Feb. 11, 2024

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Life application Commentary

Guard

They were to be constantly watchful or alert for spiritual enemies that might slip in and threaten to destroy them whether it be divisions, pride, sin, disorder, or crazy theology;

Firm in Faith

in what they believed—that is, the gospel that they had been taught in the beginning, the gospel that had brought them salvation; 

Courageous

so that they could stand against false teachers, deal with sin in the congregation, and straighten out other problems;

Strong

with the strength given by the Holy Spirit;

Everything with Love

because without love, they would be no more than prideful noisemakers. Today, as we wait for the return of Christ, we should follow the same instructions.

This walk is bigger than all of us. It takes each of us to be the church. We cannot accomplish the works God is calling us to alone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Life application Commentary

Urge - The Lazy

First, they are to warn those who are lazy. The word “warn” is also in 1Th_5:12 and means to firmly admonish. They were to warn the lazy, idle believers. The word translated “lazy” is used only in the letters to the Thessalonians (see also 2Th_3:6-7; 2Th_3:11) and seems to have been a particular concern for this church. The Greek word translated “lazy” (ataktous) was used for soldiers who would not stay in the ranks. These people had set themselves outside the prescribed pattern for the church—everyone else was working and serving, but they would not. The problem with idle people is that, because they are not busy enough with valuable activities, they usually stir up trouble of one kind or another. These people need to be warned to get back in line and to use their God-given gifts in service for the Kingdom.

Encourage - The timid

Second, they are to encourage those who are timid. The lazy need to be warned, but the timid need to be encouraged. The “timid” are the fearful people who lack confidence—perhaps in themselves or even in their faith. They have become discouraged or worried, possibly by persecution or by the deaths of their fellow believers (1Th_3:13). These people need loving instruction from their fellow believers to calm their fears and to build their confidence.

Care - The Weak

Third, they are to take tender care of those who are weak. The word for “take tender care” is antechesthe (also translated simply as “help”); it pictures the action of holding on to these people, wrapping arms around them, clinging to them. This is the kind of help suggested for the spiritually “weak,” those weak in faith, those in need (such as financial need) or those who might be struggling with the sins associated with paganism that Paul wrote about in 1Th_4:3-8. These might be struggling, needy, or immature Christians who need the arms of strong fellow believers to guide them, give them support, and let them know they are not alone. See also Rom_5:6; Rom_14:1; 1Co_8:9.

Patient - Everyone

Finally, being patient with everyone is the glue that holds the relationships together. In any group where a variety of people come together and are expected to be a loving family, godly patience will be required of everyone. The word for “patient” (makrothumia) is also translated “long-suffering.” This is an attribute of God (Exo_34:6; Psa_103:8), a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal_5:22), and a characteristic of love (1Co_13:4). God is patient with people, and so Christians should be. In addition, God has given his Spirit to help his people be patient with one another.

No pays back evil

Personal revenge and retaliation are clearly forbidden to those who call themselves followers of Christ (Mat_5:39; Mat_5:44; Rom_12:17-21). There would be times where relationships between believers would be strained. They would also need to remember that they should never pay back evil for evil, but should always try to do good to each other and to everyone else—thus including those in the church and those outside, even their enemies. That believers should “always try” indicates a lifestyle of kindness that should permeate all their dealings with people.

—

Joyful - Always

    Love each other and rejoice

        Live together in God - All intertwined like noodles

            Holy Spirt guides us

            Joy found in Salvation

Pray - Continually

    Many times 

        Most powerful thing we can do

    Prayer causes dependance on God

    Regularly, naturally, easily, length doesn't matter

Thankful - In all Circumstances

    Hard things happen regularly

        What is your heart focused on

    Difficulties often used to build and strengthen us

    Hard to make since of hard and difficult situations

        Cancer, death of a good friend, loss of a child, constant pain

    Can we trust God completely no matter the situation

        Recognize the broken world, Our hope is not in this world it is in Christ alone and eternity with him

—

Last week we went over this verse

Don’t

    Stifle - The Holy Spirit

        Limit what God can do

        Beyond anything you think or imagine

    Scoff - Prophecies

Do

    Test - Everything

    Hold - Good

    Stay away - Evil

Like he closes it in a little prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

Deuteronomy 30:11-16

Psalm 119:1-16