Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church Volume 34

Paul Exhorts them to Look out for One Another

1 Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. KJV

The Apostle Paul continues in his expressed specific exhortations to these believers in Thessalonica with the following, "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." (1 Thessalonians 5:14) (KJV). The English word 'warn' is translated by the same Greek word we uncovered in the very last study/commentary for the then English word 'admonish' noutheteo meaning to put in mind, that is, (by implication) to caution or reprove gently: - admonish, warn. The English word 'unruly' is translated by the Greek word ataktos and is used this one time only in the entire New Testament meaning unarranged, that is, (by implication) insubordinate (religiously) or unwilling to submit to authority: - unruly. In other words, after Paul has just reminded them to esteem or think highly of those leaders appointed by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in His Church, he now goes further to encourage, exhort, and even embolden them to caution or warn strongly those in the Church @ Thessalonica who are unwilling to submit to the authority Christ has placed over them.

Note: "During time of war when armies are pitted against one another engaging in fights to the death, there is no time for disorder, disunity, and disloyalty, for such acts by individual or groups of soldiers could cost many casualties during the battle, likewise in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, there is no time for these things also because spiritually we have an enemy in the spiritual warfare (the devil and his demons) that require our fighting in unity and not disunity just as Paul declared to the Philippian Church, 'Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, so that whether I [do] come and see you or am absent, I may hear this of you: that you are standing firm in united spirit {and} purpose, striving side by side {and} contending with a single mind for the faith of the glad tidings (the Gospel). And do not [for a moment] be frightened {or} intimidated in anything by your opponents {and} adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance {and} salvation, and that from God. For you have been granted [the privilege] for Christ's sake not only to believe in (adhere to, rely on, and trust in) Him, but also to suffer in His behalf. So you are engaged in the same conflict which you saw me [wage] and which you now hear to be mine [still].' (Philippians 1:27-30) (KJV)."

The English word 'feebleminded' is translated by the Greek word oligopsuchos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning little spirited, that is, faint hearted: - feebleminded. In other words, the Apostle Paul recognizes that there will be some in this Church and every Church who will exhibit little to no spiritual courage in fighting spiritual warfare with the devil and his principalities, therefore, Paul exhorts the spiritually mature and strong to comfort and console such believers reminding them of the great and mighty Power of the One True God our God Jesus Christ just as the Prophet Elisha prayed for the eyes of his servant to be opened spiritually to see as recorded for us in 2 Kings with these words, "So [the Syrian king] sent there horses, chariots, and a great army. They came by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. Elisha's servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do? [Elisha] answered, Fear not; for those with us are more than those with them. Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see. And the Lord opened the young man's eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha." (2 Kings 6:14-17) (Amplified Bible).

The English word 'support' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word antechomai meaning to hold up and care for. The English word 'weak' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word asthenes meaning strengthless (in various applications, literally, or figuratively and morally): - more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak (-er, -ness, thing). In other words, Paul wants the spiritually mature and strong in the Church @ Thessalonica to hold up and take care of the spiritual babes and spiritually weak saints in the Church at all times and especially during the raging spiritual warfare with our enemy the devil just as the Apostle Paul declared in two different letters, first to the Galatian Church he said this, "Brethren, If any person is overtaken in misconduct {or} sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right {and} restore {and} reinstate him, without any sense of superiority {and} with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also. Bear (endure, carry) one another's burdens {and} troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill {and} observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) {and} complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]." (Galatians 6:1-2) (Amplified Bible).

Secondly to the Hebrew Christians with these words, "But be ever mindful of the days gone by in which, after you were first spiritually enlightened, you endured a great {and} painful struggle, Sometimes being yourselves a gazingstock, publicly exposed to insults {and} abuse and distress, and sometimes claiming fellowship {and} making common cause with others who were so treated." (Hebrews 10:32-33) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'be patient' is translated by one Greek word makrothumeo meaning to be long spirited, that is, (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient: - bear (suffer) long, be longsuffering, have (long) patience, be patient, patiently endure. In other words, Paul exhorts them to put up with the harrassment and abuses that will come to them/us from people while we pilgrim and sojourn here on the earth. Note: "In no way is our Lord Jesus Christ (through the Apostle Paul here) telling us to allow men to hurt us or even kill us and we not defend ourselves, this exhortation concerns those things that do not threaten your physical safety or that of your families."

"The dispirited; the disheartened; the downcast. To do this is also the duty of each Church member. There are almost always those who are in this condition, and it is not easy to appreciate the value of a kind word to one in that state. Christians are assailed by temptation; in making efforts to do good they are opposed and become disheartened; in their contests with their spiritual foes they are almost overcome; they walk through shades of spiritual night, and find no comfort. In such circumstances, how consoling is the voice of a friend! How comforting is it to feel that they are not alone! How supporting to be addressed by one who has had the same conflicts, and has triumphed! Every Christian - especially every one who has been long in the service of his Master - has a fund of experience which is the property of the Church, and which may be of incalculable value to those who are struggling now amidst many embarrassments along the Christian way. He who has that experience should help a weak and sinking brother; he should make his own experience of the efficacy of religion in his trials and conflicts, the means of sustaining others in their struggles. There is no one who would not reach out his hand to save a child borne down rapid stream; yet how often do experienced and strong men in the Christian faith pass by those who are struggling in the 'deep waters, where the proud waves have come over their souls!'" Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…