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Those Who Labor Among You I 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Nov 16, 2025    Sam Kiser

At the heart of this message lies a profound exploration of what it means to live as the church while waiting for Christ's return. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28, we discover that our faith isn't just about doctrine or individual spirituality—it's about how we relate to one another in community. The passage challenges us to examine three critical relationships: our relationship with spiritual leaders, with one another, and with God himself. We're reminded that respect for leadership isn't about hierarchy or control, but about recognizing those who labor among us, serving sacrificially while guiding us toward Christ-likeness. The call to 'admonish the idle, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, and be patient with them all' reveals a beautiful tapestry of Christian community where different people need different responses. Some need correction because they know what's right but aren't doing it. Others are drowning in anxiety and need encouragement. Still others are weak and need hands-on help. The wisdom here is recognizing that we can't use the same approach for everyone—we need discernment, patience, and love. Perhaps most challenging is the reminder that hurt people hurt people, and when we risk helping others, we may get wounded. Yet we're called not to repay evil for evil, but to persist in love, just as Christ persistently pursues us despite our repeated rejections. This is kingdom living—messy, difficult, but ultimately transformative.