WHY it matters//
The Bible has instructions for how we are to honor leadership, one another and those outside of our community of faith. Sometimes we will need to correct others and other times we will need to submit to correction. This is a part of a healthy biblical community. We all belong to one another and have mutual responsibilities, leaders and members alike, to remain within God’s pattern for his church. By remaining humble and submitted to the Holy Spirit, godly authority, scripture and our community of faith we are safeguarded from unnecessary attacks and deception from the enemy. The Christian is never called to isolation from the church. Instead, we find God’s protection and promises within his kingdom-way of doing things. Most often these ways are totally different from the culture of the world around us.
WHAT it's talking about//
1 Thessalonians was written by Paul in 51 AD. It is most likely the first letter written to a church from Paul. The church was mostly comprised of pagan converts who had received very little instruction so far. In this passage Paul is addressing conduct within the church in almost a bullet point style. How should they treat leadership? How should they treat each other? And lastly, how should they conduct themselves within the faith community?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 TPT
12 Dear brothers and sisters, make sure that you show your deep appreciation for those who cherish you and diligently work as ministers among you. For they are your leaders who care for you, teach you, and stand before the Lord on your behalf.
13 They value you with great love. Because of their service to you, let peace reign among yourselves.
14 We appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not in their place of battle. Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone.
15 Resist revenge, and make sure that no one pays back evil in place of evil but always pursue doing what is beautiful to one another and to all the unbelievers.
16 Let joy be your continual feast.
17 Make your life a prayer.
18 And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.
20 And don’t be one who scorns prophecies,
21 but be faithful to examine them by putting them to the test, and afterward hold tightly to what has proven to be right.
22 Avoid every appearance of evil.
23 Now, may the God of peace and harmony set you apart, making you completely holy. And may your entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
24 The one who calls you by name is trustworthy and will thoroughly complete his work in you.