1 Thess 5:12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

 

Here Paul says to acknowledge those who work hard among you. What does that mean? That means to pay respect to those who work hard among you.

 

When we are at church, there are those who work hard. Working hard to serve others, right?

 

It’s easy to forget about their hard work. But Paul says to acknowledge them.

 

And verse 13. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

 

I have a daughter. I try to serve her as a dad. But sometimes, I feel she doesn’t appreciate what I do for her. I don’t do it to get her respect. But it won’t hurt for her to acknowledge my hard work; actually, it is good for her. It’s love.

 

Do you show your appreciation to your parents? What about those around you who work hard to serve you?

 

Showing respect, acknowledgement, that’s love. And from that, much power can come out.  

 

Let’s say there is a basketball team. The captain of the team is not that capable. But if there is respect for that captain from the teammates, then that team has more hope than another team where captain is really good but there is no respect for him from teammates. While watching World Cup Soccer, I felt that seeing how Germany was playing.

 

When the church was first started, there was respect and fear among believers. They feared God and they feared one another. It was not a terror or horror, but deep awe and respect existed for one another. What if I don’t serve the person well? What if the other person feels bad because of me?

 

Between husband and wife; the relationship will get worse if there is no fear and respect. The closer your relationship, the more fear and respect you need to make the relationship even closer.

 

This is the case in the church too. This is also the case at your work. Do you respect your boss or leader? Do you think maybe they don’t deserve your respect? But Christians don’t think that way.

 

When we love and respect regardless, we see them change. That’s how God loved us. We didn’t deserve His love. But he loved us.

 

This same love, gospel love, has the power to change our marriage, our friendship and even our church.

 

We all are leaders in some areas of life and also followers in some other areas of life. And Paul is teaching this deep wisdom.

 

14And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

 

Paul talks a lot about end times in his letter to Thessalonians. Those who care about end time too much can get carried away and become idle. There must’ve been some in the Thessalonica church.

 

Then Paul says to be patient with everyone.

 

How patient are you? We are all sinners. We all make mistakes. Then the only glue that will really bring us together is by having love and patient. And encouraging the disheartened.

 

There is a story about a man who walked in the snow. Heavy snow fell and this guy was walking home. It was so cold and he saw a guy laying on the ground, he fainted. He didn’t help but just pass by. But there was another person who saw the guy and picked him up and carried him. Later, the first guy who just went alone, froze to death whereas the second guy survived. Why? Because carrying the other guy provided more heat and they both survived.

 

It’s easy to grow cold when my situation gets difficult. But there is a reason to look around and encourage those who are in need.

 

15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

 

Paul here, is trying to stay, don’t harbor evil heart inside of you. Get rid of bitterness and hatred in your heart toward others.

 

16Rejoice always,

 

Are you rejoicing always? Let me tell you, there is a secret for rejoicing always. This is a Christian secret. For Christians, you have something that others don’t have. When you know this, you can rejoice. And what’s that special thing you have? It’s God’s grace. It’s endless.

 

17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22reject every kind of evil.

 

23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

 

This verse is closely connected to Romans 11:29For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

 

It means God is faithful. He is not faithless. We are faithless. But not God. He won’t betray us and He won’t leave us. He is faithful and He keeps his promise. Meaning, when it comes to calling you, His calling for you is irrevocable. He sealed you and He is going to finish the good work He started in you no matter what.

 

So go to God. This is faith. Believing in His love. Knowing that He is faithful.

 

You are called. And he didn’t call you for no reason. Keep asking God why He called you. Why He made you and sent you to this world.

 

American dream is great. But that’s not your ultimate dream. There is God’s dream for you. That’s why you are here. Do you believe that?

 

Only God can tell you what that is. So keep asking God. Pray to Him.

 

17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

 

19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22reject every kind of evil.

 

23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

 

Let’s pray.