Bible Gateway may be helpful as you study the Bible.
It's a searchable online Bible in over 50 versions.
Walk in the Word
Nov. 16th, 2008
Greetings dear friends:
I Thes. 5:10 says, "He died for us so
that, whether we are awake or asleep [alive of dead], we may live
together with Him." Therefore, since we have an eternal destiny prepared
for us by and through Jesus Christ, Paul gives some instructions for our
time on the journey. He tells us we are to encourage one another and
build one another up. We are to do that to our church leadership by
respecting them, by serving with them on the team, by praying for them
and encouraging them.
We are also to encourage one another
within the body of Christ and Paul gives some practical suggestions on
how that can be done. Since we are a part of the body of Christ, a
member of the family of God, a part of a building fitly joined and a
part of the team, we need to work together to build one another up. In
I Cor. 11, at the conclusion of his discourse on the bread and the cup
wrote, "Anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body is eating
and drinking condemnation to himself." "Discerning the body" involves
showing consideration for one another and giving practical expression to
their common membership in the body of Christ, which is signified in
their sharing the Eucharist.
The first of his suggestions to help us
encourage one another and build one another up is that we warn those who
are idle. Evidently there were those at Thessalonica who, instead of
assuming their part of the load, were standing idle, putting their nose
in other people's business, thereby becoming busybodies and getting into
trouble. Paul says we should warn the idle of the consequences of their
decision. All to often the church becomes like an athletic contest
where there are thousands of fans in the stands badly in need of
exercise watching players on the floor badly in need of rest. For the
body to function properly, each part needs to perform his or her part.
Sometimes the most effective exhortation comes from a close friend,
despite how hard that may be. We also need to remember, exhortation is
not pointing fingers of giving lectures, it has the idea to come
alongside and assist them on the journey.
The next suggestion he gives us is to
encourage the timid. It is better to give encouragement than it is
criticism, to come alongside and let them know we believe in them and
care for them. Timid people seem to get discouraged more quickly, so we
come alongside and assist them on their journey. Those who are strong
are to help the weak.
Which is his next thought, help the
weak. Since the church is a hospital for sinners and not a rest home
for saints there are many broken people in our midst. Many people who
are struggling in their Christian experience, many suffering from
problems, trials and pitfalls. Those who are stronger need to come
alongside and help, not criticize. Since people come into our midst as
babes in Christ, we need to give them nurture, help and encouragement
along the way to maturity. I Cor. 12:26 reads, "So, if one part suffers
pain or harm, each part shares its suffering; if one part is honored,
all the others have a share in its honor." What happens to one part of
the body has an impact on other parts of the body.
To help those who are weak and timid
requires great patience, so Paul says we are to be patient with
everyone. That can be hard, but the rewards can be tremendous. Think
of the patience we exercised as our children were learning to walk. We
picked them up and picked them up, gave them all sorts of re-enforcement
for each little step. That is how we need to work with each other
within the family of God. Words of reassurance, words of encouragement,
words of well done, thanks for serving, thanks for what you did, etc.
and all done with patience and love as we watch people grow.
Finally Paul says we are not to pay back
evil for evil, wrong for wrong, tit for tat, but always try to be kind
to each other and everyone else. Someone once said, "I don't get mad, I
get even." Wrong!!. Although sinful actions against us need to be
handled, revenge is not the Biblical way. The Bible says if someone
offends you go to them and talk with them about it. If that doesn't work
take someone with you. If that doesn't work take someone else, or the
Deacons, then it may need to come before the whole church, but nowhere
am I given permission to retaliate or get even. Rom. 12:19-20 says, "Do
not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is
written: It is mine to avenge: I will repay, says the Lord. On the
contrary: if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him
something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his
head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Remember the second half of the great commandment? You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.
Let's be about the business of
encouraging each other and building each other up. Find someone today
to give encouragement to, practice a random act of kindness, love
someone in Jesus name.
Pastor Bill
Walk in the Word is a 2008 copyrighted
publication of The Brethren Church of New Lebanon and is not connected
in any way with any other publication or organization with the same or
similar name.