Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The New Testament Church: Relationships Fostered – Part 3

13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.  1 Thessalonians 5:13-15

A. Sheep to Sheep Relationships: Two Requirements

1. Be a sheep transformed by the Gospel of the Lord Jesus: 1 Thess. 1:4-5, 1 Thess. 2:13, John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:22-23

2. Be a sheep obedient to the Commands of God: 1 Thess. 4:1

a. Obedience motivated and sustained by love: 2 Cor. 5:14-15, John 13:34-35

b. Obedience of delight and joy for the good of others: 1 John 3:23, 1 John 5:3

3. Be a sheep who consistently puts the interests of others first: 1 Thess. 4:9-10

B. Sheep to Sheep Relationships: Our Ministry Together

1. We are responsible to serve on another

a. By maintaining peace in the body: 1 Thess. 5:13, Eph. 4:1-3

b. By actively serving one another toward spiritual maturity: 1 Thess. 1:3, Eph. 4:12, Eph. 2:8-10

2. We serve the sheep of the Lord’s pasture as they are

a. Lazy Sheep: 1 Thess. 5:14, Prov. 27:6, 2 Thess. 3:10-12

b. Discouraged Sheep: 1 Thess. 5:14b, Isaiah 42:3

c. Struggling Sheep: 1 Thess. 5:14c, Rom. 15:1, Gal. 6:2

3. We serve the sheep of the Lord’s pasture as He does

a. Through patience: 1 Thess. 5:14d, Exodus 34:5-6

b. With impartiality: 1 Thess. 5:14e, 2 Tim. 2:24

c. For their good: 1 Thess. 5:15