6.2 RULES CONCERNING LEADERSHIP (1 Thessalonians 5:14,15)

Paul now addresses the leaders themselves.

Leadership is required to give special treatment to three kinds of needy members.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Now we exhort you brethren."

The instructions come from a father in the faith, and his proved team. Leadership is richly blessed when such able ministries come alongside them, who can pinpoint the need and give counsel as to what treatment to give.

The Unruly Need the Leader's Firm Leadership

1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Warn those who are unruly."

This kind are disorderly - they are in the ranks of the Lord's people, but they are out of step. This military term is very suggestive - breaking rank without consideration for the unity of peace or the church. Such must be warned, even sharply reproved, yet in love.

1 Corinthians 14:33 "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

The Fainthearted Need Special Treatment

1 Thessalonians 5:14 "Comfort the fainthearted."

The Living Bible says: "Comfort those who are frightened." There are those who do not co-operate in the work of the Lord because they are lazy. Others because they are contrary. Such need reproof. But there are others who do not work or do not get involved for the fear of doing something wrong. Such need to be comforted by leaders. The promises of God need to be ministered to the fainthearted, frightened ones. Here are two examples:

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

The leader, as the Lord's servant, must become to the frightened what the Lord promises - be with them and for them - help and uphold them - deal right with them, and bring them to your right hand in usefulness. Such a ministry of consoling and strengthening will, out of what seems unpromising material, produce a strong team.

Hebrews 13:5,6 "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?'"

Build up the fainthearted in the knowledge of the ever present, always supplying, always helping Lord.

The Weak Need the Leader's Special Attention

1 Thessalonians 5:14 "uphold the weak, be patient with all."

They are to be loved and prayed through to maturity and steadfastness. Leaders are to minister to the needy, but in the right temper: MAINTAIN GOOD TEMPER.

Pointing out how he has been hurt or hurting, using his being offended as spiritual blackmail to get his own way. Rather the leader must develop the disposition of the Father who is:

2 Peter 3:9 "Longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."

It is incredible how some modern leaders cannot believe for grace to change those who have worked with them and made mistakes - should their names be put forward for some assignment, and the leaders will not see the changes. They put them down with rehashing the faults of long ago. They themselves need to come to repentance. How we need to remember if someone had not been enduring in patience toward us, where would we be?

Whatever their status - stage of growth - or failure to keep in step. The good-tempered leader will sow seeds in others lives that will bring forth lasting fruitfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 "See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all."

Getting your own back is something condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. (See Leviticus 19:18 and Romans 12:19 ). We are to take the positive line by doing all the good we can, by all the means we can.

Galatians 6:10 "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

(Hebrews 10:24 ). Be one who stirs up to love and good works.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What kind of leadership do you expect to be given to the unruly?
   • How would you describe the responsibility of Leadership to the fainthearted and the weak?

2. Do you think a Leader should be easily offended?
   • Do you think a good-tempered Leader is sowing good seed?