THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS

TEXT- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

INTRODUCTION

As we come to the end of this book, I hope you have benefitted from this study because it has been such a practical one.  Paul has showing us in this book how we as Christians ought to live.  He has given us some very practical instructions that will please and honor God is we do them.

Paul has also given us some insight concerning the relationship he had with the church in Thessalonica.  Sometimes the relationship between a church and pastor can be unhealthy.

A church was stuck with a terrible pastor for several years. Finally the day came when he was called to another church. He announced his resignation saying, “Brethren, the same Jesus who sent me to you is now calling me away.”  There was silence for a moment and then suddenly the entire congregation stood and began to sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus.”

This morning our text is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 and the title of my message is, “The Duty of Christians.”

The book of 1 Thessalonians can be divided into basically two parts. The first part consists of chapters 1-3 and deals with Paul’s personal relationship to the church in Thessalonica.  The second part consists of chapters 4-5 which deal with Paul’s practical instructions to the church.

In chapter five we looked at the practical instruction Paul gave the church regarding the Day of the Lord in verses 1-11. Now here in our text Paul gives us some practical instruction concerning the duty of Christians. Before a church will receive instruction from their pastor they must have the right kind of relationship.

A pastor who had a terrible relationship with his church decided to resign when he was appointed chaplain of the state prison. The congregation was elated to get rid of him so easily, and a large number of people came to hear his farewell message. The text which the pastor chose was John 14:3, “I go and prepare a place for you... that where I am there you may be also.”

There is nothing worse then a pastor and church to have a poor or unhealthy relationship with each other.  When that happens, the cause of Christ suffers.  God isn’t going to be honored and glorified.  People aren’t going to be saved, baptized or want to join the church.

As we examine our text today, I’d like us to look at three aspects of the duty of Christians.