Daily Devotions
1 Thessalonians
"Warn those who are unruly..."
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:14
A SERIES OF ADVICE
The apostle Paul had covered all the major doctrinal problems that the Thessalonian Church faced. The rest of the chapter was devoted to giving a series of advice to the Church so that it could continue to run smoothly.
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly,
comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14
1. “Now we exhort you, brethren”
a) Apostolic authority was never abused.
b) Exhortation was more the norm.
c) The brethren must be encouraged to do their part in ensuring harmony in the church.
2. “Warn those who are unruly”
a) The word translated “unruly” needs a little more explanation.
b) It can refer to a number of things:-
i) Being idle
ii) Being lazy
iii) Being irresponsible
c) The word “warn” has the idea of being admonished.
3. Many different people make up the church
a) The “fainthearted” may be found in church.
i) They need to be comforted.
ii) They need to be strengthened.
b) The “weak”
i) They need help.
ii) They need to be supported and upheld.
c) “All”
i) Everyone else (with their individual weaknesses and problems).
ii) Patience must be exercised.
THE SPIRIT OF THE CHURCH
These words of advice by the apostle Paul, if heeded, would go a long way to strengthen the spirit of the Church. Many problems will assail the church, from without and within. A strong spirit must prevail!