1 Thessalonians 1:4-6
For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:14a
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,

Admonish – “exerts positive pressure” on someone’s logic (reasoning), i.e. urging them to choose (turn to) God’s best.

1 Thessalonians 5:14b
…encourage the fainthearted,

Faint Hearted =  with a small soul.

Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

Encouragement paves the way for correction.

1 Thessalonians 5:14c
…help the weak,

1 Thessalonians 5:14d
…be patient with them all,

1. People are annoying

2. You are people.

1 Thessalonians 5:15
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone

You can’t treat people the way they treat you. You have to treat people the way Jesus treats them.

Your response is your responsibility.

1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice always,

Life is all bad seasons…
and life is all good seasons.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing,

1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I’m not being punished, I’m being prepared.

1. What am I learning?
2. Who am I becoming?