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Expectations for the Last Days (Part 1)
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Rev. Dr. Ernest Brodie Jr.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Apostle Paul closed his letter to the church at Thessalonica with a list of expectations they needed to hear and follow while living in the last days. He highlights the importance of this information by saying: “And we beseech you, brethren” (verse 12). Beseech means to strongly urge. What were these expectations?
 
Expectations Concerning Shepherd Leaders. Verses 12-13: “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.” A pastor guides, guards, and leads the flock.
 
What do shepherd leaders do? (Verse 12)
 
Shepherd leaders labor among us (verse 12). They are found among the flock and are not cloistered in an ivory tower. Qualifications for a good shepherd leader can be found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. His greatest attribute is his character: love for God, integrity, honesty, and genuine care for people. The Greek word for labor used here (kapos) relates to weariness and exertion. Good shepherds pour themselves into ministry and are “always abounding in the work for the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
 
Shepherd leaders admonish us (verse 12). The Greek word here (noutheteo) literally means to place in the mind of one, or to warn them beforehand of dangers. The idea is to provide counsel against improper conduct by warning the flock or individuals of imminent danger. It is better to warn someone beforehand. Although “no” may seem harsh and cruel, it is better than the hours of weeping and suffering because of sin. While God can heal all wounds, the pain is often unbearable. A good shepherd admonishes. Be ready to listen and give sound counsel.
 
Shepherd leaders administrate over us in the Lord (verse 12). The Greek word here (proistemi - pro = before or over + histemi - put, place, stand), means those who are over you. They stand before you and give an account for your soul. They provide leadership. Hebrews 13:17: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”
 
How should we treat shepherd leaders? (Verse 13)
 
We should know our shepherd leaders. This comes from the Greek “eido” meaning to know. This does not mean facial recognition, but to support and appreciate their spiritual nature and leadership.
 
We should esteem our shepherd leaders very highly in love. We are to value their work and office and see the importance of their messages by listening and applying them. Esteem them in the Greek (hegeomai) means to give careful thought, listen, consider. Very highly (hyperekperissos) in the Greek is a double compound word meaning to very highly respect. Respect what they say. The best way to do this is to live your life according to the Bible.
 
Expectations Concerning Others. Verses 13b-18: “And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
 
Be at peace among yourselves (verse 13b). This relates to acting as being on the same team (eireneuo - to bind together that which is separated or divided). It is a lifestyle that stems from humility. Do not stir things up or become the devil’s advocate.
 
Warn them that are unruly (verse 14a). We are to admonish (warn - noutheteo, nous = mind + tithemi = place) or put in their mind what they should be doing and teach them what is right. Do not judge in self-righteousness. We are to be discerning but not judgmental. Warning the unruly means to admonish them with the purpose of helping them. Unruly (ataktos - from a = without + tasso = to set in order, arrange) means someone who is out of line, insubordinate, lazy, or acting in a defiant manner.
 
Comfort the feebleminded (verse 14b). This is translated in some Bibles as fainthearted. The word comfort (paramutheomai - para = besides + mutheomai = to speak) means to come alongside and speak to them as a friend. Being feebleminded is not associated with a mental deficiency. This person (fainthearted - oligopsuchos = weak souled, despondent) is ready to give up or pass out spiritually. Discouragement has control of their lives. They need encouragement.
 
Support the weak (verse 14c). Support means to hold on, keep close, or lean against or upon. The weak are those without strength. They suffer spiritual weakness and struggle with abandoning sin and obeying God. They need constant reminders and support.
 
Be patient toward all men (verse 14d). Patience comes from the Holy Spirit. It means to withhold one’s temper or control one’s emotions. This control requires longsuffering.