Ministering to the Saints
Paul ends the letter of I Thessalonians with some exhortations for the believers, the brethren.(I Thessalonians 5:14) We do not use the word exhort much these days, but it is an important word to know and an important thing for us to do as believers. Basically, it means to encourage another person to grow spiritually. It involves teaching them some things, but the end result of being a mature Christian is the focus of this type of teaching. How does spiritual growth happen? Let's look at this verse for some clues.
First of all, Paul is addressing all of the believers here, not just the elders or pastors of the church. We are all to be involved in ministering to our brothers and sisters in Christ. In order to grow, people must follow God's commands, and not be "unruly." Therefore, we show those who are going astray how to get back on track. Also, we comfort the fainthearted. At times, we can be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before us or the trials we have in our lives, and we need someone to come beside us and give us strength. That is how we comfort, not just being sorry for someone. Then, we "uphold" the weak. We help to bear the burdens of the younger, weaker believers, as we exhort them and teach them. All the while we are patient with everyone. Remember, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Jesus was patient with His disciples, and we must be patient, but not neglect to exhort those around us.
It is a big job, isn't it? However, it is possible, if all of the believers take this command to minister seriously, and we all do our part to listen to the Lord and to be ministers for the Lord. Every believer is to make disciples who make disciples. Ministry is a part of making disciples who make disciples.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Thessalonians 3 and I Timothy 1-2.
First of all, Paul is addressing all of the believers here, not just the elders or pastors of the church. We are all to be involved in ministering to our brothers and sisters in Christ. In order to grow, people must follow God's commands, and not be "unruly." Therefore, we show those who are going astray how to get back on track. Also, we comfort the fainthearted. At times, we can be overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before us or the trials we have in our lives, and we need someone to come beside us and give us strength. That is how we comfort, not just being sorry for someone. Then, we "uphold" the weak. We help to bear the burdens of the younger, weaker believers, as we exhort them and teach them. All the while we are patient with everyone. Remember, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Jesus was patient with His disciples, and we must be patient, but not neglect to exhort those around us.
It is a big job, isn't it? However, it is possible, if all of the believers take this command to minister seriously, and we all do our part to listen to the Lord and to be ministers for the Lord. Every believer is to make disciples who make disciples. Ministry is a part of making disciples who make disciples.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Thessalonians 3 and I Timothy 1-2.