Bible Study Comments

Good Morning!

Yesterday was another great day of Bible study. We are in the last chapter of Paul’s first letter to the believers in Thessalonica. Here’s the passage under consideration:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 (English Standard Version)
Final Instructions and Benediction
12We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,[a] encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Or disorderly, or undisciplined


One of the conclusions we gathered from reading the first couple of verses is that everyone is important – those who are in leadership positions and those who are in supporting positions. Each one of us has been given gifts from God to use for His glory. Note who gets the glory … God, not us.

Another one of the conclusions we reached is that good leaders have a common trait – humility. Euell shared with the group about his cousin Billy Cruse who passed away last week. Billy Cruse was a missionary to Uganda for a number of years until Idi Amin threatened to kill all Christian missionaries. When he came home to America, he served in a church in Tallahassee Florida. At his memorial service, a number of pastors spoke of him and his humility – because even though he was instrumental in bringing pastors together, he never assumed it was him – he knew it was from God.

Sometimes we get caught up in thinking about how “good” and “successful” we are. In reality, God has blessed us and we need to give the glory to Him. And when we do that, we are able to demonstrate who God is in our life … and people follow … that’s leadership.

Ellen sent an update on Kendra Etheridge. Kendra is a college student that was gravely injured in a car wreck in September. Visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kendraetheridge You will be blessed.

Have a great Monday!

Agape’


Mr. Jim