Sermon 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

"Helping Each Other Grow"
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

The Bible teaches that we are to help each other grow by "encouraging each other and building each other up [v. 11]. How do we do that?

1. We Must Be a Peacemaker [vv. 12-13]

It is likely that there was conflict between ministers and members. Paul called on each person to be a peacemaker. To do that you should be a a ready reconciler and a fast forgiver.

2. We Must Help the Hurting [v. 14]

Each member of the church as a four-fold ministry to those who are hurting emotionally and spiritually.

• Warn the unruly-This can be unpleasant, but each member must take responsibility to protect the fellowship against those who would want to disrupt it.
• Encourage the discouraged-The word "encourage" is different than in v. 11. It speaks of the care of a concerned parent for a child [1 Thess 2:11-12].
• Hold on to the weary-There are so many who are worn out by life's battles. The Msg. paraphrase gets to the heart matter: "Reach out to the exhausted, pulling them to their feet."
• Be patient with all-Why is patience needed? People do not always respond to you right away. This seems to be a call to persevering love.

3. We Must Do Good for the Hurtful [v. 15]

Just as there are hurting people in the church, there are people who cause hurt. Remember vegeance is never the way of the believer. Instead, we are to actively pursue good on behalf of those who hurt [Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:14-21].

You need to note that all the imperatives in this passage are present tense [in other words, to be done continually]. They are also plural [in other words, they are to be done by all].