Title: Biblical Reasons for Expressing Appreciation To A Pastor-teacher

Text: 1 Thess. 5:12-13

Purpose: To admonish you as the people of God to be biblical in your every act of expression as well as expressing special appreciation to the pastor-teacher.

Introduction

1 Thess. 5:12-13 is a compelling admonition. “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize [lit. Appreciate] those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish [lit. instruct or warn] you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”

Watching, warning and soul work are important tasks for the pastor-teacher. Paul was convinced of that and calls on God’s people to be proactive. For example:

In 1 Cor.16: 17-18 "Acknowledge them for their service to the Lord."

1 Tim.5: 17 Faithful Pastors should "Be counted worthy of double honor."

Heb.13:17 "They watch for your souls,LET them do it with joy."

In other words, this Book, the Bible is replete or filled with admonitions. Let’s observe at least three:

A. Note this admonition to the undershepherd in regard to the sheep (1 Peter 5:1-4). “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

Pastoral Practicums Index

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