1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 - Don’t Be A Jerk!

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 - Don’t Be A Jerk!Series: Future Now - 1 & 2 Thessalonians Preacher: Simon LawrensonSunday MorningDate: 16th June 2025Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28-------------------In this comprehensive sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, the pastor presents Paul’s final instructions to the Thessalonian church under the theme “While We Wait: Don’t be a Jerk.” This message explores how Christians should conduct themselves as they anticipate Christ’s return, focusing on maintaining peace and unity within the church.The sermon begins by addressing the congregation’s responsibility towards church leaders. The pastor explains that believers should respect and esteem those who labour among them, lead them, and admonish them. He emphasises that this respect is not about idolising leaders but loving them well and recognising their tireless efforts for the church’s good.Next, the pastor delves into Paul’s instructions for keeping peace within the church community. He outlines four key areas:Relational behaviours: The pastor expounds on Paul’s exhortations to admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with all. He emphasizes that these actions create peace within the church by addressing various needs and challenges within the community.Worship attitudes: The sermon highlights Paul’s call to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). The pastor explains that these attitudes should be predominant themes in worship, focusing believers’ attention on God rather than on conflicts with one another.Discernment of spiritual gifts: The pastor discusses Paul’s instructions regarding prophecy and spiritual gifts. He defines prophecy as “the God-given ability to speak out the Bible in a relevant and timely manner” and distinguishes it from words of knowledge. The sermon emphasises the importance of not quenching the Spirit or despising prophecies while also testing everything and holding fast to what is good.Pursuit of holiness: The pastor addresses Paul’s call to “Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and the prayer for complete sanctification. He discusses the balance between avoiding sin and not becoming legalistic or isolationist in the process.Throughout the sermon, the pastor weaves in personal reflections and examples to illustrate his points. He references other Biblical passages, such as Galatians 5:22, Colossians 3:13-15, and Romans 12:16-18, to reinforce Paul’s teachings on peace and unity within the church.The sermon concludes by emphasising God’s faithfulness in the sanctification process and the importance of prayer, fellowship, and the public reading of Scripture in the early church. The pastor’s final message echoes Paul’s benediction, reminding believers of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that empowers them to live out these instructions.