loving the laborers 1 thessalonians 5:12 -13 · 2/28/2016 · 1 thessalonians 5:12 -13. this is a...
TRANSCRIPT
Loving the Laborers1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
This is a pdf file for the PowerPoint® notes for the continuation of a series on Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians by Pastor Dave Tietjen on February 28, 2016.
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.orgAlso available are a text-only version of the outline at www.evbapt.org/docs/evangel_sermon_outline_2016-02-28.pdfor an audio podcast at www.evbapt.org/media/evangel_sermon_2016-02-28.mp3
What we find in this (Thessalonian) church
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its lofty place—therefore, listen
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
1 Thessalonians 5:12 ESVWe ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• “Titles” unmentioned
This earliest notation in the New Testament regarding church leadership is tantalizing for its brevity and can likewise be frustrating, because it assumes so much about which later believers would like more information. . . . Paul’s way of speaking about them . . . puts all the emphasis on their activities, not positions.
Gordon Fee
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Trend resisted (“Gifting, not giving”)
Leaders did not do the appropriate work, because they had been appointed as leaders; they were recognized as leaders, because they were seen to be doing the work.
F. F. Bruce
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Tasks are highlightedLeaders work
1 Timothy 5:17-18 ESVLet the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Tasks are highlightedLeaders workLeaders “watch over” Romans 12:8
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Tasks are highlightedLeaders workLeaders “watch over” Romans 12:8Leaders warn
Colossians 1:28 ESVHim we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Tasks are highlightedLeaders workLeaders “watch over” Romans 12:8Leaders warn
Acts 20:31 ESVTherefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Tasks are highlightedLeaders work
Here, then, are three parallel expressions, which indicate that Paul envisages a distinct group of leaders, who are “over” the congregation in the Lord, to whom has been entrusted their pastoral oversight and care, including admonition.
John Stott
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Tasks are highlightedLeaders workLeaders “watch over” Romans 12:8Leaders warn
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Treatment requested
1 Thessalonians 5:13 ESVAnd to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
Its leadership practice—therefore, learn
• Treatment requested
Church Loses a Minister, Community Loses a Friend
Wausau Daily Herald, January 23, 1998
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
What we face as a church
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
A crossroads moment
Transitions can be scary, emotional and hard on a congregation and its leaders. But they can also be filled with celebrations and opportunities. Celebrations of God’s goodness and provision in the past, as well as opportunities to grasp a fresh vision for the future.
Converge MidAmerica Pastoral Search Services
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
A change in ministry
• What churches seek: stability• What impact leaders seek: shaping others
You will need to have a clear and compelling vision that strikes at the basic needs of every human being –the need for significance, the need for community and the need for adventure. I believe every leader wants to be part of something bigger than themselves . . . to be a part of a team that is making a difference.
Converge MidAmerica Pastoral Search Services
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
A chance at momentum
• Inform prospects
Job Overview – We are looking for an experienced Senior Pastor who is a compassionate servant leader with a vision for and experience of reaching people far from God in an affluent suburban Midwest setting. He will be a missionally-minded, strategic leader with strong communication skills and the ability to motivate others to chase God and have kingdom impact.
Ad for Evangel searchEvangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
A chance at momentum
• Inform prospects• Invest in prayer
When we work with a church, the first thing we ask them to do is develop an intercession team for the purpose of undergirding this process with prayer. Nothing is more important than humbly bringing this need before the throne of God.
Converge MidAmerica Pastoral Search Services
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
A chance at momentum
• Inform prospects• Invest in prayer—for the candidate, that: They have a passion for God They have a love for the church They have a burden for our community They have a broken heart for those far
from God They have courage to lead us forward
into God’s mission
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org
A chance at momentum
• Inform prospects• Invest in prayer—for the congregation: Grant us the wisdom of God Grant us patience and persevering strength Protect us as a team in the process Protect the candidates in the process Protect the unity of the church in the process Protect the mission of God in the process
Evangel Baptist Church, Wheaton IL 2/28/2016 • www.evbapt.org