity, is a wonderful thing - Psa 133:1<br />
2. It is a mark of heavenly wisdom, and provides the atmosphere in which much righteousness<br />
can be sown - Ja 3:17-18<br />
3. It is certainly something we all should pursue - Ro 14:17-19; He 12:14<br />
Sermons From <strong>First</strong> <strong>The</strong>ssalonians 55