Introduction:
We come now to a fascinating section as Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is coming to a close.
It is a series of admonitions. An admonition can be defined as an authoritative warning or counsel. It can also mean a kind of reproof that is gentle or friendly.[1]
This is more than just exhortation. In fact the three phrases Paul uses to introduce some of these admonitions indicates the authority of the statements.
“We ask of you” (vs.12).
Weighty words can still be gentle words, and that is the case here. Paul is asking, but he is asking as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
I think of times that I have appealed to my children, not wanting to adopt a tone of command, but still wanting to convey the importance of what I think is best, and I’ve said something like — “I know you may not agree, but I’m asking you to do this.”
“We urge you” (vs.14)
Again, there is a weightiness attached to a statement when someone says, “Listen, I’m really urging you to do this.”
“See that” (vs.15) ὁράω – In this context it means to take responsibility to ensure that something happens. If you were to say to someone, “You need to see to this, please.” You would be imparting a responsibility to that person.
We need to note some of the features of these admonitions.
1. PAUL IS CLEARLY WRITING WITH APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY
2. PAUL IS CLEARLY ADDRESSING THE CONGREGATION DIRECTLY.
As an apostle he not only has the authority to do this, he has the responsibility when there are concerns. He addresses the brothers — all of them — and includes instructions about how they are to regard and respond to their leaders. This means he isn’t addressing the leaders directly with these admonitions. He is addressing the congregation directly.
3. PAUL IS CLEARLY CONCERNED THAT THE CHURCH RECEIVES AND HEEDS THESE ADMONITIONS (vs.27)
We will say more about this verse when we eventually come to it, but I want you to see at the outset that the apostle is communicating exhortations with a tone of authority, and it is a pastoral burden that explains these admonitions.
4. PAUL IS GIVING THESE ADMONITIONS IN AN ORGANIZED FASHION
As Robert Thomas observed, he begins with responsibilities toward leaders, then moves to responsibilities toward all people, and then moves to responsibilities regarding one’s own life.
5. PAUL IS IMPARTING RESPONSIBILITY TO THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION
The fulfillment of these admonitions, INCLUDING THE RESPONSIBILITY TO REPROVE SINNING MEMBERS, is not just the responsibility of elders. It is FAMILY LOVE at work, which means that the whole family is involved.
6. PAUL IS GIVING ADMONITIONS THAT BELONG TO GOD’S SANCTIFYING WORK, AND REPRESENT SPIRITUAL HEALTH FOR ALL CHRISTIANS
What he exhorts is obeyed and experienced where God’s sanctifying work is being accomplished, and where spiritual maturity is being embraced.
With these things in mind, I want us to look at Three realms for admonitions that make for healthy churches.
I. HEALTHY CHURCHES RELATE RIGHTLY TO PASTORAL CARE (vs.12-13)
The first thing that Paul addresses is the attitude of the church, the mindset of the church, the behaviors of the church, regarding their leaders. This is clearly in reference to the elders of the church. The description of the duties and activities of these leaders makes plain the nature of the leaders he has in mind.
The elders of the church have been given “charge over you (the church).” (NASB verse 12)
