Bible Thoughts

July 18, 1999

The apostle Paul was always concerned about his brethren. He understood their spiritual needs and sought to satisfy them with the teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul also desired that others were to be active in efforts to assist their brethren in being fully dedicated to the service of our Lord.

The Thessalonians were no different from the people of that day, and except for some cultural differences, are not any different from those of us living at present. We need the same gospel, the same instructions, and the same guidance delivered to those Christians in the apostolic days. When we teach and admonish, as well as encourage, in the same manner as did they, we will be pleasing the God of Heaven. The gospel was revealed for all--whatever the age in which one lives. The message(and application of that message) will strengthen and secure the child of God in the twenty-first century as well as the first century. We do not need a new gospel for a new age--the truth is ageless. The instructions to disciples of that day are the instructions for the present.

Paul exhorted those brethren. The word "exhort" in the original language carries the idea of "to call to a person"(Vine). Paul was "calling" on the Thessalonians to pursue a life that would please God. Out of this there would arise certain actions that would promote the purposes and plans of God. They had been called out of the world; now they were being called upon to live a life that would please God and promote the truth to others, as well as encourage their brethren to live faithful to God. What, then, is Paul specifically calling upon those brethren to do?

"Admonish the disorderly" consists of putting in the mind (Vine) of those who walked disorderly(not keeping in rank) their failure to live up to the principles of Christ. It is right to point out the errors and sins in a person's life with the hope they will correct their waywardness. We are trying to bring them back to a walk that is orderly--one directed by the commands of Jesus Christ. When one falls from the ranks, they do need to be admonished to correct their lives. In truth--any Christian should welcome correction--for it leads to the saving of one's soul.

"Encourage the fainthearted" because they need to be urged to move forward. Some Christians become despondent and need the urging of other disciples to remain faithful. Paul is admonishing these Christians to give words of encouragement to those who are about to waver in their faith. Almost everyone, if not everyone, can become discouraged. In many cases, the words of a fellow disciple has enough effect on the wavering person to keep them faithful. Have you encouraged a fainthearted person to be strong and overcome their difficulties? It yields great rewards.

"Support the weak" is an admonition to those who are strong. There are some Christians who do not seem to have the strength of others. Such disciples need the help of those who are firmly grounded in the faith. The strong disciple offers the support that is needed by those who are without the strength to carry forward in the service of Christ. Whether it is lack of teaching, lack of participation, lack of faith, or the absence of any other quality that makes one strong, the weak need our help. That support can be furnished through the interest other Christians show in the weak person, through association with the righteous, through pointing out ways in which one can become active and strong in God's service as well as pointing out that the strength of any Christian comes from Christ and the word of God. One who helps a weak Christian not only strengthens that disciple, but strengthens oneself as well. You do become stronger by helping others to become strong.

"Be longsuffering toward all" means, literally, "to be long-tempered"(Vine). Or, the idea of patience. It takes time to teach a person. It takes time for a person to learn. Some lessons are harder than others. One who is weak will not become strong overnight. One who is fainthearted must be fed and strengthened over time. It may take some time to convince the disorderly to repent. To keep trying is one of the foundations of the Christian. Again, patience is the word and patience it takes. Eventually, fruit will come. Does every tree bear the same amount of fruit? Obviously not, but every spiritual tree can be pruned and provided proper care to bring forth fruit in the kingdom. That is where longsuffering comes into play. Do not give up after the first try to teach, admonish, encourage, or correct someone. Persistence in guiding and helping others will eventually bring forth fruit. Many have seen such happen.

Paul continued to address the brethren by stating, "See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward" (I Thessalonians 5:15-18).

Toward the end of the epistle to these brethren, Paul asked, "Brethren, pray for us"( Thessalonians 5:25). The apostle felt the need for their prayers. He would pray for them; he wanted them to do the same for him. Praying for another strengthens the one praying; praying for another can lead to strengthening the person for whom one prays. Just wondering: Men tend to complicate the messages of Jesus Christ. Take, for example, the simple command of the Lord to be baptized(Mark 16:16). It is amazing the different ways in which men seek to set aside the essentiality of doing what the Lord said one must do to be saved. Why is it so difficult for the vast majority of people to see the necessity of obeying what Jesus stated? They will use all kinds of human reasoning in order to set aside the simple words of the Master. Nor are brethren immune. Using all kinds of arguments, they seek to justify beliefs and practices that have no basis in scripture. When one points out the autonomy of the local church, the work of the local church, and the organization of the local church from the scriptures, they seek to set aside the simple arrangements of God and build human institutions/organizations that violate the autonomy, add(corrupt) to the work, and build super organizations that have no Bible basis. Why not take the simplicity of the gospel in all areas and accept the simple messages that Christ left us in His word--for the alien sinner as well as the child of God?