1th 05v12 13 How Should Believers Treat Their
HOW SHOULD THE PEOPLE OF GOD TREAT THOSE MEN
WHO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THEM?
I Thessalonians 5:12-13
The tendency among men is to either treat God's
servants with contempt as the Judaizers at
A FAITHFUL PASTOR IS ONE WHO LABORS AMONG GOD'S PEOPLE. He is not a lazy sluggard, but a diligent, laborer. His time, energy, and attention is consumed by the ministry of the gospel. He studies, prays, and preaches, watching over the souls of God's elect as one who must give account. He has little time for anything other than the work of the gospel. Such a man, who spends his life serving the interest of men's souls, should be highly honored by those for whom he labors (II Thess. 3:1; Heb. 13:7, 17; I Cor. 9:9-14).
"KNOW THEM WHICH LABOR AMONG YOU." God's people should make it their business to become personally, intimately, acquainted with faithful gospel preachers, especially their own pastor. Get to know the man who ministers to you. Try to know what his personal needs are, so that you can supply those needs. Try to find a way to assist him and relieve him of unnecessary burdens, so that he may more fully give himself to the work of the gospel.
"ESTEEM THEM VERY HIGHLY IN LOVE FOR THEIR WORK'S SAKE." Every faithful gospel preacher deserves and should have the high esteem and sincere love of God's people, because of the work which he performs. He is God's spokesman and representative to you, and he should be treated as such.
Those churches which develop such
an attitude toward the servants of God, will in great measure "BE AT
PEACE AMONG THEMSELVES."