1Thessalonians 5:12-14

Shepherds and Sheep: Keep the Peace!

To be at peace among ourselves we need to be walking together in Christ and for Christ.

Elders are appointed to care for the church.

They labor among you.

They are over you in the Lord.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 4:13

Luke 22:26

They admonish you.

Acts 20:31 "Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

Romans 15:14

1 Corinthians 4:14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.

Christians should care about their elders.

Recognize the elders who labor among you.

Hebrews 5:4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.

Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.

Hebrews 13:7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

Be at peace among yourselves.

Romans 5:1

Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another

Four duties required of us to keep the peace in the church.

Warn those who are unruly.

1Thess 4:11-12

1Thess 5:1

2Thess 3:6

Comfort the fainthearted.

Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you."

Isaiah 57:15

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Uphold the weak.

1 Corinthans 8:9 "take care not to make the weaker brother stumble,"

1 Corinthians 12:22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

1 Corinthians 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;