“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves!” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).
Introduction
Paul may have learned that some of the Thessalonian believers were upset with those in leadership in the church. Because of the tenor of this text, it probably indicates that the pastor reprimanded certain individuals or corrected some error that had crept in. The apostle is calling for unity, support and respect. If they cannot do this, then they are in the wrong church.
Discipline
There are times when error and misconduct have to be strictly dealt with for the sake of the whole church. At such times the offending party might lash out at the pastor and others in leadership. Church discipline is never going to be pleasant, especially for the person called to enforce it, but it is the only way to restore true unity and peace in the congregation. The Scriptures teach that those who are placed in leadership are given the authority and responsibility to keep the church functioning the way the Lord intended.
Paul uses the word “admonish” (put in mind of), to express the need for instruction, guidance and discipline in the church. Those in leadership not only teach and preach, but must warn believers when they are going astray from the truth either in doctrine or deed. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Paul spent three years in this role in Ephesus, “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears” (Acts 20:31). Yet such discipline must be carried out with love and tenderness as the pastor recognises that he too is only a servant of the Lord, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
We will come back to the issue of discipline in our next study.
Behind the scenes
Most Christians see the end result of the pastor’s week on a Sunday night, but are unaware of the study and labour put in throughout the week. There will always be those who think that they can do a better job than the pastor. This has been the cause of many a church split as the one seeking position spreads disharmony and disloyalty.
This is where the respect and love comes into play. The church leader is not worthy of honour because of reputation, position or title, but because he teaches and preaches the word of God. Notice the phrase, “for their work’s sake”, indicating that the congregation need to peer behind the scenes sometimes rather than estimating the pastor’s worth by his preaching slot on a Sunday. Surely those who labour in and for the Lord ought to have our respect. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation … Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17). In 2 Timothy 2:6 Paul portrays the pastor as a hardworking farmer, “The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.” “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).
It is true that many in the ministry are there, not because of love for Christ and His church, but for money, reputation and position. “O, what a misery is it when a man undertakes this whole work without either gifts or graces for any part of it! Why, then, will he undertake it? for pay? What! will he sell both his own soul and all the souls of the flock? What words can describe such a wretch as this?” (John Wesley). “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
Peace
Peace and unity is not found in the absence of differences, conflicts and misunderstanding, but in mutual respect for each other. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). When the church responds to the preaching and teaching of the word of God, then there will be peace, harmony and stability. Our oft quoted text rings true here too, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). This is not to, as Matthew Henry writes, “Make us wink at sin”, but “We must bear and forbear. We must be long-suffering, and keep down anger.” “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another” (Mark 9:50).
Conclusion
When a church fails to respect and appreciate the pastor and others in leadership, then it will quickly fail. The pastor’s job of carrying out his God-ordained responsibilities is undermined when the congregation sets itself against him because it will not receive teaching, guidance and discipline.
© 9/6/2008