1 Thessalonians 5:12–22 - 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul urges the believers to acknowledge and respect those laboring in leadership over them (vv. 12-13), admonishing and guiding the church. He tells them to warn the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone, not repaying wrong with more wrong (vv. 14-15). At all times they should rejoice, pray ceaselessly, and give thanks in everything (vv. 16-18). They are not to quench the Holy Spirit working within them (v. 19) or hate when a brother calls out sin in your life (v. 20), but test everything against Scripture, only embracing what is excellent (v. 21). Paul commands them to avoid every kind of evil (v. 22).
How can I apply 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 to my life?
Today, Paul offers timely words of exhortation to grounded believers encountering various trials. Though young in the faith, the Thessalonian believers modeled fervent conversion and dedicated service. The apostle urges them onward in walking in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ. Godly character is not produced overnight but formed over a lifetime through obedience in small things. Paul knew that subtle drift from sincerity and truth would undermine the Thessalonian’s witness. His message calls us to nurture personal holiness and to stimulate each other to love by edifying speech and selfless actions. Faith thriving in an authentic community of believers makes Christ real to the watching world. As we grow more Christ-like from glory to glory in every sphere of life, unbelievers will stand in awe of God. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Respect and Appreciate Your Leaders in the Church (vv. 12-13): Paul instructs believers to acknowledge and value those laboring among them in spiritual leadership, admonishing and guiding the church. We must recognize the effort made to care for souls, enabling the body to function and fulfill its purpose. Submitting to scripturally-sound authority preserves unity. As church members, we are called to respect and be at peace with pastors, elders, and others in positions of spiritual influence. Though imperfect, biblical instruction should be welcomed with humility, not criticism. We must see the weighty responsibility leaders carry and uphold them in prayer, asking God to grant wisdom and discernment for shepherding His flock. Our appreciation can be shown through words of blessing, encouragement and thanks for their sacrifice. When we quarrel against them in bitterness, we quarrel against what God is doing. Honoring leadership reflects Christ's own heart for His Bride, the Church. Humbly yield to those called to guide us as this will nurture harmony among the brethren. Faithfully intercede for pastors needing strength and clear heavenly vision for ministry. Look beyond human frailty to perceive the spiritual blessings these individuals help facilitate. Offer to lend a hand with small tasks to ease heavy loads. God delights to use even simple expressions of love within the body to build up and unify (Hebrews 13:7, 13:17, 1 Peter 5:1-7).
Food for Thought: In what ways can you actively support your church leaders this week? What words of encouragement can you extend to bless them? How might contention against authority reveal areas God wants to transform in your heart?
2. Encourage and Support One Another in Faith (vv. 14-15): After addressing leadership, Paul exhorts the entire Thessalonian church to uplift each other in love. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we must bear one another's burdens, comfort those struggling with sorrow or weakness, and bind up what is broken. When offense arises, we pursue patience and grace to make things right, not assigning blame. The Body of Christ flourishes when every part supplies what others lack. Each member has a vital role to play so the whole grows healthy and strong. We support the Church by encouraging the doubting, helping the weary, and patiently enduring the failings of fallible saints. Christ dwells in them as in temples, calling us to see beyond fleshly limitations. Build up your fellowship by stirring hearts to press on joyfully in the things of God. Minister His healing to the wounded. Let vision be renewed through words of biblical hope and Kingdom purpose. As we provide love and support within our spiritual family, the Lord's transforming power touches hearts. Make it a daily aim to strengthen and restore at least one brother or sister through compassion reflecting our High Priest (Romans 15:1-2; Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25).
Food for Thought: What member of your church could use encouragement in their walk with God? Reach out this week either in-person, by phone, card or text. Are there relationships where patience and grace need to triumph over petty offenses and blame? Bring these to the Lord.
3. Continually Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks as You Pursue Holiness (vv. 16-22): Having exhorted the Thessalonians regarding leadership and mutual support within the church, Paul summarizes his pastoral charge to their daily walk in Christ. Followers of Jesus are to consistently overflow with joy and gratitude despite circumstances. Regular prayer is to be threaded through everyday life as companion and lifeline to the Almighty. We are to dedicate each moment to pursuing things honorable in God’s sight, abstaining from wickedness by the Spirit’s power. Our lives are to demonstrate the outworking of the Holy One’s transforming grace. As redeemed saints, we must not quench the fire of divine love kindled within but fan it to an unquenchable blaze. Does your fellowship with God elicit consistent inner rejoicing? This radiates the reality of His presence. Ask the Spirit to reveal pockets of compromise or unbelief hindering joy. Yield all to Him with giving of thanks as defense against the evil one. Test words and thoughts against Scripture to avoid deception. In stillness before heaven’s throne, let Christ’s peace rule to make you steadfast, blameless and holy as He is holy (Psalm 5:11-12, 16:11, Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; James 1:2-4).
Food for Thought: Does your daily communion with God overflow with joy and gratitude in all situations? If not, what spiritual adjustments need to be made? Are there areas of thought or conduct God wants to sanctify? Release these to Him.
This passage challenges us to support church leadership, build up fellow believers, and cultivate personal holiness through consistent communion with God. As we grow in showing honor, encouragement, joy, prayerfulness, and thanks, both individual and corporate testimony will shine brighter for Christ. Staying sensitive to the Spirit while grounded in Scripture protects the flock from deception and empowers our witness. God will use small acts of love and obedience to nurture life-giving unity across His people everywhere. We should echo the Thessalonian example by weathering life’s trials in hope and extending God’s comfort to others. Our lives can resound with sincere faith, exuberant hope and labors prompted by love when we apply these verses.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would help me to consistently uplift my church leaders through prayer, words of blessing, and submitting to their biblical leadership. Where my heart harbors criticism and contention, transform these with grace to reflect the love of Jesus. I ask you to renew compassion in me daily for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Make me an instrument of encouragement, comfort, and healing in my spiritual community as I help carry others' burdens. Teach me to nurture unity by avoiding petty offenses and showing patience when wronged. I pray that I would overflow with joy and thankfulness in communion with You regardless of circumstances. Create in me an undivided heart as I yield every area of thought and conduct to the sanctifying work of Your Spirit.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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