The Path To Peace - Outline

I – Peace Depends on Peace-laboring Leaders - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

1 – Essential to unity.

2- 1 Peter 5:1-3 – “exhort the elders…elders…exercise oversight…”

a. Peace filled leader’s labor in teaching truth.

b. Examples to the flock – 1 Peter 5:1-3

a. Visits sick bringing peace.

b. Reunites the fallen with God – restoring peace.

c. Helps the poor find comfort. Material peace given by God.

II- A Peace filled Leading Leadership – Hebrews 13:7

1 – Leaders show the Way – 1 Peter 2:21 – Following Jesus example.

2- An admonishing leadership – “Puts sense into” the heads of people.

a. Gentle in teaching, reproving and rebuking.

i. Followers of Paul’s “teaching instructions” – 1 Thessalonians 2:10

1. Lovingly – Devoted to the Lord and to one another.

2. Uprightly – Pure intent and motive.

3. Blamelessly – Teaching the whole truth.

b. Known as “friends and brothers” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12 – “appreciate those who have charge over you…”

c. Since leaders have our best in mind, let’s try to cooperate! - 1 Thessalonians 5:13

d. “Esteem them highly.” “Remember them…” Hebrews 13:7

III- Peaceable Leaders deal with the Disorderly in Love - 1 Thessalonians 5:14

1- Disorderly – Military for “breaking ranks”

a. Leads to a scattered defeated army.

2- Christians should be faithful soldiers. 2 Timothy 2:3 – “suffer hardship…”

a. Good soldiers never break rank.

b. Good soldiers follow leaders.

c. Good soldiers fight against not with the enemy. Ephesians 6:10-18

3- Troublemakers must be admonished – They are a threat to peace. – Romans 16:17-18

4- A Practicer of sin is a threat to peace – 1 Corinthians 5:1;

a. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7; 5:22 - “abstain from every evil.”

IV – Peace Demands the Strong Help the Weak – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

1- “The Fainthearted” – Not “wimpy” just not mature yet.

a. People “faint” because of…

i. Lack of gratification – Galatians 6:10

ii. Trouble – 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7

iii. New in the Lord – 1 Peter 2:2

iv. Lack of maturity – Hebrews 5:12

2- Everyone must do all they can to help the weak!