Journey Through The Bible
   Old Testament Reading: Amos 1-3
  New Testament Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

God has ordained leadership for the local church. While it is true that we are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28), it is also true that the Head of the church, Jesus Christ, has given unique gifts of leadership to certain Believers, and then given these people to the church to fulfill His purpose (Eph. 4:4-16).

While Paul refers to these leaders in the plural, he does not specifically mention any one position in the church, but simply refers to them as those who labor among you and lead you (v12). Titles were not as important to Paul and the early church as were the function of the position. Most likely, he was referring to all spiritual leaders of the local church, including pastors, elders, deacons, and other ministry leaders.

Paul informs the Thessalonians of three responsibilities they have toward their leaders.

First, we are to give recognition to those who labor among you (v12). Other versions say to acknowledge them. They are God’s gift to the church and have spiritual authority from the Lord. We should accept them in the Lord as they are examples before us. As they follow the Lord, we must follow them.

Second, they are to lead you in the Lord and admonish you, (v12) or as other versions state theyhave charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction. Therefore, we are to obey them. The writer of Hebrews says, Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you (Heb 13:17).

This does not mean they are to be dictatorial as the Apostle Peter admonished church leaders to Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1Pet 5:2-3).

As the spiritual leaders of the church meet, plan, pray, and seek to follow God’s will, we can be certain that God will rule and overrule in the decisions they make. When God’s servants, led by God’s Spirit, call us to obey God’s Word, we are to obey.

Third, we are to regard them very highly in love because of their work (v13) or esteem them very highly in love. There is nothing wrong with honoring faithful servants of God, so long as God gets the glory. Spiritual leadership is a great responsibility and a laborious task. The battles and burdens are many, and often the encouragement is few. It is dangerous when a church family takes their leaders for granted and fails to pray for them, work with them, and encourage them.

The result of the church family following the spiritual leaders as they follow the Lord will be peace and harmony in the church. Be at peace among yourselves (v13).