How To Get Along In Church - Part 1 Series

How to Get Along in Church – Part I

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

Following his discussion on the Day of the Lord (5:1-11), Paul concludes his letter by addressing practical matters related to congregational life and worship (5:12-22). He begins his final discourse by outlining how the church members out to behave towards its leadership. Much debate exists over whether these individuals held official church titles. Examples include wealthy patrons who converted to Christianity and provided financial support to the church, such as Jason in Acts 17:5-8, and those who dedicated themselves to serving the saints, like Stephanas in 1 Corinthians 16:15. Paul likely refers to 'leaders in the Lord,' such as overseers, presbyters or bishops, and deacons. The author of Hebrews states believers are to “have confidence in your leaders and submit to the their authority because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (13:17). Like the Thessalonians we “are to respect these leaders, not simply with verbal honors but by paying careful attention to their spiritual direction.” Giving the overseer honor is not just because he holds the title of pastor but due to the work that “God has called and ordained that person to do.” The pastor in turn is to take his calling seriously, not as one who lord’s his position of authority over others, but one who refuses to act or stand still when he knows the Lord’s will in any matter. He is called to work, lead, teach and admonish the flock, if need be, in love and the singular desire to seek the praise of God the Father, rather than praise from the flock! Pastors are far from “autonomous sovereigns,” but they do represent Christ’s authority and with their often lowly and difficult position they carry with it the highest honor (Mark 10:42–45 par.; Luke 22:24–27)!

While being called to be a pastor sounds honorable, it comes with many requirements that must be met. In Paul's letter to Timothy, he outlined that a minister must be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, gentle, not violent, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, not a recent convert, and of good reputation (1 Timothy 3:1-7). To Titus, Paul added that a pastor should be blameless, upright, and holy (1:5-9). Peter emphasized that a pastor should not lord his position over others and must willingly pursue God's will in all matters (1 Peter 5:1-3). Wow! While I strive to meet these criteria, I must admit there are times when I fall short of God’s glory. In these moments, I am in desperate need to confess and be molded and reshaped by the Potter into His likeness. If the Lord wanted a sinless pastor, only Christ would qualify! With the spiritual gifts I have received, I strive to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and seek the lost (Ezekiel 34:2-6). I often engage in counseling and resolving church disagreements, tasks that are not for the faint of heart. Forgive me when I forget to bath my words in love, grace, and mercy for I truly am trying to admonish when the Lord asks me to do so but favor encouraging each of you! I share this not to elevate myself, for at the foot of the cross, the ground is level, and we are all equally part of a unified body. Rather, I share this so that you might understand the work the Lord asks of me and to encourage you to pray that I might live my life worthy of the Gospel message.

Living in Peace

To truly obey Christ’s command to be lights to the nations and implore the lost, on His behalf, to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20), the church must first grow in its depth of love for one another. Given that the church is a melting pot of ethnic diversity, various socio-economic statuses, and different levels of spiritual maturity, it is no wonder that Forbes.com lists “pastor” as the fifth toughest leadership role in America! It is easy to love those who look, act, and think like us, but the church stands apart from society because its members have bowed in deep reverence to the Lord, learning unconditional love from Him. The world recognizes us as Christ’s disciples when we celebrate our differences and are even willing to do good to those who call themselves our enemies (John 13:35; Luke 6:32-36). This does not mean Christians are called to ignore sin to avoid internal conflict, thus undermining the truth by which we were set free. Instead, we are to gladly forbear with one another and build each other up in faith as one unified body, bowing to Him who alone has the right to rule our lives.